How to Draw from Observation (Get Better at Observational Drawing)
Ever looked at a beautiful landscape, a loved one’s face, or even a simple everyday object and thought, “I wish I could capture that on paper”? Drawing from observation is all about capturing the world around us, just as we see it. But where do you start? Whether you’re a beginner picking up a pencil for the first time or someone looking to refine your skills, this article will guide you through the steps and techniques to draw from observation.
Before we delve into the techniques, let’s understand the magic behind observational drawing. Unlike drawing from imagination, where we rely on our mental images, observational drawing requires us to truly see and understand the object or scene in front of us. It’s not just about replicating an image; it’s about connecting with the subject, understanding its nuances, and translating those insights onto paper.
Why should you get better at observational drawing?
Drawing from observation helps develop a keen eye for detail. Over time, you’ll find that you notice things you might have overlooked before – the curve of a leaf, the shadow under a cup, or the gentle crease in a smile. These small details breathe life into drawings and make them more realistic and compelling.
Observational drawing, the practice of drawing what you see in front of you, is a foundational skill for many artists and designers. Practicing observational drawing hones your ability to truly see the world around you. You’ll start noticing details that were previously overlooked, from the texture of a tree bark to the interplay of light and shadow on a subject. Using references will make your drawings look much better because it is impossible to know every little detail about how something looks.
Drawing what you see also helps strengthen the connection between your eye (which observes the detail) and your hand (which recreates it on paper). This can be beneficial in various areas of life, not just in art.
How do I get started with observational drawing?
Before we embark on our artistic journey, we need to be equipped with the right tools. While any pencil and paper will do to start, understanding the variety of materials available can help you achieve the best results. From sketch pencils of different grades to various types of paper – each tool has its unique offering.
Observational drawing doesn’t require a vast array of tools, especially when you’re just starting out. However, having a variety of tools can provide more options and techniques for capturing what you see. Here’s a basic list of tools you might consider for observational drawing:
Sketchbook or Drawing Paper:
- Sketchbook: Portable and convenient, perfect for on-the-go sketching.
- Drawing Paper: Comes in various sizes and weights. Heavier weights can handle more rigorous techniques and media without tearing or warping.
Pencils:
- Graphite Pencils: Ranging from hard (H) to soft (B) grades. A basic set might include 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B.
- Charcoal Pencils: Produce darker lines and are excellent for capturing shadows and contrast.
- Colored Pencils: Useful if you want to add a touch of color to your observational sketches.
Erasers:
- Kneaded Eraser: Malleable and perfect for lightening areas or creating highlights.
- Rubber Eraser: Great for removing larger areas of pencil.
- Precision or Pencil Erasers: Useful for erasing small, detailed areas.
Sharpeners:
- Pencil Sharpener: For maintaining a sharp tip.
- Sandpaper Block: Useful for shaping and sharpening charcoal or graphite sticks.
Blending Tools:
- Stumps and Tortillons: Cylindrical drawing tools used to smudge or blend marks.
- Chamois: A soft leather cloth ideal for blending charcoal.
- Cotton Buds or Q-tips: Useful for blending in small or tight areas.
Other tools:
- Workable Fixative: Allows you to fix a drawing in place but continue working over it.
- Final Fixative: Used once you’re done with your drawing to prevent smudging.
- Rulers and Straightedges: For drawing straight lines or blocking out larger shapes.
- Easel: If you’re drawing larger pieces or prefer to stand while drawing, an easel can be handy.
How to Draw from Observation
One of the initial challenges many face is getting their hands to replicate what their eyes see. Don’t fret; with practice, this connection will strengthen. In the coming sections, we’ll explore exercises and techniques to help synchronize your vision with your hand movements.
1. Choose Your Subject
- Start with something simple, like a fruit, mug, or shoe.
- As you become more confident, you can choose more complex subjects.
2. Set Up Your Workspace
- Ensure good lighting. Natural light is ideal, but if you’re indoors, have a clear, strong light source.
- Position yourself comfortably, whether sitting or standing, and make sure your drawing surface is stable.
3. Gather Your Tools
- At the beginning, a pencil and sketchbook or drawing paper will suffice.
- As you progress, you may incorporate other tools like charcoal, blending stumps, or fine liners.
4. Observation
- Spend a few minutes just looking at your subject. Notice its shape, proportions, texture, and how light interacts with it.
- Observe the main shapes and the relationship between them.
5. Start with Basic Shapes
- Break the subject down into basic geometric shapes. For instance, an apple can be seen as a combination of circles and ellipses.
- Sketch lightly so you can make adjustments.
6. Refine Your Shapes
- Start connecting and refining the basic shapes to more closely resemble your subject.
- Add smaller shapes that represent details.
7. Check Proportions
- Continually compare different parts of your drawing to ensure they’re in the correct proportion to each other.
- For instance, if drawing a face, compare the distance between the eyes to the length of the nose.
8. Add Details
- Once you’re satisfied with the basic structure, start adding details. This could be patterns, textures, or finer features.
- Use varied line weights – pressing down harder with your pencil for more definitive lines and using a lighter touch for finer details.
9. Shade and Highlight
- Observe where the light hits your subject and where shadows fall.
- Use these observations to add shading to your drawing, giving it depth and dimension.
- Remember to consider the light source. Areas closer to the light will be lighter, while areas farther away will be darker.
10. Refine and Adjust
- Step back and review your drawing. Compare it to the subject and adjust any areas that feel off or imbalanced.
11. Finish and Protect
- If you’re satisfied, you can outline or emphasize certain parts for clarity.
- Use a fixative spray to protect your drawing if desired.
12. Practice Regularly
- Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become.
- Challenge yourself with more complex subjects or try drawing in different environments.
Additional Tips:
- Remember that drawing is subjective. Your interpretation is unique to you.
- If you make an error, don’t be discouraged. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.
- Consider using a viewfinder or your hands to frame a scene or object, helping to focus your observation.
Drawing from observation can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will it enhance your drawing skills, but it will also train you to see the world in a new, more detailed light.
Read more about Observational Drawing Skills & Techniques