Some objects seem complicated to draw, but that’s because your mind tells you so.
If you look at the shapes around the subject you want to draw, you’ll be able to outline
the shape with more confidence.
I’ll show you with this pair of scissors.
Now where do you start?
Well let’s first look at the negative shape: highlighted in blue here.
Now, let’s filter out all those distracting details.
Just try to ignore them.
Now, focus on the blue space.
With my eyes, I slowly follow the contours of the shape, and I follow with my pen.
So actually, I am looking more at my subject than I am looking at my paper.
I’m looking at the top part of the negative shape.
Then the next large shape, at the right side.
I’m looking at the angle of the shape, so I know that the next line won’t be crooked,
but will connect once I start filling in details.
Keep looking back and forth from the subject to your line and, back and forth, back and
forth.
again, here, I make sure that my line will end here, so it makes sense later for the
blade of the scissors to connect to the handle.
This way I work my way around the shape until I have the contour done.
Now that the contour is done, start filling the shape.
Keep looking at your subject all the time and keep following your eyes with your pen.
Take your time!
Only when you slow down you will be able to draw what you see, instead of drawing what
you think you know, or what you think you see.
When all details are added, with hatching lines you can add shadows and those will give
your subject a sense of depth.
Don’t forget the drop shadow: without it, the subject will be floating rather than sitting
on a surface.
This technique takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll see
how useful it is!
And if you’re ready for more, sign up for a klass at Sketchbookskool.com!