Tips for better feel of forms on flat canvas

#1

Hi all!
I think this is the right place on the CgTalk to ask thing like this!

Im not sure if my thread name describe it well but regarding my poor english it would´n be any surprise that it does not:D

I would simply like to hear your opinion, tips whatever about getting better at feeling of 3 dimensionality of objects (forms) on 2d canvas / screen. I mean when drawing them without any model, refer photo etc. I know that there isn´t any secret magic but there are definetely shorter and longer ways of learning to feel forms:eek:

If you can add some methods of practicing I´d be more than glad. I´m wondering if the only method for it is life drawing or not. And if its the best way of learning it.

So should I simply draw everything and as much as possible from life (still life, figure etc.) or develop skills on blank canvas by throwing basic objects in perspective (box, ball etc.)??

What´s your opinion, experience? What worked best for you??

Thanks a lot!

Libor

P.S: I would like to express myself better and describe it clearly but Im out of english words :scream:. I hope no one get it wrong! I just want to get some good piece of advice from you:bounce: so I can progress better in my drawing/painting lessons…

#2

Libor,

A short exercise which you can use on paper (canvas is probably too expensive for this) is drawing organic forms using pencil, pen, charcoal, or wacom pen (whatever you feel most comfortable with). Draw exaggerated curvy, calligraphic lines, not being worries about whether or not you are creating something representational ~ it’s just an exercise.

You could also go outside or search google for old, gnarled trees…the more oddly shaped and curved, the better. Try representing those. Also use your imagination and try turning tree shapes into people shapes ~ just for a fun practice.

Just a quick suggestion! :slight_smile:

Cheers, :slight_smile:

~Rebeccak

#3

Thx for your reply Rebbeca!

Maybe a bit silly question but do you mean to draw these shapes put in perspective or simply drawing them without any relation to vanishing point(s)?! I guess the first way is the right way, but I just want be sure I understand it well:)

L.

#4

There are few things to consider when practicing it.

The so called “3D” look is about Depth. The convergence from flat planar to solid multiPlanar imagery involves a number of things. Interestingly, they are all inversely proportional to the distance from the picture plane(depth)
[ul]
[li]Light, shades, and shadow[/li][li]Scale and Perspectival distortion[/li][li]Level of Detail [/li][li]Color Saturation [/li][/ul]These are all variables to consider for achieving the 3D look. An interesting observation of how that 3D look developed throughout history will pretty much disect the components of 3D look. The old Sumerian and Egyptian demonstrated very good skills in showing the single form in 3 dimension, yet didn’t do as well when it came to perspective distortion. They located things on top of each other to give the indication of depth and distances (just like children drawings).

Knowing these things ahead of time will make it come naturally as you progress.

#5

Libor,

No problem! :slight_smile: If you are just doing random lines, then I wouldn’t worry about perspective. If drawing a real organic form, such as a tree, then I would take perspective into consideration. :slight_smile:

Hope this helps! :slight_smile:

~Rebeccak

#6

It seems sketching architecture is a great way to practice this. Landscape is probably good for the color saturation feel (aerial perspective), but getting buildings in there practices linear perspective in addition to everything else. Architecture is also naturally foreshortened, especially compared to people.

Oh, and Gaudi would be cool for nonlinear, wavy, shapes (more organic but not too much). Too bad I don’t live in Spain.

Note to self: do this. :stuck_out_tongue:

#7

This might also help: When practicing life drawing, don’t just draw the model; do a planar analysis. Break every form into planes, and it will be much easier to light it. Once you’ve done this a number of times, you’ll be able to shade a drawing without reference (plus, it’s good for learning proportions also). It won’t take long before you’ve memorized the way things work, and you’ll be able to draw realistically from your imagination.

#8

I’d follow ashakarcs advice and look for that every second of the day, analyse everyting for what it looks like and break it down into elements you can rationally distinguish. I’ve never used a perspective line in my life, but I never get pointed to using them. Analyse!!!
ANd the ofcourse:’ it’s all there, I only need to put the paint on’ should serve quite well too. ;).

#9

another good way to practice building forms, draw with no outside lines…only shadows and highlights, then at the end, refine by adding those tight lines where needed

#10

Thx everyone for your input! I´ll definetely use your thoughs for my future excercises.

See you on great CgTalk soon:deal:

#11

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