Simple Forms.
Activity:
Let’s take that “Favorite” activity a bit further. Today, you are going to draw your choice plant —at least in part. As you look through photos of your plant, find an image that lets you really hone in and see a certain element such as a leaf, blossomed flower, or bud. Notice the irregularities of your leaf or bud. Remember this as you draw. Nature is not made up of a bunch of “perfect” shapes.
Things Needed:
1. Paper
2. Pen or pencil
3. If you decided you want to explore using some new materials in this course, today is a day for you to play. Bring ‘em on out!
4. Ruler or straightedge
Part One:
1. Once you have selected your simple form (whether it be a leaf, blossom, or bud) fill a page with several rough sketches using a pen or pencil. Don’t over think this. Draw quickly to loosen up your hand and your mind. Simply get used to making marks.
2. Next, select a blank piece of paper or a page in your notebook. Section it off into four equal parts.
3. Now, draw your form using four different drawing styles or techniques, but limit yourself to using just pencil or pen. Click here for some different ideas which can be found in the “Composition” and “Strokes” lists.
Take note, and move at your own pace.
Notice how you felt when doing each of these different styles. Did any of them make you feel impatient? Safe? (Pointilism always felt safe to me, because the drawing was made one dot at a time!) Which was the most fun?
These drawings could take time, and that’s okay. If you feel like spending a week on the lot of them, fine. If you like to move fast, go for it.
Feeling stuck? Check out You’ve Got Style.
Part Two:
Go with fun! Now that you have completed four images, it is time to apply what you have discovered.
Here are four options to choose from for your next exercise:
1. Do you have a favorite? Section off a paper into a quadrant, and practice your choice technique or style. As you practice, you will feel more and more confident.
2. No favorite? Section off another paper into four sections, and draw your simple form using four different techniques or styles.
3. If you are feeling brave, do another picture of your simple form with the technique you enjoyed the most, but use the whole page. Drawing bigger takes more commitment and is a good way to push yourself.
4. For those who wanted a bit more variety in this workshop, go ahead and get out those fun, new things you have been aching to use. You may section off a page into four (or use full pages), and try numerous different mediums or do several images using the same medium. Go ahead and play.
For a reminder of particular mediums you could try, click here.
Of Note:
Remember, you are in experiment mode. These images are for you and your enjoyment. A more refined technique will come with time! Some next lessons will delve into other aspects to consider. For now, enjoy what you have learned, for everything builds in time.
Next…