Illustrated Dictionary of Art-Related Terms PDF

Ideal for homeschooling
and self-directed learning!
DrawSpace
DICTIONARY
OF ART-RELATED TERMS
Brenda Hoddinott
Author of Drawspace Presents Getting Started with Drawing, Drawing for Dummies,
and The Complete Idiots Guide to Drawing People Illustrated
Definitions for over 330 art-related words and phrases (mostly drawing and painting)
More than 400 illustrations by Brenda Hoddinott
145 pages formatted for two-sided printing on standard 8.5 by 11 inch paper
Additional quick reference text-only dictionary
Brenda Hoddinott
Artist, illustrator, art educator, curriculum designer,
forensic artist (retired), owner of Drawspace.com, and
author of Drawing for Dummies, The Complete Idiots
Guide to Drawing People Illustrated, and Getting Started
with Drawing.
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Born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Brenda grew up in the small town of Corner Brook. With the
help of learn-to-draw books, she developed good drawing skills by the age of 16.
In 1982 Brenda left her well established career as a portraitist, graphic designer, and forensic
artist, to move to Nova Scotia with her family. In addition to resuming the various facets of her
art career, she began learning to paint in oils.
From 1988 to 1994, Brenda began exhibiting her paintings and drawings in provincial and
regional art exhibitions and competitions. She was honored with more than twenty art awards
during these six years. Her painting, Serenity, was awarded irst place in an international art
competition.
In 2003, Brenda retired from her 25 year career as a forensic artist to write books. She is the
author of Drawing for Dummies, The Complete Idiots Guide to Drawing People, DrawSpace
Guide to Getting Started with Drawing, and is currently writing two new books.
Brenda and her partner, John Percy, live in the suburbs of Halifax, Nova Scotia with their two
SPCA rescue dogs, Timber (Huskador) and Katie (Rottbeagle). Their blended family includes
ive adult children and two grandchildren.
DrawSpace
DICTIONARY
OF ART-RELATED TERMS
by Brenda Hoddinott
Published by Drawspace.com, Halifax, NS, Canada

This book
is dedicated to
Jeff Baur
The heart, mind, and
rationality of DrawSpace.com
Thank you
for believing in me.
DrawSpace Illustrated Dictionary of Art-related Terms

By Brenda Hoddinott
ISBN: 978-0-9813662-2-7
Copyright 2010 Brenda Hoddinott

All rights reserved. No part of this electronic book shall be reproduced by any method or means, electronically sent
or transferred to additional individuals or companies other than the original purchaser of this electronic book, or
transmitted by any method or means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written
permission of Brenda Hoddinott.
This electronic publication contains the opinions and ideas of the author, Brenda Hoddinott, and it is intended to
provide helpful and informative material on all aspects of the subject matter. Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace.
com disclaim any responsibility for any liability, damages, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as
a consequence, directly or indirectly, resulting from the use or misuse of information and applications of any of the
contents of this book.
Publisher: Drawspace.com, Halifax, NS, Canada
Illustrations, definitions, book layout, and cover design: Brenda Hoddinott
Editor: Suzanne Beaton
Brenda Hoddinott can be contacted at brenda@drawspace.com or through her website at http://www.drawspace.com.

INTRODUCTION
In 1984, I published a simple, eighteen-page Illustrated
Glossary that quickly became very popular with self-
directed learners, art educators, and homeschooling
families throughout the world. Ever since, Ive been
trying to ind the time to inish writing and illustrating a
larger version.
Finally, the DrawSpace Illustrated Dictionary of Art-
related Terms (First Edition) is a reality!
Yet, this book is far from complete. As a living
publication, it will continue to grow as readers, teachers,
artists, friends, and moderators suggest additional
words, terms, and phrases to include in subsequent
editions.
Over and above the 108 pages of illustrated de initions, I
have also put together a text-only version (pages 109 to
145) to help you more quickly ind what you want. Each
text de inition even tells you the page on which you can
ind the corresponding illustration.
Keep in mind however, that a few words and phrases
dont have illustrations - yet.
Eventually, I hope to ind a way to illustrate everything!
A
A
Abstract (closely related
to nonrepresentational) refers
to art that is created with line,
color, form, pattern, and (or)
shape, rather than realistically
Abstract depicting objects, nature, or
digital painting living beings. In some cases,
focusing on the subject exists in reality, but
colors and may be unrecognizable.
forms.
Abstraction refers to a
partial or complete departure
from reality in visual
imagery. For example, partial
abstraction in a igurative
work may include unrealistic
colors and (or) forms. A total
abstraction may be completely
unrecognizable as existing in
reality.
A partial abstraction of a flower garden painted in oils on canvas; none of the Achromatic (also
plants or flowers exist in reality. see monochromatic and
polychromatic) describes an
artwork rendered without
color, using only black, white,
and (or) shades of gray.
Acid-free refers to a high-

quality, long-lasting paper that
has had the acid removed from
the pulp in the paper-making
process. Art can be ruined
when materials with acid
deteriorate and turn yellow.
Drawing books and papers
often have labels that tell you
the paper is acid-free.
Achromatic graphite drawing of a realistic eye on acid-free archival paper.
Copyright to all definitions, images, and text within this glossary belongs to Brenda Hoddinott and may not be reproduced or used for any commercial purposes
whatsoever without the written permission of Brenda Hoddinott. E-mail: brenda@drawspace.com Web site: http://www.drawspace.com. 1
A
Acrylic painting (noun) is an
artwork painted with acrylic paints.
Acrylic paintings look very similar to
oil paintings; however, acrylic paints
are considerably more stable than
oils, which tend to yellow or become
brittle as they age.
(verb) is the process of creating an
acrylic painting.
Acrylic paints are water-based,

fast-drying artists paints that are
A large acrylic painting on heavy linen fabric was created in a few thicker and stronger than tempera
hours to serve as a backdrop for a medieval puppet show. Atmospheric or watercolor. Even though water
perspective helps create the illusion that the mountains in the
background are farther away than the apples in the foreground.
is used to dilute acrylics from the
tube, they become water-resistant
when dry. Acrylics can work in
much the same way as watercolor
paints. However, unlike watercolors,
acrylics cannot be rehydrated
(brought back to a liquid) once dry.
Aerial perspective (See

atmospheric perspective.)
Age progression is the art

Art supply stores usually carry several different grades and brands of
of rendering individuals older than
acrylic paints. Winsor & Newton manufacture good-quality, artist- they are. Age progression is widely
grade paints. used in forensic investigations;
especially those involving missing
children.
Even though peoples faces change
throughout their lives in natural and
predictable stages, its impossible
to accurately determine how an
individual will look at a speci ic age.
For this reason, age progression
and age regression techniques are
generally considered an art, rather
than a science.
Close-up view On page 3, you can read a brief
of the blending
capabilities of description of the aging process at
acrylic paints. various stages.
2 Copyright to all definitions, images, and text within this glossary belongs to Brenda Hoddinott and may not be reproduced or used for any commercial purposes
whatsoever without the written permission of Brenda Hoddinott. E-mail: brenda@drawspace.com Web site: http://www.drawspace.com.
A
Newborn: Head is
proportionately huge as
compared to the tiny body.
Age 1: Eyes are fully
developed and neck is
stronger and longer.
Age 2: Jaw and chin are
larger to make space for a few
teeth.
Age 4: Nose is longer and the
face becomes more irm.
Age 7: Eyebrows and chin are
more pronounced.
Age 10: a thin layer of baby
fat still covers the face.
Age 13: Mouth, jaw, chin, and
cheekbones are more de ined.
Age 15: Facial muscles and
jawbone are more noticeable.
Age 18: Brow ridge and
bridge of the nose are fully
developed.
Age 30: All facial structures
are fully developed.
Age 45: Wrinkles are visible,
especially around the eyes.
Age 60: Deeper wrinkles
and forms, and facial
bone structures are more
noticeable.
Age 80: Deeper folds,
pouches, and wrinkles
appear.
Age regression is the art of

rendering a person younger than
Thirteen drawings demonstrate age progression from infancy to old age. her or his actual age.
When rendered in reverse, from older to younger, the process is called age
regression.
A
Alizarin Crimson
is the name (used for
many different types of
artists paints including
oils, watercolors, and
acrylics) of a popular
Four of the vast range of deep red paint color
colors that can be created that can create vibrant
with Alizarin Crimson when reds (when mixed with
mixed with other colors
and (or) white. Cadmium Red) and
bright pinks (when
mixed with Titanium
Alizarin Crimson acrylic White), as well as
paint appears very dark
straight from the tube!
brilliant purples (when
mixed with Ultramarine
Blue and Titanium
A drawing of Mona Lisa White).
(based on a painting by
Leonardo da Vinci) is
anchored along the lower Anchor (also see
edge, where her lower composition) refers
body appears to extend to a component of
outside the drawing space.
composition in which
a section of a drawing
subject appears to
extend outside the
edges of a drawing or
painting.
Angle refers to
the size of the space
between two straight
lines that intersect
(meet), usually
measured in degrees.
Angle line occurs

The size of a when two straight
right angle is lines intersect to form
ninety degrees. an angle. Angle lines
are used to draw such
shapes as squares,
Eight angle rectangles, and
lines with
angles of
triangles.
different sizes.
A
A drawing of an Anticlockwise (See
old arrowhead
that looks similar
counterclockwise.)
A goofy artist who can to some that have
write, draw, and paint, been discovered by
archeologists.
Archaeologist is a
but sings like a crow and
dances like a penguin. She
person who studies ancient
considers this photograph peoples by inding and
to be her personal favorite; documenting the things
taken by a friend (Bruce they left behind. (As an
Poole) about ten years aside, many archeologists
ago).
have excellent drawing
skills.)
Art (also called artwork)

refers to the creations (such
as drawings and paintings)
of artists who employ their
abilities to make original
works of art - from the
intellectual conception,
to a never-before-seen
conclusion.
Serendipity (oil
painting on canvas),
an original work of Artist refers to any person
art created mostly
who works within one or
from my imagination,
shows a young boys more art disciplines, such as
discovery of a newly visual art, performance art,
hatched baby dragon. dance, writing, or music.
ArtSpeak is a fun
word used to describe
the vocabulary of art.
An understanding of
art-related words and
terms enhances your
comprehension of
curriculum, and helps make
your creative experiences
more pleasurable (and less
frustrating).
Artwork (See art.)
A
Atmospheric
perspective (also
called aerial perspective)
(also see geometric
A fun drawing
perspective) refers to
of a bunch the visual depth created
of blobs and by particles in the
globs who are atmosphere. The farther
demonstrating subjects recede into
atmospheric
perspective.
the distance, the lighter
in value they seem to
become, and their edges
and forms appear more
blurred.
Even on a clear day, your
ability to see distant
objects is decreased
by an assortment
of atmospheric
components, such as
minuscule particles
of dust, pollen, and
(or) tiny droplets of
moisture.
Your vision becomes
further diminished
The illusion of depth in a when the atmosphere
forest scene is created with is illed with haze, fog,
atmospheric perspective. smoke, rain, or snow.
Trees in the foreground
are detailed with a strong
Even close-up objects
contrast in values. The trees can appear out of focus
become progressively lighter or almost invisible
in value (and less detailed) under certain conditions
as they appear to fade into (such as during a
the background.
snowstorm).
Avant-garde
refers to the creation
An oil painting of a
and application of
Dalmatian named new, original, and (or)
Shadow, with decorated experimental ideas and
reindeer antlers and techniques.
bells on her collar,
can be considered an
avant-garde idea.
B
B
Background (also called distant
space) refers to the sections of a
drawing or painting that are the
farthest away from the viewer.
Balance is a stable arrangement of

subjects and values within a drawing
composition.
Basic colors (also see color) are

the six best-known colors: yellow, red,
and blue (primary colors) and orange,
purple, and green (secondary colors).
A simple box of eight childrens
The stormy sky (the background) is the section of this scene
that is the farthest away from the viewer.
crayons includes the basic colors, as
well as black and brown.
While the shapes Binder (also called a three-ring

of these two heads
binder) (also see binding agent) is
are different, they
are balanced on great for organizing your reference
opposite sides of materials, lesson iles, printed
the composition electronic books, and small drawings.
by their individual Small drawings can be sprayed with a
masses.
ixative and inserted into three-ring,
transparent vinyl sheet protectors,
before you add them to a binder.
Binding agent (also called a

binder) is an ingredient in paint that
solidi ies as it dries, thereby binding
the pigment particles together so that
the paint adheres to a surface.
Binding agents are also added to
powdered drawing mediums (such as
charcoal) to compress them into solid
cylindrical, square, and rectangular
forms.
A few of the many three-ring binders in my studio, used to
organize my text resources and small drawings.
B
Black is the complete absence
of light. For example, think of
yourself looking around a room
in which there is absolutely no
light source whatsoever.
In painting, replicating this
black requires a mixture of
paints that create the darkest
possible value (such as Raw
Raw Umber and Ultramarine Blue paints are mixed together to make black.
Umber and Ultramarine Blue).
In drawing, soft charcoal can
A soft charcoal pencil can make a powerful black.
make beautiful black marks.
Blending is the process
of gently rubbing a section
of shading (or paint) with a
Drawing of an infants blending tool, such as a facial
nose, before and after
tissue or piece of paper towel
blending the shading
with a facial tissue. (or a brush) to evenly distribute
the medium over the papers
surface (or canvas).
Blending stump (also

called a tortillon, stump,
or blender) is a long, thin
cylindrical artists tool that is
pointed at both ends, and made
of tightly wound paper or felt.
Blending stumps are used to
blend charcoal, graphite, and
pastel drawings. When the
tips become too dirty or dull
Close-up to work properly, they can be
view of sharpened.
crosshatched
Dont use your ingers to blend
shading
before and your drawing. The oils in your
after blending. skin can damage your work.
Blending stumps are sold in art
supply stores and are available
in many different sizes from
Small, small to large. Big ones are
medium, and great for large areas of shading,
large blending and the tiny ones work well for
stumps. smaller, more detailed sections.
B
Blending tool refers to
anything that is used by an artist
to blend media.
Blind contour drawing

(also see contour drawing) is a
slightly unconventional method
of creating a contour drawing,
in which you look only at your
subject and not at your drawing
paper as you work. By visually
following the edges of the object
as you draw, you strengthen your
Some blending tools to try include: (1) paper towels are durable and soft; visual skills.
(2) make-up wedges have a variety of surfaces and corners; (3) blending
stumps (or tortillons) offer lots of control; (4) Q-tips are fantastic for tiny
areas; (5) felt and chamois create very smoothly blended shading; and (6) Brushes (also called
facial tissues can soften most pencil strokes.
paintbrushes) are tools used
to apply a wet medium (such
as paint) to a surface (such as
canvas).
You rarely end up with a blind contour You can use any brush that best
drawing that is proportionately correct. suits your work, unless of course
Your goal is to simply draw as well as the manufacturer states that
you possibly can, by closing scrutinizing the brush is only suitable for a
each contour line in your subject without
ever glancing at your drawing paper until
speci ic medium.
you are done. For example, if you prefer a
short-handled brush but ind
a long-handled brush you
absolutely love, you can always
have the handle cut shorter so its
end doesnt poke you in the eye
as you work.
Paintbrushes that are designed
for artists have three basic parts:
brush head, ferrule, and handle.
Brush head is the working end

of a paintbrush, and is usually
made from hairs or bristles. The
head of a brush is responsible
for carrying paint to your canvas,
and placing and (or) moving the
Several well-loved paintbrushes (some are more than ten years color exactly where you want to
old); each has a unique personality when working on a painting. create an image.
B
Brush heads can be long, short,
thick, or thin. They can be made
from natural products, synthetic
ibers, or a combination of both:
Bristle (made from natural hog
or pig bristles) is stiff enough to
easily move thick paint around
on your painting surface. Bristle
brushes are the workhorses of
painting and are lexible and
Various types of brush heads securely fastened into springy.
different types of ferrules.
Sable (or other animal hairs) is
a soft natural hair, that is ideal
for creating gently lowing lines.
The better the quality of a sable
brush, the more paint it can hold
while still maintaining its ine
point.
Synthetic hair and mixed
bristle are durable, easy to clean,
and ideal for either beginners or
professionals. Todays synthetic
brushes are of much better
quality than their predecessors.
High-quality synthetics work as
The size and shape of the ferrule determines the size
and shape of the brush head.
well as natural hairs, and tend to
be less expensive.
Ferrule is the part of a brush (often

made of metal) that is connected
Large flats are
great for making to the brush head on one end and
long, clean-edged the handle on the other. The ferrule
strokes of color, holds the brush hairs (or bristles) in
and handle nicely their proper shape. A good-quality
for covering
ferrule is tapered and has no seams.
solid areas and
backgrounds. Small A ferrules shape is speci ic to the
flats work well for type of brush head, such as the
painting fine details
following:
- especially for
subjects that need Flats have square ends with long,
strong edges.
stiff bristles or long, soft hair.
They come in various sizes from
very tiny to several inches wide.
B
Brights have square ends Brights have shorter hairs (or
and short bristles (or hair), bristles) than lats, but also have
and are fantastic for impasto
techniques.
square ends. They allow more
control over how much paint you
apply than a lat brush, because
the hairs are shorter and the brush
is less springy (more irm).
Brights hold a lot of paint when
fully loaded, allowing you to
make long and bold, or short and
repetitive brushstrokes.
Filberts are available with either
soft hairs or stiff bristles, and differ
from lat brushes in that they are
rounded on the outer edges of the
tip. They are approximately the
same length as lats, but create a
softer, less angular brushstroke.
Filberts have rounded ends Consider them a hybrid of a round
and long bristles or hair and a lat.
that create brushstrokes
with smooth, soft edges.
Large ilberts are great for
painting large sections of
paintings, such as backgrounds,
Rounds and their brushstrokes are big,
work best loose, and broad. Smaller ones
with paint make gorgeous delicate, rounded
that has
been slightly
brushstrokes that look wonderful
thinned. in detailed areas.
Their
brushstrokes Rounds have brush hairs or
tend to be bristles of various sizes including
delicate with fat, thin, long, and short, but they
soft edges. always come to a point. They work
well for drawing a preliminary
composition on your canvas, and
are great for painting and blending
detailed sections.
If you have
tons of Scriptliners (sometimes called
patience
riggers or liners) have long, thin
and like
fussy, picky, hair and a pointed tip. They are
detailed work, well-suited for producing long
youll love continuous lines without frequent
painting with reloading, and for rendering very
a scriptliner
intricate details. They perform best
brush.
with much diluted paints.
B
A hake brush is used by watercolorists to Blenders (such as hake
apply large areas of water or color, or by oil and fan brushes) are used
painters to softly blend wet paint.
for blending brushstrokes
so as to create smoothly
graduated colors.
Fan brushes come in both bristle and
soft hair and are available in various Blending brushes are not
sizes. The unique shape of the top designed to move paint
section of the ferrule contributes to around on the canvas, but
the fan-like shape of this brush.
rather to smooth out the
brushwork. Unlike other
types of brushes, blenders
usually work best when
Paintbrush handles come in
they are dry.
tons of different lengths and
colors, and are usually made Handle is the part of a
from nicely finished wood that
has been varnished or painted.
paintbrush held by the artist,
However, on occasion, you may usually made of wood, and
discover brush handles made available in short and long
from something different. lengths.
If the handle of a brush looks
cheap and poorly inished,
chances are its a poor-quality
brush.
Brushes have either short or
long handles:
Short-handled brushes
work well for artists
who like to work on a
small easel or at a table,
and (or) prefer detailed
or close-up painting.
Watercolor brush handles
are short, since the work
is usually done at close
range.
Long-handled brushes
are great for artists who
prefer to work loosely in
oils or acrylics on large,
upright canvases at a full-
size easel, and at arms
A small sampling of length away from their
the different lengths canvases.
of brush handles.
B
Brushstroke refers
to the shape and size of
a single application of
paint to a surface with a
paintbrush.
A small
section of a Many artists love the
fun impasto way brushstrokes look
painting that when the paint is applied
was painted
with a large thickly with a large
bright and bold brush.
brushstrokes. Other artists thoroughly
blend their brushstrokes
This section together so they can no
of a painting longer be distinguished
is shown in its from one another.
actual size so
you can get a An artists preference
realistic idea of brushstrokes helps
of the intricate de ine the style of that
brushstrokes artist.
and fine details
that can be
rendered with Bulls eye (also
a scriptliner
see composition) is
brush.
the center section of
a drawing space. A
This cartoon face isnt very composition is weakened
happy about being in the when the primary
center of this rectangular
subject is drawn within
drawing space.
the bulls eye.
Burnishing refers to
The petals of a fun flower
the process of applying
before and after being
burnished with a bright one (or more than one)
yellow colored pencil. layer of a dry medium
(such as colored pencils
or graphite) over
another, to lighten,
darken, or blend the
colors (or values).
Burnishing also refers to
the technique of using a
light grade of graphite
pencil to ill in entire
sections of shading to
even out the values.
C
C
Cadmium Red is a gorgeous
warm red. When mixed with
Cadmium other colors and white, it makes
Red is an very realistic skin tones.
essential part
of an artists To paint the warm, light hues of
palette. red objects, mix Cadmium Red
with a touch of Cadmium Yellow
Light. Mix small amounts of
Cadmium Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre,
Yellow Light
is a bright, and Raw Umber with Cadmium
clean yellow Red to make believable shadow
and perfect for colors for red objects.
mixing various
warm colors.
Cadmium Yellow refers to
a range of different yellow hues
(such as Cadmium Yellow Light)
that are great for mixing any
color that needs a pure, clean
yellow. For example, a tiny bit
of Cadmium Yellow Light mixed
with white creates highlights that
are so bright, they almost glow.
Canvas is a popular fabric

used as a surface for painting
with oils or acrylics.
Before applying paint, the fabric
should be stretched and mounted
on a frame, and then primed with
several layers of a primer (such
as gesso) that is speci ically
made for painters.
If you dont want to prepare your
own canvases, most art stores
sell stretched canvases in many
different sizes that are already
primed and ready to use.
This is the first painting I ever did on a stretched canvas. It was
completed in late 1988, and to date shows no signs of deterioration.
C
One of my first oil Canvas board
paintings, completed
in early 1988.
is an inexpensive
Unfortunately, I did alternative to canvas.
not use a stretched However, paintings
canvas; hence, acid done on canvas boards
from the canvas tend to deteriorate
board has begun
eating through the
after only a few years.
paint in several When I began learning
sections. to paint, I used canvas
board. Most of my
early paintings were
awful, anyway.
However, I did a
portrait of my son that
somehow turned out
fairly well. I regret
now that I didnt use
stretched canvas.
The well-known face
(and hairstyle) of Albert Carbon pencil
Einstein has inspired is a very popular type
many artists to draw his
caricature. This drawing of drawing tool that
was sketched and shaded makes soft, velvety
with graphite and then marks that are
outlined with a fine-tip absolutely gorgeous
marker. for sketching.
Caricature is
a type of cartoon,
usually based on
an actual person,
with the individuals
various characteristics
and facial features
exaggerated for comic
effect.
A cartoon drawing, Cartoon is

rendered in a humorous,
graphite, shows a
very happy artist lighthearted, or (and)
using his creative satirical drawing or
licence to make his sketch.
drawing different
than the model.
C
Cast shadow (also see
The cast shadow shadow) is a dark section on an
beneath Ball 1 object or on a surface adjacent
makes the ball to (beside) an object (or living
appear to be
being) that receives little or no
sitting directly on a
surface. direct light.
The shadow cast The values of a cast shadow are
by Ball 2 creates darkest next to the object and
the illusion that become gradually lighter as they
the ball is floating
move farther away.
above a surface.
Cerulean Blue is a versatile

paint color that is used to create
many colors, including greens,
Cerulean Blue greenish blues, and sky colors.
(straight from
the tube) is a
beautiful full- Chalk is a drawing medium
chroma color.
derived from various natural
sources, including hematite,
carbon, and calcite.
Chalk is available in a broad range
of natural browns and sepias that
Soft chalk
are ideal for rendering studies of
pastels are a great masters drawings.
fun medium.
However, they
are extremely Chalk pastels (also see
messy, so make pastels) are a drawing medium
sure you protect that are available in pencils and
your clothing and sticks. Colors can be dry-mixed
the furnishings in
your studio.
by layering one on top of another,
and can be easily blended for soft,
realistic still-life subjects and
portraits.
The sharp corners and edges of
sticks can be used to draw thin
A few different lines, and the sides can make
types of charcoal broad strokes.
that are designed
for drawing (from
left to right): two Charcoal is a drawing
charcoal pencils,
natural cylindrical
medium made from burnt organic
charcoal stick, and material (such as wood). As
two rectangular with graphite, charcoal comes in
charcoal sticks. various grades.
C
You can buy charcoal powder Charcoal is available in
already prepared, or make your own pencils, powder, and
by using a fine cheese grater or
coarse sandpaper to shave powder
sticks:
from a charcoal stick.
Charcoal pencils
have a thin
cylindrical stick of
compressed charcoal
inside a wooden
casing.
Charcoal powder is
a drawing medium
that works well
for shading large
areas of a drawing
or preparing a base
for drawing with
erasers.
Charcoal sticks
are made by
compressing
A winter scene
created with
powdered charcoal
charcoal pencils, and a binding agent
powder, and into cylindrical or
sticks, as well as rectangular sticks.
erasers.
Chiaroscuro is a
drawing and painting
technique that was
introduced during
the Renaissance, in
which contrasts of light
and dark values are
balanced, so as to create
the illusion of a three-
dimensional reality on a
A contemporary lat surface.
approach to
chiaroscuro, in Chiaroscuro is
which the bright extremely effective for
highlights on the face creating a powerful
of a young girl contrast illusion of depth and
strongly against the space around primary
subdued and dark values
throughout the rest of the and secondary focal
composition. points in a composition.
C
Circle is a simple ellipse in which all Chroma refers to the intensity,
points on its circumference are the
same distance from the center point.
strength, and (or) purity of a
color. The color of an acrylic or
oil paint that is squeezed directly
from the tube is considered full
chroma.
Circle is a geometric shape in

which all the points of its outline
are an equal distance from its
center point.
Circular shape is created

when the ends of a curved line
meet (such as in the letter O).
Six circular shapes represent Drawing various types of circular
only a few of the shapes you
can draw with curved lines.
shapes is a popular method
of sketching and outlining the
forms of various objects and
living creatures.
Classical drawing (also

see realism) refers to the
Close-up view of a drawing methods invented by
classical shading ancient Greeks and Romans
technique called for creating realistic drawings.
hatching.
Classical drawing was later
enhanced by the great masters of
the Renaissance.
A sketch of a young girl
(based on a drawing
by Leonardo da Vinci)
Clay is a naturally occurring
employs several classical material that becomes hardened
drawing techniques. when dried. For example, clay
is mixed with graphite to make
graphite drawing mediums.
Clips (usually made of metal)

can be used indoors or outdoors
to securely clamp sheets of paper
Various types of clips to a drawing board. When artists
are used by artists to draw outdoors, clips can prevent
attach drawing paper to a
drawing board. This type their drawings from falling on
is called a Boston Clip. the ground or blowing away.
C
Clockwise is a direction or motion that follows
the movement of the hands of a clock.
Color refers to the visual qualities of objects based

on individual perception of their hues and values.
Basic colors include yellow, orange, red, purple, blue,
and green.
Warm and cool colors can have a broad range of
emotional effects on how people feel:
Warm colors include yellow, orange and red, as

well as any colors made by mixing these three colors
together or (and) with white or black. To remember
Follow the outline of the circle in a clockwise warm colors, think of the colors you see in ire.
motion: from the top to the right, then down
and to the left, and back up to the top (the Yellow is bright, cheery, and powerful, and is
direction of the arrows). the color of happiness, sunshine, and lowers
(such as daffodils).
Orange is a combination of yellow and red.
Think of orange as energetic, vibrant, and
Yellow
lamboyant.
Orange Red is the warmest and most energetic color,
and is associated with love, energy, and
Red danger (as in a red traf ic light).
The six
basic Purple
colors are Cool colors include blue, green, and purple, as
the six well as mixtures of any of these three colors and
Blue
best- any that are mixed with white or black. Cool colors
known
colors. Green are usually soothing and calming. (Think about the
colors that re lect into snow and ice.)
Purple is spiritual, mysterious, and exotic,
and represents royalty, nobility, and
Yellow Purple
enlightenment. Some purples (made with
more red than blue) can easily fall into the
category of warm colors.
Orange Blue
Blue represents tranquility, harmony, and
peace. Think of a blue sky, a calm ocean, or an
iceberg.
Green is soothing, nurturing, and calming,
Red Green and symbolizes nature, good luck, youth, and
generosity. Some greens that are made with
more yellow than blue are considered warm
colors.
Warm colors Cool colors
C
Many artists and authors have attempted to de initively categorize colors into warm and cool.
I personally prefer to base my decision on my perception of the color when it is placed beside
other colors in a painting or drawing.
Speci ic groupings of colors have unique qualities:
Primary colors include yellow, red, and blue. All colors originate from primary colors,
and no combinations of other colors can make primary colors. Primary colors are high-
intensity, and go well together if you want a drawing to look incredibly bright. By mixing
the primary colors with other colors in various combinations, you can create millions of
different colors.
Secondary colors are orange, green, and purple, and are created with two primary
colors.
Intermediary colors are created by combining two secondary colors.
Complementary colors are very different from one another, and when placed beside
each other, their strong contrasting colors seem to make one another brighter and more
vibrant. When used in a drawing, sets of complementary colors create harmony because
together they contain all three primary colors. Sets of complementary colors are easy to
ind on a color wheel because they are directly opposite one another.
Color wheel refers to a method of arranging colors within a circular format to easily
reference primary, secondary, intermediary, and complementary colors. Whenever you use
colors to create art, keep a color wheel close by as an easy reference for choosing colors.
This numbered color wheel identifies warm

and cool colors; primary, secondary, and
intermediary colors; and complementary
colors as follows:
Warm colors: 12 and 1 to 5
Cool colors: 6 to 11
Primary colors: 1, 5, and 9
Secondary colors: 3, 7, and 11
Intermediary colors: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,
and 12
Complementary colors on this color
wheel include the following six pairs
(each is the complement of the other):
1 and 7 4 and 10
2 and 8 5 and 11
3 and 9 6 and 12
C
Colored pencils worked well to Colored pencils
capture a cartoon puppy named
Wobby. His fur is hatched with four
are a wonderful medium
different blue colors. His nose and for drawing everything
eyes are burnished to make them and anything. They
look shiny. beautifully capture soft
delicate subjects such as
portraits and lowers, and
This bold, colored pencil
also work very well for
drawing was designed as subjects needing a bolder,
a tattoo for my son-in-law, more colorful approach.
Chris. Chris works as a
mechanic for heavy-duty
Colored pencils are
vehicles, such as tractors relatively inexpensive, not
and large dump trucks. He messy, and easily travel
was thrilled with this cartoon with you wherever you go.
of a grease monkey (and
needless to say I had a lot of Colored pencils come
fun doing the drawing). in a wide variety of
qualities from student to
professional. During the
manufacturing process,
various synthetic and
(or) organic pigments are
added to binding agents
and wax. The permanency
rating of the pigment
(check the packaging)
helps to determine the
quality of the pencils.
Commission refers
In this
to an order placed with an
composition, the
viewers eyes artist for an original work
are drawn into of art.
the scene by the
gentle S-curve of
the river. Complementary
colors (See color.)
Composition (also
see focal point and
Rule of Thirds) refers
to the arrangement of
the various parts of your
drawing subject within
the borders of a drawing
space.
C
Four different Compound curve
compound
curved lines.
is created when a curved
line changes direction.
Compound curved lines
travel in both clockwise
and counterclockwise
directions.
Conservation
framing (also called
preservation framing)
refers to the speci ic
archival materials (such
as museum-quality
archival glass) and
techniques used in the
process of framing an
A sketch of a model artwork to protect the
(Lord Algernon) art from long-term
dressed in medieval
deterioration or damage
garb. I used red and
brown cont crayons from environmental
on Arches 140 lb. pollutants, acid, and light.
hot-pressed, 100%
cotton, watercolor
paper. Before starting Cont crayon is a
the drawing, the paper drawing medium in which
was darkened with a pigments are mixed with
diluted wash of ink, to
non-adhesive binders
create the illusion that
the paper was old and and wax. Cont performs
yellowed. like a cross between a
chalk pastel and a childs
wax crayon. With the
addition of wax, this
medium is less likely to
break or crumble, and
consequently, much less
apt to fall off the drawing
surface.
Each of the three continuous Continuous line

straight lines that make up a refers to any type of line
triangle is rendered with one
confident swoop of the pencil.
that is rendered without
Check out the close-up view of lifting the pencil (or other
a tiny section of one of the lines drawing media) from the
(in the upper left). paper or drawing surface.
C
Pen-and-ink drawing of my Contour refers to the
grandson, Kaiden. Contour
crosshatching enhances
outline of a shape or form
the illusion of the soft, (or a section of a shape or
rounded forms of his face. form).
Contour hatching captures
the curving hair along the
forms of his head. Contour
crosshatching is a
highly effective shading
Close-up view of technique for creating
contour crosshatching. the illusion of three-
dimensional forms.
This is achieved when two
(or more) sets of curved
lines of various lengths
cross over one another
along the contours of the
subjects surface.
This contour drawing of a

flower is made up of mostly Contour drawing
curved contour lines; some is a drawing comprised
sections of the lines are thick of outlines that follow the
and others are thin. contours of the edges of
various components of a
Contour hatching is drawing subject.
perfect for drawing realistic
strands of hair (or fur).
Contour hatching is a
shading technique in which
sets of curved hatching
lines follow the outlines,
contours, and (or) forms of
the drawing subject, so as
to accentuate the illusion of
three-dimensional reality.
Contour lines are

formed when the shared
edges of spaces and (or)
objects meet. You can draw
everything you can see
or imagine by combining
You can enhance the illusion
different types of contour
of form by using contour
hatching when drawing objects lines (such as thick, thin,
with rounded sides. straight, and curved).
C
Contrast (also see high
contrast and low contrast)
is the comparison of different
values when put beside one
another, and is an invaluable
tool for accentuating various
components of composition.
Cool colors (See color.)
Copyright is a form of
protection, which grants
artists the exclusive right to
sell, reproduce, or exhibit
their own original artworks.
The profile of young mans If you live in a country that
face is accentuated by using
a strong contrast of light and
has signed the Berne Union for
dark values. the Protection of Literary and
Artistic Property (also known
Follow the outline of the circle
as the Berne Convention),
in a counterclockwise motion: you automatically own the
from the top to the left, then copyright to your original
down and to the right, and creations from the moment
back up to the top. each is completed.
The cranial mass of a baby is Counterclockwise

more than three times larger (sometimes called
than the face, whereas the
cranial mass of an adult is
anticlockwise) is a direction
only twice the size of the face. or motion that is opposite to
the movement of the hands of
a clock.
Cranial mass (often

referred to as the cranium) is
the large upper section of the
skull at the back of the head.
Crosshatching is
shading technique in which
sets of straight or curved lines
cross over, overlap, crisscross,
A graduation of
or (and) cut through other
crosshatching
values. sets.
C
A detailed drawing Curved contour
of a young mans
eye is shaded with lines are curved
crosshatching. His lines that follow the
eyebrows are shaded contours of a drawing
with contour hatching. subject and de ine its
three-dimensional
forms.
Curved line
is created when a
straight line curves or
bends. Curved lines
(as in the letters C
and U) can be drawn
in any direction and be
A contour drawing
any length.
of a baby dragon is
almost completely
rendered with thick
and thin curved
Curved-sided
contour lines. shapes are shapes
that are created with
curved lines, and have
sections where two
or more of the curved
lines meet at a point
(or points).
A simple sketch of a Curved-sided shapes
vase, created with only (such as hearts or
curved lines, is rendered teardrops) are not
with a fine-tip permanent truly circular in nature
black marker.
(like circles or ovals);
Five hence, I simply refer to
curved-sided them as curved-sided
shapes:
each has
shapes.
one or more
points where
curved lines
meet.
D
D
Four sets Diagonal line is neither
of parallel vertical nor horizontal, but
diagonal rather, slants at an angle.
lines
slanting
in four Diamond-shape is
directions. a parallelogram in which
a straight line (usually
imaginary) drawn from
two opposite points is
perpendicular to a line
connecting the second set of
opposite points.
A diamond-
shaped
parallelogram Diptych is set of two
(also called
related paintings or drawings
a diamond-
shape); that come together as a single
line AB is artwork.
perpendicular
line CD.
Disposable palette is
a book of disposable sheets
A disposable of a coated paper that is
palette speci ically designed for
for mixing mixing paint. You simply
paints, with tear off and throw away a
40 tear-off
sheets. used sheet, and begin mixing
paint on the clean sheet
underneath.
Disposable pens
Disposable pen (See
work great for pens.)
outlining drawings.
Distant space (See
background.)
Dominant light
source (See light source.)
D
A cartoon artist demonstrates good Drafting desk (or
posture as she works at a drafting desk.
drafting table) is an
adjustable worktable
with a slanted top.
Drawing (noun) is
the image that results
from the application of
a medium to a surface.
A drawing de ines
an artists choice of
subjects from his or her
own unique perspective.
(verb) refers to the
A cartoon drawing
process of applying a
of a terrified young medium to a surface to
man. create an image.
Drawing
accessories are
A realistic human hand is
any tools or products
drawing a cartoon of the
terrified young man (no that enhance an artists
wonder he looks scared; drawing experiences.
that pencil point does
look very sharp!).
Drawing board
is an unbendable,
portable, smooth
surface used to support
an artists sketchbook or
drawing paper.
Drawing format
(also see drawing
space) refers to
the orientation of a
rectangular drawing
A cartoon artist
is using paper
space.
clipped onto a The following two
drawing board to popular drawing
draw the values
he sees in an
formats are called
animated light landscape and portrait:
bulb and her cast
shadow.
D
Landscape format
(sometimes called a
horizontal format) is
a rectangular drawing
space that is rotated
so the two longer
sides are at the top
and bottom.
A fun drawing of
a cartoon snake Portrait format
fits nicely into a (sometimes called a
landscape format. vertical format) is a
rectangular drawing
space that is rotated
so the two shorter
sides are at the top
and bottom.
Drawing from life

(See life drawing.)
Drawing paper is an
acid-free paper designed
speci ically for artists,
and is available in various
types, colors, textures,
The and sizes.
proportionately
tall body of a
baby giraffe fits Drawing powder
beautifully into a (also see charcoal) refers
portrait format. to tiny loose particles
of a drawing medium
that have been broken
down from a solid into
a powder. Drawing with
a powdered medium is
messy, especially when
applied directly to a
A portrait format surface with bare ingers
works nicely for this and (or) hands. The
sketch of a horse
that is attached to mess can be cut down
a drawing board considerably by irst
(which is also wrapping tissues, paper
rotated to a portrait towels, or fabric around
format). your ingers.
D
Drawing space
(sometimes called a
Artists use many drawing surface or a
different types of drawing format) is the
drawing paper area in which you render a
including: paper drawing within a speci ic
that is bound into
a hardcover or
perimeter. It can be the
softcover sketchbook; shape of a sheet of paper
smooth, hot-pressed itself, or a shape you outline
sheets of watercolor on your paper, such as a
paper in a watercolor square, rectangle, or circle.
block; and paper that
is sold in individual
sheets. Drawing stick is a
drawing tool that is made
by compressing and
shaping a medium (such as
cont crayon, chalk, oil or
chalk pastels, graphite, or
charcoal) into a cylindrical
or rectangular chunk.
Drawing powder was applied to the surface of a sheet of medium-tooth paper and
gently blended with a sheet of paper towel. Erasers were then used to pull out light Dry media refers
values, and a charcoal pencil worked well to outline the sphere and add shading to
its cast shadow. to non-liquid drawing
mediums (such as colored
pencils, graphite, cont
crayon, charcoal, and chalk).
Dry-mixing refers to
the process of using a dry
medium (such as colored
pencils) to mix two (or
more) different colors
Several different types of dry media including (from left to right): cont crayons; together to make a new
chalk pastels; graphite stick, mechanical pencils; various types of wood-encased color.
pencils; vine charcoal stick; and charcoal sticks.
Dry mount refers to the

process of adhering paper
artwork or photographs
to a board by using dry
adhesive substances, high
heat, and (or) a dry mount
press.
Colored pencils are ideal for dry-mixing colors. In this illustration, the three primary
colors (yellow, red, and blue) were used to dry mix the three secondary colors
(orange, purple, and green).
E
The five parts of an outer

E
Ear is the organ for hearing
ear that are important to
visual artists are: (1) outer
in humans (and many
rim, (2) inner rim, (3) small animals). Drawing (and
lobe, (4) ear canal, and (5) painting) the exterior of
earlobe. human ears is easier when
you are familiar with the
following ive basic parts:
1. Outer rim is the long
form along the outside
edge of the ear that meets
the earlobe at the lower
section.
2. Inner rim is the smaller
long form inside the ear
that circles the rear of the
opening to the ear canal.
Human ears 3. Small lobe is the tiny
come in many
diverse sizes
form over the frontal
and shapes. section of the opening to
the ear canal.
4. Ear canal is the opening
to the inner ear.
5. Earlobe is the soft, leshy,
lower section of the ear.
Easel is an artists
accessory (often made from
wood or metal) that can be
used to support a canvas
when painting, or a sheet of
drawing paper attached to a
Small tabletop easels are fantastic drawing board for drawing.
for displaying either completed An easel can be any size; from
drawings or drawings in progress. a simple tabletop collapsible
This wooden, three-legged easel tripod to a large, loor-to-
is holding a drawing on paper that
ceiling studio type with a
is attached to a drawing board.
large base.
E
Egg tempera is a
water-based paint that
is made with an egg yolk
binder.
Elements of art
are the basic visual
symbols found in visual
art, including (but not
limited to) line, shape,
form, texture, and color.
Eye is the organ

of sight and light
Drawings of sections of sensitivity. Artists need
clothing that are rendered to be able to identify the
with several elements following nine parts of
of art, including shapes
an eye (or features that
(in the patterns and
accessories), textures are close to) an eye and
(from smooth silk to fuzzy one element of light:
faux fur), and forms (in the
bulges and folds). Upper eyelid crease
is a fold in the skin
above the top section
of the eyeball.
A view of an eye in profile
allows you to easily identify Upper eyelid is
the: (1) upper eyelid crease,
(2) upper eyelid, and (3)
a fold of skin that
lower eyelid. opens and closes
automatically
(blinking) to protect
the eyeball.
Lower eyelid is
the fold of skin
that protects the
lower section of
Four very
different
the eyeball. The
eyebrows above lower eyelid cannot
four eyes as move without help
viewed from from facial muscles
various angles. around the eye.
Numbers 1,
2, and 3 are Eyebrow is an arch-
female, and
shaped group of
number 4 is
male. hairs above the eye.
E
Eyelashes are ine hairs
that grow from the outer
edges of the upper and
lower eyelids.
White of the eye (the large
light section of an eyeball)
is light in value and color,
but is not really white.
Iris is the colored circular
section of an eyeball
The eyelashes that grow from the upper eyelid (1) are usually longer surrounding the pupil.
and thicker than those that grow from the lower eyelid (2).
Highlight is the brightest
section (or sections) where
light bounces off the surface
of the eye. A highlight is not
an actual part of an eye;
however, artists usually
paint or draw highlights to
capture the moist, glossy
surface of the eye and
enhance the illusion of
realism.
Inner corner is a small,
reddish, triangular or oval-
shaped form in the inside
corner of the eye, close to
the nose.
Pupil of an eye is the
Detailed drawing of an darkest circular shape
eye clearly identifies the within the iris, that adjusts
(1) eyebrow, (2) white of its size under different
the eye, (3) iris, (4) one lighting conditions.
of the two highlights,
and (5) inner corner of
the eye. Eye level (See geometric
perspective.)
In addition to the white

of an eye, an eyeball is Eyeball (also called the
made up of the (1) iris white of the eye) is the entire
and (2) pupil. The light spherical section of an eye that
reflecting off the surface is safely protected within an
of the eyeball is called a
(3) highlight.
opening in the skull called the
orbital socket.
F
F
Facial expressions are
voluntary and involuntary movements
of facial muscles in response to various
emotions. As the facial muscles do their
jobs, different sections of the face move
and often create folds and wrinkles in
the skin.
The different
Descriptions of the visual
facial
expressions characteristics of a few basic facial
of human expressions and emotional states are as
emotions are follows:
created by the
movements of Angry
facial muscles
in response to
Eyebrows are lowered in the center
how a person down over the upper eyelids.
is feeling. Vertical and horizontal creases
appear on the forehead.
Eyes are wide open.
Mouth is closed tightly and its
corners are forcefully stretched
downward.
Chin bulges upward.
This is not a happy Bored
face! When you see
someone this angry, Eyebrows move close together and
you may want to turn curve upward in the center. Vertical
around and run. and horizontal crinkles appear on
the forehead.
Eyes are partially closed. Lines
around the outer corners of the eye
(crows feet) and lower lid creases
are slightly pronounced.
Mouth is relaxed and fully open. The
upper lip is pulled up and back, and
Yawning is contagious! the lower jaw is dropped, stretching
This lady seems bored the whole lower face downward.
(or maybe she just
needs another cup of Creases form from the sides of the
coffee). nose down to the chin.
F
Contentment
Eyebrows are relaxed and slightly lifted
upward.
Eyes are partially closed and the upper
eyelids are drooped downward, covering
This contented-
part of the irises.
looking young
man appears Mouth is closed, relaxed, and pulled
to be feeling at slightly back toward the ears.
peace with the
world. Devastated
Eyebrows are lowered toward the center,
and vertical creases form on the lowered
brow.
Eyes are very tightly closed with
pronounced creases at the outer corners.
This unhappy Mouth is open, and the lips are stretched
character both horizontally and downward, pushing
looks totally
devastated - his the center sections of the mouth upward
dog just ate his toward the nose.
homework. Chin is raised and tight.
Disgusted (hateful and horriied are similar)
Eyes are partially closed and crows feet
are more pronounced.
Deep horizontal creases appear between
the eyes, extending across the bridge of
This young the nose.
lady appears
disgusted - she
Inner sections of the eyebrows are
tasted some lowered, forming vertical folds on the
chocolate- brow.
covered worms.
One side (or both sides) of the upper lip is
raised.
Center of the lower lip and chin are
pushed upward.
Endearing
Eyebrows are raised and curled upward in
the center.
Eyes are slightly closed, creating crows
This endearing feet in the outer corners.
young man has
Corners of the mouth are pulled back
an irresistible
charm. toward the ears.
F
Happy
Eyelids and eyebrows are very
relaxed.
Mouth widens and the corners curve
up and back toward the ears.
Sometimes the upper teeth show.
If youre happy
and you know it, Gleeful
remember to tell
your face to smile.
Eyebrows are relaxed.
Eyes narrow and sometimes close
completely.
Mouth opens wide, back toward the
ears, and lots of teeth are visible
(especially the upper ones).
Mischievous
Brow and eyebrows lower toward
This gleeful guys the center and partially cover the
laughter is no doubt upper eyelids.
contagious.
Eyes narrow.
Mouth widens back towards the ears
in a grin.
Pain
Nostrils are pulled upward, and
cheeks are raised.
Eyebrows lower, and numerous
I wonder what wrinkles extend from the inside
this mischievous- corners of each eye across the bridge
looking kid is
planning. of the nose.
Eyes are tightly closed; the lid line is
straight.
Vertical creases on the upper lid hide
the upper lid fold.
Crows feet extend from the outer
corners of the eyes.
Upper teeth are hidden under the
Removing a upper lip, and the front lower teeth
splinter from a are visible.
finger cant possibly
be as painful as
Mouth is open, and the lips
this ladys face are stretched horizontally and
seems to think. downward.
F
This sad older gentleman cant Sadness
find his glasses.
Brow and eyebrows
bend upward and
toward the center,
forming vertical
creases and folds.
Upper eyelids fold
upward toward the
center.
Corners of mouth
curve downward.
Seduction
Eyebrows are raised.
This seductive young lady wants a Upper eyelids are
big discount on a new car. slightly closed.
Mouth is pushed
forward puckering the
lips.
Terror (surprise and
shock are similar)
This terrified young man just
Eyebrows lift up and
saw a mouse.
curve upward in the
center.
Eyes open very wide
with the whites
showing all around
the irises.
Facial features
include the eyes, nose,
and mouth.
Facial guidelines
identify the approximate
locations of human
features and ears on
an average head within
Vertical and horizontal speci ic spaces. Facial
guidelines mark the guidelines for babies and
approximate locations
of babies facial features children are different than
and ears. those for adults.
F
Facial mass (also
called the face or facial
area), refers to the lower
frontal section of a human
head.
Facial muscles are

the muscles of the face. To
keep things simple, I refer
to each by its role in facial
expression rather than its
anatomically correct name.
The following ten major
facial muscles can create
an in inite range of facial
Lines drawn expressions:
on a young
mans face
Eyebrow-lifter is a
show the wide, lat muscle with
locations of two independent halves,
ten major that runs vertically
muscles across the forehead.
and muscle
masses. Frowners are the
muscles between the
eyebrows that extend
from the bridge of
the nose upward and
outward in a fan shape.
Eyelid-lifter is a tiny
muscle in each upper
eyelid that controls
the up and down
movements of the upper
Eyebrow-lifter muscle (1) helps create the expressions of surprise, eyelid to open and close
sadness, and fear. Frowner muscles (2) contribute to the facial
the eyes.
expressions of sadness, fear, concentration, anxiety, and anger.
Eye-squeezer is a large
oval-shaped muscle
mass surrounding the
eye and extending onto
the upper section of
The eyelid-lifter (3) and the cheek. The various
eye-squeezer muscles (4) sections can work
help show happiness, stress,
independently or
anger, and pain.
together.
F
Lip-raisers are the muscles
that extend from above the
outer mouth area, directly
upward on the cheek in a
fan-like shape.
Smiling muscles run from
the corners of the mouth
back toward the ears.
Speaking muscles encircle
the mouth, and work with
other muscles to give the
Lip-raiser muscles (5) help show disgust, devastation, despair, and
sneering. Smiling muscles (6) contribute to the happy expressions mouth its movements when
of smiling, laughing, giggling, and grinning. Speaking muscles talking.
(7) help create the expressions of anger, surprise, and sadness.
Sadness muscle (8) contributes to such facial expressions as Sadness muscle extends
grief, sadness, and frowning. Pouting muscle (9) helps create a from the corners of the
pout (obviously). Lip-stretcher muscles (10) contribute to extreme mouth in a downward
expressions, such as devastation, terror, or intense anger. direction.
Pouting muscle pushes
the center of the mouth
upward, resulting in a
raised and puckered chin.
Lip-stretchers are rarely
used muscles that pull the
lips horizontally backward
on the face.
When viewed in profile, Facial slope refers to

you can really notice
how the facial slopes of
the angle of a persons head
people vary from one (excluding the nose) when
person to another. viewed from the side: from the
forward projection at the base
of the upper teeth, upward to
the forehead.
Feathered lines Feathered line is a series

work well to depict of short lines that appear to be
movement in gesture a single line. To feather a line,
sketches. Most gesture
you very gently sketch a series
sketches need to be
rendered quickly and of short lines that involves a
the multiple lines help constant lifting of the pencil
create the illusion of from the paper.
motion.
F
A quickly rendered Ferrule (See brushes.)
figurative sketch of
three figures.
Figurative refers to the visual
depiction of a human body in a
drawing or painting.
Three figurative
studies of Figure refers to the body of a
my grandson human being.
(Brandon) were
first sketched
and then Filbert (See brushes.)
shaded with
hatching lines.
Fixative spray is used by
artists to lessen the likelihood
of smudging by adhering the
medium to the paper or canvas.
Flats (See brushes.)
Focal point (sometimes

called center of interest or
center of focus) (also see Rule of
Thirds) is a term used to identify
the most important elements
in a drawing or painting. Most
drawings and paintings have
the following two types of focal
points:
Primary focal point is the
single most important center
of interest (or focus) in a
drawing. For example, in a
drawing of an animal, it may
be the eyes, the entire face, or
a whole section of the body
In this cartoon,
that is especially fascinating.
the very happy
primary focal
Secondary focal point refers
point takes to a center(s) of interest in
center stage, a drawing composition that
while the is signi icant, but not quite
disgruntled as important as the primary
secondary focal
points look on.
focal point.
F
Folk Art is a traditional genre of
art that depicts the life style, customs,
culture, and values of a society.
Foreground refers to the sections of

an artwork that are closest to the viewer.
Objects (or people) in the foreground are
usually rendered with more details and
a greater contrast of values than those in
the middle ground or background.
Forensic art refers to the artistic

techniques used by police departments
and investigative agencies in the
identi ication, apprehension, or conviction
of wanted or missing persons.
Forensic art includes several speci ic
disciplines including:
Age progression: (also see age
progression and age regression) is
frequently used to create an updated
A calm, peaceful scene at a resort in Nova Scotia, Canada, image of a child who has been missing
called the Liscombe Lodge. An inviting chair is in the foreground for a long time.
of this scene. The Liscombe River is in the middle ground, and
the distant trees and sky are in the background. Image modiication: can be as simple
as adding or removing a beard or
mustache from a photograph of a
suspect, or as complicated as drawing
an entire face hidden behind a ski
This is a typical mask by referring to nothing more
composite than a video image.
drawing;
however, this Post-mortem reconstruction: refers
person exists
only in my
to the process of sculpting a three-
imagination. dimensional head and face from a
As an aside, I
skull.
retired from my
Composite art: the artist is often
twenty-five-year
career as a called a sketch artist. Composite art is
forensic artist in the best-known discipline of forensic
2003 to pursue art. In essence, a forensic artist
a new career translates other peoples memories
as an author of
into drawings.
art instruction
books.
F
Naturally, strong drawing skills and an
in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy
are important. However, even more
essential is the artists ability to
interact with, and interview the victim
or witness, and successfully gather,
interpret, and illustrate the information
obtained from his or her memory.
Foreshortening (also see

geometric perspective) is an element
of perspective that describes the visual
distortion of objects and living beings
when viewed at an extreme angle. The
word foreshortening applies to a single
object or igure, whereas the word
perspective refers to an entire scene.
A drawing that resulted from
asking my friend, Rob, to
demonstrate foreshortening.
Form is an element of art that is
His comical pose illustrates created in drawings and paintings
the importance of drawing by using shading and (or) colors
foreshortening correctly. to transform shapes into three-
Foreshortening creates extreme dimensional structures.
visual distortions. Only his left
arm and head appear to be their
actual lengths. Format (See drawing format.)
The boring
shape of
a circle is Fresco is an artwork (often called
outlined in a mural) painted on a thin layer of
graphite. plaster that covers a wall or ceiling. For
example, frescoes that date back more
A few very than 3,500 years have been discovered
different in Greece. The ceiling of the Sistine
drawings that Chapel (in Rome) is also a fresco that
began with an was painted by Michelangelo between
outline of the 1508 and 1512.
shape of a circle
(or circles).
Shading was Friable is used to describe the
added to each
circle to create extent to which a dry drawing medium
the illusion of crumbles or breaks. For example,
forms. Needless charcoal and chalk are friable, and
to say, my therefore drawings created with friable
imagination took mediums need to be sprayed with a
over for three of
these drawings. ixative to protect the medium from
eventually falling off the paper.
G
Drawing of a male
G
Geometric
figure, standing on
a wooden deck and perspective (sometimes
leaning against a railing, called linear perspective) (also
illustrates a practical see atmospheric perspective)
application for geometric is a precise drawing technique
perspective for creating
the illusion of depth. that makes subjects in a
drawing look like they recede
into distant space. Drawing
subjects appear smaller the
farther they are away from
you. Conversely, the closer
people and objects are to you,
the larger they look.
Perspective is the very
foundation of realistic art,
in that it has the power to
create the illusion of a third
dimension on a lat piece of
drawing paper.
All the edges of
the boards on To understand geometric
the deck, and the perspective, you need to
horizontal railings, be familiar with its three
extend back to
the exact same
basic components: horizon
vanishing point on line, vanishing point, and
the horizon line. perspective lines.
Horizon line (also called

eye level) is an imaginary
horizontal line that divides
your line of vision when
you look straight ahead. In
essence, the horizon line and
your eye level are one and the
same.
In reality, each figure standing
on this striped bridge is the Wherever you move - from the
exact same size. However, top of the highest mountain
when viewed in perspective, the to the lowest valley - your eye
figures appear smaller the closer level always stays with you.
they are to the vanishing point.
G
Objects below the horizon
line are below your eye level,
and objects above the horizon
line are above your eye level.
As an artist, you control
whether you want viewers to
feel like theyre at eye level
with, or looking downward
or upward at the objects in
your drawing. You decide the
viewers eye level based on
where you choose to draw
the horizon line.
At eye level: To create the

Pretend that you are the figure standing on the rock. The horizon line represents
Illusion that viewers are at
your eye level. If this were real life, youd have to look upward to see the objects
above the horizon line and look downward to see those below. Boxes that touch eye level with the objects in
the horizon line are at your eye level. You cannot see their tops or bottoms. your drawings you need to
employ the perspective lines
(de ined on the next page) as
follows:
Perspective lines of
objects at your eye level
(touching the horizon
line) converge both
downward and upward.
Boxes (and other objects above your eye
objects) that need to level (above the horizon
appear lower than your line) converge downward.
eye level, are drawn
below the horizon line.
Their perspective lines objects below your eye
converge upward to the level (below the horizon
vanishing point (VP). line) converge upward.
Looking downward: If
you want the viewers of your
drawings to feel like they are
looking downward, draw the
You can tell that subjects below the horizon
you are looking line. The perspective lines
downward of objects below eye level
at these four angle upward towards the
objects because
you can clearly
horizon line and converge at
see their tops. a vanishing point.
G
Looking upward: To create
the illusion that the
viewer is looking upward,
draw your subjects above
the horizon line. The
perspective lines of objects
that appear above the
viewer, lead downward to a
vanishing point.
Vanishing point is an
imaginary point (or points)
on the horizon line where
perspective lines converge.
Imagine yourself flying in a small plane over a residential area looking downward.
Naturally, your eye level (the horizon line) is straight ahead of you. By drawing the
horizon line in the upper section of your drawing space, you can capture the illusion Perspective lines are
that you and the viewers of the drawing are looking downward at the houses, front imaginary straight lines
yards, and street in this scene.
(usually angular), which
extend from the edges of
Perspective lines, drawing subjects, back to a
drawn from the edges vanishing point (or points)
of each cube to the on the horizon line.
vanishing point,
create the illusion that
the cubes are floating Gesso is a white primer
in the air like helium- that can be applied to
filled balloons.
absorbent surfaces (such as
canvas) to seal and prepare
the surface for oil or acrylic
paint. Gesso can be tinted
with acrylic paints (but
not oil paints) for a toned
surface.
As an aside, many artists
simply begin painting
without an underdrawing.
Others prefer to render a
preliminary drawing with
paint. Some artists like to
Boxes that are do a detailed drawing with
higher than your a dry medium (such as
eye level are above graphite, charcoal, or chalk)
the horizon line.
You can see their on a primed surface before
bottoms but not they begin painting.
their tops.
G
You can begin an underdrawing
after the initial couple of coats
of gesso are brushed on, dried,
lightly sanded (if a smooth
surface is preferred), and then
brushed clean with a dry brush.
A graphite
To prevent the drawing medium
underdrawing for an from bleeding through your
acrylic painting on inished painting, you should
stretched canvas was spray the surface with a ixative
sprayed with a fixative and paint it with a thin layer of
and then painted with
a thin wash of primer.
gesso (diluted with water). This
wash should be thin enough
to allow you to still see your
drawing.
Gesture sketch (also see

rough sketch) uses simple
sketching methods to capture
the past, present, or potential
movements of living beings.
Gesture sketches are usually
rendered quickly to capture the
energy and movement of the
subject.
Golden Mean (also see rule

of thirds and focal point) is a
mathematical formula devised
by the ancient Greeks, used to
create a balanced composition
through the strategic placement
of focal points.
An active child presents artists with invaluable opportunities to increase their

sketching speed while attempting to capture a vast range of gestures. Gouache is an opaque water-
based paint (similar to poster
paint) that dries to a matte
inish.
Grade (also see graphite and

pencil) refers to the softness or
hardness of the mixture used
Different grades of pencils make marks of various values. For example, lines in the manufacture of drawing
drawn with a 2H pencil are considerably lighter than those rendered with a 6B. mediums.
G
Graduation (also
called graduated
shading or graduated
values) is a continuous
progression of values,
from dark to light
or light to dark. The
Five grades goal of graduated
of pencils
shading is to keep the
are used to
demonstrate transitions between
their different the different values
capabilities lowing smoothly into
when drawing one another.
graduated
values.
Graphite (also see
grade) is a soft black
A cartoon drawing
of a sheep, who is form of opaque (non-
proudly modelling transparent) carbon
the first known use found in nature. It is
for graphite. often mixed with clay
to make various types
of drawing tools for
The grade of this graphite artists.
pencil is 3H. Before you buy Graphite was
graphite pencils, look for the
grade (usually clearly written
discovered in England
on the wooden casing). By somewhere between
the way, this is an excellent 1500 and 1560. Its
brand name for good-quality claim to fame as a
pencils. drawing tool began
with farmers marking
their sheep to easily
identify their locks.
The various grades
of H graphite pencils
Four H grades of
graphite that make work beautifully
light to middle for light and middle
values, and four B values. B graphite
grades that work pencils are best for
well for creating middle and dark
middle to dark
values. An HB values. A combination
pencil is ideal for of both H and B
middle values, and graphite pencils can
is considered as create a full range of
either an H or B values from very light
grade.
to almost black.
G
Modern-day graphite pencils
consist of a cylindrical stick of
a graphite and clay mixture,
encased in a wooden cylinder.
Graphite is also available as
sticks, powders, woodless
pencils, and leads for mechanical
pencils.
Pure graphite is blacker and
softer than the clay with which it
is mixed. As a rule, H pencils have
less pure graphite than B pencils.
(To help you remember, think of
H as hard and B as bolder.)
The actual amount of graphite
in the composite determines the
label of a pencil. For example
a 9H pencil is made up of
approximately 40% graphite;
conversely, a 9B pencil has more
than 90% graphite.
Grid is a precise arrangement

of a speci ic number of squares,
of exact sizes, proportionately
The black stripes drawn on both a photo and a
on this drawing of a drawing surface.
zebra were shaded To explain the process of working
with mostly B grades
of pencils. The white
with a grid, the following
stripes were almost demonstrates the three stages of
completely rendered drawing a German Shepherd:
with H pencils (I used
a 2B sparingly for
the white stripes in 1. Planning and drawing
the darkest shadow grids: The photo was rotated
sections). (until I found an angle that I
liked) and then taped to graph
paper.
Using the graph paper as a
guide, I drew the grid lines
on the photo with a ine-tip
A photo of Evie was ballpoint pen. I then marked
tilted slightly before letters and numbers along the
drawing a grid on its outer edges to identify each
surface. vertical and horizontal row.
G
A larger
corresponding grid is
carefully outlined on
my drawing paper.
Evies head is
meticulously 2. Sketching
sketched inside proportions: I work
a grid that is
in only one square at
approximately
three times the a time with 2H or HB
size of the grid leads in mechanical
on the reference pencils. I visually
photo (see page measure proportions,
47). In addition, I
and observe the
used Photoshop
to make this relationships between
illustration much the lines, shapes, and
darker than the spaces in each square,
actual sketch. while constantly
In fact, my lines
referring to the photo.
are so faint I can
barely see them. I outlined all parts
of the dogs head,
ears, and face in
their correct places,
beginning in the upper
right corner. I then
referred to the photo
to map out where I
planned to draw light
or dark values.
A detailed
drawing of a
wonderful old 3. Adding shading:
lady captures her The grid lines were
sweet and gentle all carefully erased,
nature. Using
a grid, saved and a full range of
considerable values was created
time and energy with various grades of
by helping me pencils from 2H to 6B.
easily render
accurate
proportions. Gum Arabic (also
Then I could see binding agent) is
fully focus on
the fun aspects a binding agent that is
of drawing her added to various media
portrait. to improve the bonding
properties of their
ingredients.
H
H
Hake brush (See brushes.)
Handmade paper refers to any type

of paper that is made without modern
technology or machinery.
During the Renaissance, drawing papers were
handmade by breaking down or chopping up
source materials such as plants, vegetable
matter, rags, and (or) sailcloth, into individual
cellulose ibers. These ibers were mixed with
water to form a soupy pulp, and were then
scooped up with a wire screen and set into a
wooden mold.
The pulp was leveled lat by shaking the
wooden mold, and once the water had
drained through the screen, an even deposit
of matted ibers remained on the screens
surface.
This matted deposit was then turned out onto
A graphite drawing on modern acid-free paper (made from
a heavy woolen cloth or felt. Another felt was
100% cotton fibres) is based on Michelangelos drawing,
Study for the Head of a Youth. The original drawing layered on top of the thin sheet of pulp, then
by Michelangelo was rendered on handmade paper; more felt, and so on. The resulting stack of
unfortunately, time has deteriorated his paper to the point pulp sheets and felts were then pressed to
that the details are difficult to see. extract as much of the moisture left in the
pulp as possible.
The sheets of paper were then hung to dry. At
this stage, the paper was still very absorbent
Hardcover
sketchbooks
(like blotting paper). To harden the surface,
come in the paper was coated with a non-absorbent
many sizes sealer (such as a layer of gelatin).
and colors,
and have
The type of paper that was very popular with
a durable, the masters was coated with white lead and
unbendable ground bone, usually tinted with a pigment,
cover that and tempered with a glue sizing.
protects your
paper and
drawings Hardcover refers to a durable type of
from being book cover that is made from a thick and
wrinkled.
unbendable material.
H
Hardness (also see grade and
graphite) refers to the numerical
rating of H-grade media according
to their ingredients; the harder the
mixture the higher the number.
For example, an 8H graphite pencil
has more clay (hard) than graphite
(soft), and therefore makes an
extremely light mark. Conversely, a
Two different types of hatching graduations created with both H and B 2H graphite pencil is made with a
grades of graphite.
higher percentage of graphite, and
therefore makes a darker mark,
and is not as hard as an 8H pencil.
Hatching (also see

crosshatching) is a series of
lines (called a set) drawn closely
together to give the illusion of
values. Depending on the shading
effects desired, the individual lines
in hatching sets can be far apart or
close together.
Heightening refers to the

technique of applying a light
pigment (such as white chalk or
gouache) to sections of a drawing
to enhance the illusions of mass,
form, and light.
White gouache is used to paint several Hematite (often called iron

small highlights on this close-up view of
Drawings of a oxide) is the ingredient in natural
a sketch (see page 22), to heighten the
heptagon and a red chalk that determines its
illusions of form and light.
hexagon are created speci ic hue.
in Photoshop.
Heptagon is a straight-sided
shape with seven sides and seven
angles.
Hexagon is a straight-sided
shape with six sides and six
angles.
50 Copyright to all definitions, images, and text within this book belongs to Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace.com, and may not be reproduced or used for any
commercial purposes whatsoever without the written permission of Brenda Hoddinott. E-mail: brenda@drawspace.com Web site: http://www.drawspace.com.
H
A close-up view of high- High contrast (also see
contrast shading used to
illustrate the shiny, polished
contrast and low contrast)
surface of a small section of refers to shading that is created
a sandstone sculpture. by drawing the darkest values
adjacent to the highlights and
lightest values.
The subject of this still-life drawing
is an original sandstone sculpture
of a winged creature carved by High key (See key.)
my friend, Jesse Wilts. The high
contrast texture of the polished stone
was created with various grades of High Renaissance (also
pencils from 2H to 6B and a drawing see Renaissance) refers to the
technique called stippling.
styles and techniques of the
early 16th century paintings
of Florence and Rome,
characterized by technical
mastery, and humanistic
content.
Highlight (also see eye) is

a small section (or sections) of
a drawing or painting subject
(or subjects) that is rendered
with white or a very light
value. Highlights identify the
brightest area of a form where
the dominant light bounces off
its surface.
Highlights are more
pronounced on shiny or
glistening surfaces than those
which are dull or matte.
You can usually ind the
brightest highlight in a drawing
or painting on the section of
the primary focal point that
is closest to the light source
(without being in shadow).
Less intense highlights are
often used to enhance the
illusion of form on secondary
focal points and less important
areas of interest.
Several highlights create the illusion that this drawing of a replica of a medieval
knife has a shiny blade and handle.
Copyright to all definitions, images, and text within this book belongs to Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace.com, and may not be reproduced or used for any
commercial purposes whatsoever without the written permission of Brenda Hoddinott. E-mail: brenda@drawspace.com Web site: http://www.drawspace.com. 51
H
Two sets of horizontal lines (also History is a written record of
called hatching lines): the upper
set has five lines and the lower set
the past; mostly about the lives
has thirteen. and activities of human beings
and their environments.
For example, historians (people
who study and write about
history) have documented that
Leonardo da Vinci was born in
Italy in the year 1452.
Four lines in this drawing of an
open-ended box are horizontal.
Optical illusions are fun! Is Horizon line (See
the white square in the center geometric perspective.)
closer to you than the sides?
Or, are the sides closer to you
than the white square? Keep Horizontal describes a lat
staring at the white square until
surface or line that is at a right
you can see both illusions.
angle to vertical lines, and is
parallel to a level surface.
Horizontal format (See

drawing format.)
Horizontal line is a
geometric object that is at a
right angle to a vertical line,
and parallel to a level surface.
Hot-pressed describes a
paper that is pressed through
hot cylinders during its
manufacture. Some smooth,
hot-pressed watercolor papers
are wonderful for rendering
graphite drawings.
Hue (also see color) is

another word for color (such as
red, purple, or teal).
The warm, creamy hue of Arches, 100% cotton, hot-pressed watercolor

paper brings out the warm hues of graphite. A couple of dabs of bright white
chalk heightens the highlights of her eyes to make them stand out strongly.
The hat, face, and neck are shaded with squirkles, the hair with hatching,
and her clothing with crosshatching.
I
I
Icon is a visual
image or a graphic
In my book Drawspace symbol that is used
Guide to Getting
Started with Drawing,
to identify a speci ic
a cartoon drawing of task or information.
Albert Einstein is turned For example, icons
into a circular icon to can identify sidebars
identify definitions of art in books, or speci ic
words and terms.
functions on computer
display screens.
This oil painting of a
little elf was used as
an illustration for the Illustration is an
month of December on image that is used
a corporate calendar, to enhance a book,
and for Christmas publication, or concept,
cards that were mailed
or help explain
out to their clients.
text. For example,
illustrations are used
throughout this book
to further the readers
comprehension of text
de initions.
A tiny section of an Impasto is a

impasto painting that painting technique in
was created by first
covering the canvas which the paint is laid
with a thick layer of on so thickly that its
gesso and then painting texture stands out.
over the dried surface
with oil paints.
Impressionism is
a style of art in which
realism is distorted
so as to accentuate
color, light, form, or
(and) movement. The
term Impressionism is
derived from a painting
by Claude Monet titled
Impression Sunrise.
I
In-home studio is a
personal drawing place within
(or adjacent to) an artists home.
An ideal in-home studio has
adequate space for the artist and
his or her art supplies. It can
range from a small section of a
table, to a large, fully equipped
professional art studio.
Ink (also see sepia ink) is a thin

The style liquid (usually black or colored)
of this oil that is applied to a surface with
painting can a brush or pen to write, paint, or
be considered
impressionism,
draw.
and one of the Inks have been used by artists
techniques for hundreds of years. Most
used is
impasto.
Renaissance pen-and-ink
drawings were rendered with
black and (or) various shades
of brown, red, and orange. The
most popular inks for traditional
and classical drawing include
India, Chinese, and Bistro.
Todays inks are available in a
wide assortment of colors and
can be mixed together and (or)
diluted to make almost any color
imaginable.
A few different
types of Materials for ink drawings
holders and include inks, pen nibs, holders,
nibs for
and brushes. Most art stores
drawing and
writing with carry several types of pen
inks. holders and many sizes of nibs.
Intensity describes the

brightness or dullness of a color.
Intermediary colors (See

color.)
Iris (See eye.)

When Cerulean Blue is mixed with white and a little orange (its
complementary color), the intensity of the new color is dull (almost gray).
J
J
Juxtaposition
is an aspect of
composition that
refers to the close
placement of
elements, in order to
compare or contrast
their relationships
A juxtaposition and (or) enhance the
that promotes message or meaning
a message to of the artwork.
be accepting
of, rather than For example, colors
judgmental and shapes can
toward be juxtaposed to
individuals complement or
based on their
clothing and contrast one another.
body language.
This drawing of
For comparison:
a young man Similar objects
contrasts his can be added to
physicality with an artwork to
his kind and illustrate a speci ic
gentle nature
(as revealed
theme (such as a
in his facial drawing of various
expression). objects that are all
made of wood).
For contrast:
Artists can put
two or more
objects together
that have opposite
associations or
interpretations
(such as putting
something
new and shiny
beside an object
that is old and
A detail section of a painting (Eden, Dawn of Feminism) that uses
juxtapositions to compare stylized parts of human bodies to illustrate a weathered).
message about archaic societal and pop cultural perceptions of women.
K
K
Key refers to the overall
amount of light and dark values
in a drawing.
High-key drawings (think
of high levels of light) have
a range of values that are
mostly light. Sometimes, even
the shadows and dark areas
are shaded with medium
values rather than extreme
A few years ago, I create two drawings of the same subject (my friend, Ben darks.
Fong) to experiment with high- and low-key. My goal was to find out if key
alone could influence the mood of a drawing. The backgrounds are painted Low-key drawings (think
with washes of India ink, and the portraits are drawn with graphite pencils. of low levels of light) have a
This drawing is, for the most part, high-key. (I decided to leave sections of range of mostly dark values
his hair and eyes dark.) The high-key rendering seems to make the model and tend to be ominous
appear shy and innocent. or moody. Some low-key
drawings can also be high-
contrast, which entails
drawing the darkest darks
next to the lightest lights.
Kneaded Eraser is a
versatile, soft, pliable eraser,
used to erase parts of a drawing
or to make a section lighter. Its
tip can be molded to a point (or
wedge) to erase small sections
of a drawing, or to draw ine
This low-key drawing creates a
more ominous and intense mood.
lines on a surface, covered with
Even though his face has the same a drawing medium, such as
expression as the drawing above, graphite.
the model seems more assertive
and confrontational.
To clean a kneaded eraser, you
simply stretch and reshape it
(also known as kneading)
several times.
Before you begin the process of
molding and shaping a new kneaded
eraser, it is a rectangular form.
L
L
Landscape is a drawing or
painting depicting an expanse of
natural scenery that includes some
components of land (such as trees,
mountains, or beaches).
Landscape format (See

drawing format.)
Leadpoint (also see stylus

and metalpoint) was an ancient
drawing tool made of lead (a soft
metal) or a lead alloy, that would
leave marks on unprepared paper.
You wont find the subject of this Lead produced a beautiful faint
landscape anywhere on planet line that could be erased.
Earth. This lake surrounded by
mountains existed only in my During the Renaissance leadpoint
imagination until I created this was popular for creating an
drawing. underdrawing in preparation for a
more detailed drawing (to be done
over top) using another medium.
Archeologists have On the downside, the tip of a lead
discovered primitive
leadpoint drawing tools stylus would quickly become blunt.
that have been traced Leadpoint is considered the
back to ancient Rome. ancestor of the modern-day lead
pencil, which is actually a lead-free
composite of graphite and clay.
Left-brain refers to the left

hemisphere of the brain which
controls analytical, mathematical,
and verbal thinking.
Level (also see horizontal and

parallel) refers to the comparison
of one horizontal surface or line to
The top and bottom edges of the painting are level another or others.
with the top of the table.
L
Life drawing
process of drawing
from a living being,
rather than a photo or
sketch.
Life drawing (noun) is
an artwork or sketch
created by using an
actual living being as a
reference.
Dedicated artists
devote several years
to mastering the skills
Life drawings of three needed for accurately
figures are roughly drawing the contours
sketched with feathered and forms of human
lines, then outlined with igures.
more precise continuous
lines, and finally, shaded
with hatching lines. Light source is
the direction from
which a dominant
Photographs of a light originates. A
ceramic vase sitting light source identi ies
in a dish changes its the light and shadow
appearance drastically areas of a drawing
when viewed with four
different light sources.
subject, so artists
know where to add
light or dark lines and
values.
Three types of
lines: straight, Line is the visually
angle, and curved. identi iable path of a
point moving in space.
Straight, angle, and
curved lines can vary
in width, direction,
and length, and are
used in drawings to
visually separate and
(or) de ine the forms
of a drawing subject.
L
Drawing with only lines enhances your ability Line drawing
to draw accurate proportions. Also, shapes and
forms (and some textures) can be defined with
is an artwork
only diverse types of lines (and no shading). created with only
lines. The goal is to
accurately outline
the contours of
the various shapes
and (or) forms, of a
drawing subject.
Line of
symmetry
is a line (real
A facial profile is neatly sketched on or imaginary)
one side of a line of symmetry. dividing a drawing
space into two
equal sections
so as to render
a symmetrical
drawing subject.
The outline on
each side of the
line of symmetry
needs to be a
A mirror image of the face is added to the other mirror image of
side of the line of symmetry. The line of symmetry the other side.
is then erased and horizontal lines are added
at the top and bottom. Ah - but wait - this is an
optical illusion! Can you also see the vase? Linear
perspective
(See geometric
perspective.)
Low contrast
(also see contrast
and high contrast)
refers to shading
To resist the with a limited
temptation of range of values.
adding dark
values, I used
mostly H pencils Low key (See
to make sure my
key.)
drawing ended
up low-contrast
and high-key.
M
A Manga drawing of a young

M
Manga (a Japanese
child is outlined with a fine
tip black marker. A few very
word for comic book)
simple hatching lines help refers to a popular style of
make her proportionately cartooning that originated
huge eyes stand out strongly. in Japan. Manga also
refers to reprints of
Japanese comics that are
translated from Japanese
into other languages
(such as English).
Manikin is an
accurately proportioned
male or female model
My goal with this Manga
(usually made of wood)
drawing was to create
a scary character. Even that can be bent and
with snake eyes and contorted into various
nostrils, he still ended up poses. Many manikins
adorable. are designed speci ically
for artists as references
for practicing igurative
drawings and (or)
establishing accurate
human proportions for
a speci ic pose in an
artwork. Manikins of
animals are also available.
The process of sketching
a realistic igure based
on the proportions of a
manikin, is as follows:
My two favorite manikins 1. Turn the manikin
( a male and female)
are manipulated into
around until you ind
silly dance poses. The the perspective you
body of the female (on prefer. Adjust the
the right) is not as tall various parts of the
as the male, and has a manikin to the desired
slightly shorter torso and
smaller waist.
pose.
M
For example, you can
place the manikin above
or below you and rotate
it for a frontal, back, or
side view.
2. Sketch the shapes of the
manikin as accurately
as possible. Outline
various body parts, such
as shoulders, knees,
elbows, and wrists.
3. Re ine the outlines of
the parts of the manikin
to represent the body
type you envision. For
Three simple steps example, maybe your
take you from a goal is to draw a tall
manikin to a sketch basketball player or a
of a human. Drawing short, muscular dancer.
a human figure from
a manikin requires
(An illustrated book of
a basic knowledge human anatomy can be a
of, and (or) good very helpful reference.)
reference materials, Add additional details
on human anatomy. such as hair, accessories,
and (or) clothing.
Markers are disposable

drawing (and writing) tools
with a soft tip (often made
of felt) that are illed with
a colored or black liquid or
A cartoon drawing of a baby ink. Markers are available
mermaid is outlined with a 0.1
with tips of many sizes from
Staedtler black pigment liner
(a high-quality disposable very ine to large.
marker used by both amateur Inexpensive childrens
and professional artists).
markers tend to be water-
soluble and come in lots of
Different types of markers can be wonderful bright colors.
combined in a single drawing. For Professional artists
example, the overall shape can be
outlined with a thick black marker,
markers are available
small details can be added with a in both water-soluble
fine-tip black marker, and colors and permanent, and are
can be added with childrens ideal for both artistic and
broad-tip markers. commercial endeavors.
M
A simple drawing of a flower Master is a term of
based on a work by a master
artist of the Renaissance
respect and honor earned
(Leonardo da Vinci). by accomplished artists
with exemplary skills in
their speci ic disciplines. For
example, think of a master
A profile view of an old
mans face copied from
painter or a master of the
a drawing by Leonardo violin.
da Vinci. My primary
goal was to duplicate the
loosely rendered hatching Masters of the
and outlines of various Renaissance were
weights. I also added a
extraordinary artists whose
few marks to imitate the
deterioration of the paper innovative techniques, styles,
so the drawing would and ideas, greatly enhanced
appear old. visual art from the 13th to 16th
centuries.
Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello,
Jan van Eyck, Hans Holbein,
Michelangelo, and Raphael are
but a few of the major artists of
this period.
These masterful artists (and
others) are remembered for:
Enhancing styles of art that
focused on drama, story-
telling, human anatomy, and
highly realistic portraiture.
Inventing new painting
and drawing techniques,
and enhancing classical
techniques (such
as chiaroscuro and
heightening); and
establishing rules and
guidelines for more
accurate portrayals of
subjects (for example:
rules for geometric
perspective, and guidelines
for rendering the accurate
proportions of human
igures and faces).
M
Contemporary Inventing, discovering, or
sketch of a improving drawing and
horse that
employs
painting tools (such as
the drawing graphite, prepared papers, and
techniques of oil paints made with linseed
the masters oil).
of the
Renaissance.
Matte (also see texture) is
a surface texture that is dull
and lusterless, which often has
additional characteristics, such as
smooth or rough. Many fabrics,
rocks and stones, and un inished
wood, have a matte texture.
Mechanical pencil is a
drawing tool with an internal
mechanism that pushes a thin
graphite lead, from the tiny tube
inside the holder, through the tip.
The marks created by a mechanical
pencil stay consistent in size,
allowing artists to focus their
time and attention on the process
of shading, rather than stopping
every couple of minutes to sharpen
a regular pencil.
Mechanical pencils can hold
various grades of graphite (from
very hard to soft), and come in
different sizes.
For example, a 0.3 mm mechanical
pencil allows you to render very
Six close-up views of
clothing with matte detailed drawings; a 0.5 mm pencil
textures: knit sweater; is great for regular drawings, and
denim jacket; fleece jacket; 0.7 and 0.9 mm pencils are ideal
cotton T-shirt and scarf; for sketching loosely or drawing on
faux fur collar; and hat.
a large surface (or both).
Replacement leads are sold in
single packages of leads of the
same grade. Many mechanical
Five of my favorite pencils even have erasers for
mechanical pencils
range in size from
which you can buy re ills.
0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
M
Graphite Medium refers to a
drawing
of trees
drawing tool (anything
and a lake from the burnt end of
rendered a stick, to a pencil, to
on Arches a computer software
hot-pressed program) used to make
watercolor
paper.
marks.
In some cases, the word
medium also describes
the artistic technique
used; its form (such
as a pencil), and (or)
the surface on which a
drawing is rendered.
For example, the
medium of a speci ic
artwork could be
described as hatching
with graphite pencil on
cotton paper.
A fantasy butterfly rendered with graphite Quick charcoal sketch of a butterfly with
The marks made with
on smooth watercolor paper. three-dimensional wings. various mediums have
a major in luence on
the look of a drawing.
For instance, drawings
rendered with graphite
pencils look quite
different than those
done with charcoal,
markers, or Photoshop.
Mediums and
Simple drawing of a butterfly outlined with Cartoon butterfly outlined with a thin media (also see
2H and 2B grades of graphite pencils. black marker. medium) refer to more
than one medium.
Metalpoint (also see

leadpoint and stylus)
A digital drawing was is a drawing tool that
created by scanning was popular during
a cartoon drawing the Renaissance, and
(outlined with marker) made from a relatively
into Photoshop, and
soft metal, such as lead,
then adding colors.
silver, gold, or copper.
M
A mixed media Mixed-media
drawing (titled Winged
Lightning) created with
describes an artwork
colored pencils, a fine- created with two
tip black marker, and or more different
Photoshop. mediums.
Mixing paint (also

called mixing paints)
refers to the process
of combining varying
amounts of paint of
different colors to
The following seven photos show you how to mix black paint create a new color.
using the Scoop and Spread method:
I refer to the following
popular method for
1. Add Raw Umber, mixing paint as the
Ultramarine Blue, Scoop and Spread:
and Titanium White
to your palette. 1. Squeeze small
2. Scoop up some
dollops of at least
Raw Umber with two base colors
your palette knife. (unmixed paint
straight from the
tube) onto your
palette.
2. Turn your palette
3. Spread the Raw
Umber onto a clean knife on its side
section of your and scoop up a
palette. little bit of one
color.
3. Gently ease the
4. Wipe the paint off
your palette knife
paint off the bottom
with a piece of of the palette
paper towel, and knife (similar to
scoop up a slightly spreading butter
smaller amount of on a slice of bread)
Ultramarine Blue.
onto a clean section
of a palette.
4. Scoop up a little of
another color.
5. Spread the
Ultramarine Blue 5. Add the second
almost on top of the color to the irst
Raw Umber. color.
M
6. Use your palette
knife to scoop up
both colors together.
7. Spread the paint
6. Use the back onto the same
bottom of the place on the palette.
palette knife to
scoop up both 8. Continue to scoop
colors. and spread (and add
additional colors if
7. Spread the partially mixed
needed) until the
paint back onto the palette.
If you are doing this paint becomes the
correctly, youll have very color you want.
little paint on the upper side
of the palette knife. To mix a light or
medium color, try to
8. As you continue to avoid adding white to
scoop and spread,
the streaked pattern
a dark color. Instead,
of two colors slowly you slowly add small
becomes one new amounts of color to
solid color. In this white until you obtain
case, the new color is the desired color.
black.
1. Add white and any
The next two photos
color (either straight
show you how to mix a
dark gray paint: from the tube or a
color youve already
1. To make a dark
mixed) to a clean
gray, add a small part of your palette.
dollop of Titanium
White to the black, 2. Add a very tiny
and scoop and amount of the color
spread until you to the white paint.
see a solid gray.
Remember, when 3. Scoop and spread
you mix a light or until the color is well
medium gray, you
mixed.
should add the
color(s) to the white 4. If the new color
paint.
is too light, add
2. A dark gray is another tiny amount
created by first of the base color
mixing Ultramarine until you create the
Blue with Raw color you want.
Umber and then
adding a tiny Keep in mind that most
amount of Titanium paints become a little
White.
darker when they dry.
M
Modernism refers to
a style of art that makes
a distinctive break away
from all previous genres.
Monochromatic
(also see achromatic
and polychromatic)
refers to a drawing or
painting that is rendered
with a range of values
(or tints) of a single
color.
Mummy portrait
is a painting of a man,
woman, or child that was
Photoshop was
used to modify
attached to the face of
this full-color a burial mummy. Many
painting to a date back to the Roman
monochromatic occupation of Egypt.
range of brown
values.
Mural is a drawing
or painting on a wall,
ceiling, or other large
surface.
For example, a very
well-known mural by
Leonardo da Vinci (The
Last Supper) was painted
on the back wall of the
dining hall of Santa
Maria delle Grazie in
My goal while Milan, Italy during the
rendering this
Renaissance.
work was to
create a drawing Many walls and ceilings
that looked like of buildings and
a painting of an churches throughout the
ancient mummy
portrait. I decided world are adorned with
to include the murals. Murals have
flaws of the old even been discovered on
wooden panels the walls of prehistoric
on which it was caves, and inside ancient
painted.
Egyptian tombs.
N
N
Nasal (also see
nose) refers to
a nose and any
of its parts and
understructures.
Negative
A simple cartoon drawing of a fish. The All space inside the rectangular space (also
fish is considered positive space. drawing format that is not occupied by see positive
the fish is called negative space.
space) refers to
the area, space,
or background
that visually
surrounds or
appears behind
or in front of an
object, person, or
another space.
Newsprint is
an inexpensive
In this photo, I decided to make the All space around the swan (including its paper generally
shape of the swan my positive space. reflection in the water) is negative space. used for printing
newspapers.
Newsprint is not
recommended
for drawing
because it is very
thin, tears easily,
and eventually
yellows due to its
acidic content.
Nose is the
organ of smell
and the entrance
to the respiratory
tract.
A diverse collection of noses of many shapes and sizes.
N
A human nose is made up of the
following ive basic parts:
1. Bridge (sometimes called
the nasal bone) is the section
of the nose where the
upper bony section joins
the cartilage. While barely
visible on young children,
the bridge of an adult
nose often protrudes as a
noticeable bulge or bump.
The contoured outline of the
bridge is most obvious when
the nose is viewed in pro ile.
Drawing of a frontal and profile view of a nose has arrows pointing to its
various parts: (1) bridge, (2) ball, (3) wings, (4) nostrils, and (5) base. 2. Ball (also called the tip)
refers to the largest, central
rounded form of the lower
half of the nose. The shape of
the ball may appear circular,
oval-shaped, triangular,
or even rectangular (with
rounded edges, of course).
When viewed in 3. Wings are the two softly

profile, the outline rounded (often triangular
of many young shaped) forms extending
childrens noses
appears curved
from the sides of the ball of
(sometimes called the nose.
upturned), sort of
like a ski slope. 4. Nostrils are the two openings
on the lower section of a
nose.
5. Base of a nose (also called
the septum) is in between
the nostrils and connects the
nose to the lower face above
the upper lip.
The basic shape of the lower

When looking at
a frontal view of section of a childs nose is very
a young childs similar to that of an adult.
nose, his or However, childrens noses are
her nostrils are generally smaller and shorter,
usually quite
with an upturned ball and an
noticeable.
underdeveloped bridge.
N
Adult noses fall into three
categories (based on the
locations of the lower edges of
the ball and wings):
1. Upturned: angles upward
and the ball is higher than
the wings.
2. Horizontal: ball and
nostrils line up horizontally.
The lower section of a nose can (1) slant upward (upturned), (2) be level 3. Down-turned: angles
(horizontal), or (3) slant downward (down-turned).
downward and the ball is
lower than the wings.
Most parts of human noses are based on spheres and circular forms. When viewed from the
side, only two circular forms come into play: the ball and one wing. The ball and two wings
need to be considered when drawing a frontal or three-quarter view of a nose.
Before you begin drawing a nose, observe whether the ball

is above, level with, or below, the nostrils, and examine the
shapes of each individual part.
You can render a drawing of a nose in three basic steps:
1. Sketch the overall shape, size, and location of the nose
in relation to the face, and outline the ball and wings.
2. Refine your sketch by accurately outlining each shape
including the bridge, ball, and nostrils.
3. Add shading to define the form of each shape.
O
An octagon with eight

O
Octagon is an eight-sided
straight sides and eight
angles.
shape with eight angles.
Oil cup (also called a

palette cup or a painting
cup) is a small container that
can be clipped to an artists
palette to hold a medium
(such as linseed oil) and (or)
a brush cleaner (such as
odorless paint thinner). Oil
Two different cups are available in various
types of double sizes and types, including
oil cups. singles and doubles; some
even come with covers.
Oil paint (also called oil

or oils) is a painting medium
that is made by mixing a
inely ground adhesive
pigment with an oil binder.
Oil paint was the primary
painting medium of the
High Renaissance and has
continued to dominate
painting for the past 500
years. Oil-based paints take
much longer to dry than
acrylics, but offer a greater
An original oil painting titled
Lesperance Nave depicts a small
ease of manipulation, and
child holding a dying sunflower. their colors change very little
The sky is dark and stormy; yet, when dry.
the eyes of the child reflect a
bright light representing hope.
Oil painting is a work
of art created by applying
oil paints to a surface (such
A close-up view of the dying as canvas, heavy linen, or
sunflower reveals the tears of board).
its subliminal, sorrowful faces.
O
Oil pastels are a dry
drawing and painting
medium in which
pigments are mixed
with a very dense oil
binder. Oil pastels are
available in cylindrical
and rectangular sticks
covered with a thin
paper. Oil solvents (such
A single vanishing point (marked VP) is used to draw a simple three-dimensional box.
as turpentine) can
be brushed on an oil
pastel drawing to blend
the colors for a more
painterly appearance.
One-point
perspective
(also see geometric
perspective) is the
technique of using a
single vanishing point
to create the illusion
of a straight-on view
Five shapes (a circle, the letter H, two triangles and a parallelogram) become three- into distant space. One
dimensional forms when drawn with one-point perspective. point perspective occurs
when the frontal face
of an object (such as a
cube) is closer to you
than its sides.
Opaque refers to a
medium (such as paint)
or material (such as
paper or fabric) through
which you cannot detect
light.
For example, you cannot
see light through thickly
applied acrylic paint on
canvas or heavy board.
Likewise, thin paper is
less opaque than thick
You can use one-point perspective to draw a three-dimensional scene in which paper.
everything appears smaller, closer to the vanishing point.
O
Orbital socket
(also called orbital
cavity) is the
protective bone
cavity of the face
which keeps the
eyeball protected.
Original refers to
an artwork (such as a
painting or drawing)
created by an artist
who was the irst
to bring the work
from its intellectual
conception to its
creative conclusion.
There can never
be more than one
original; however,
reproductions
(such as gicles)
can be made by
photographing or
The original idea for this drawing scanning the original
came to me as I examined a artwork to replicate
perfectly formed sunflower growing (or print) copies of
from a seed that was dropped into a
pot of soil by a bird. (I took a photo of the original image.
the flower as a reference.)
Oval (sometimes
called an ellipse) is
an elongated circle.
My initial sketch for a drawing of Overlapping

a nose is three simple ovals. The refers to a drawing
largest oval overlaps (appears to
or painting technique
be in front of) the other two.
for creating the
illusion of depth
in an artwork by
rendering a subject
so it visually appears
A group of circular shapes to be in front of
demonstrate how overlapping
creates the illusion of depth another (or others).
in a drawing.
P
P
Paint (noun) (also
called paints) refers to
an art medium (such
as watercolor, oil, or
acrylic) that is made by
mixing pigment with
a thick or thin liquid.
Paint is applied to a
A few of the many
colors that are
surface (such as paper,
available in most fabric, or board) with
types of artists paints. a tool (such as a brush,
palette knife, or ingers)
to create a painting.
process of applying
paint to a surface.
An oil painting with
an arrangement
of lillies, buds, Paint box is a
leaves, and container used for
stems. Oil paints
worked beautifully
storing painting
for creating this materials, such as
softly blended brushes and (or) paint.
background.
Painter is a person
who paints.
Painting (noun) is
an artistic composition
created by applying a
liquid medium (such
as paint or ink) to a
A golden rosebud painted with
surface.
colored pencils (many artists refer In recent decades the
to working with colored pencils word painting has
as painting instead of drawing).
Colored pencils are a fun medium
come to include some
that is not messy, and very dry mediums (such as
portable when you want to create pastels and colored
art away from your home. pencils).
P
Painting knife
(also called a palette
knife or mixing knife)
is a trowel-like
lexible knife used
for painting and (or)
mixing paint, and is
available in a wide
My favorite painting knife reveals a few dents and scratches from its many variety of shapes
years of service.
and sizes.
Palette
(sometimes called
a mixing tray) (also
see disposable
palette) is a lat
surface (usually
made of plastic,
Two different
types of plastic wood, metal, or
palettes. glass), or a lat
surface with several
small built-in cups
(often made of
plastic or metal)
used for holding,
mixing, and (or)
storing paint.
Palette of
colors (also called
a palette or color
palette) refers to the
choice of colors used
or (and) preferred
by an individual
artist.
For example, I prefer
to paint with only
the primary colors,
white, and a dark
All the colors in this painting were mixed with various combinations of white, two reds, brown. I love the
two blues, two yellows, and a dark brown. This is my favorite color palette and is challenge of mixing
comprised of only eight tubes of paint. the exact colors I
want.
P
Paper (also see handmade
paper and tooth) is the most
popular surface used for
drawing. Special papers designed
speci ically for drawing are
available in a vast selection of
sizes, colors, tooth, and weights
in large art supply stores.
Parallel (also see

perpendicular) refers to two or
more straight lines that slant in
the exact same direction and can
extend to in inity without ever
intersecting.
Parallelogram is a four-
sided shape with two sets of
parallel sides that are equal in
length, and in which the opposite
angles are identical.
Parchment (also called

vellum) is an ancient drawing
This drawing of an owl is rendered on my favorite type of paper: Arches or writing surface made from
140-pound, hot-pressed, watercolor paper. calf, sheep, or goat skin, and was
widely used before paper was
easily available. Contemporary
artists generally prefer a
synthetic parchment paper,
which is much less expensive,
more readily available, and is not
made from animal skins.
Pastels (also see chalk

pastels and oil pastels) are dry
drawing mediums (sometimes
available in either sticks or
Parallelograms
have two sets pencils) that are manufactured
Four sets of
parallel lines: of parallel lines by mixing dry, powdered
diagonal and identical pigments with binding agents.
(slanted), opposing angles.
Artworks created with pastels
vertical, and
horizontal.
can be called sketches, drawings,
or paintings.
P
Pattern (also see texture)refers
to the arrangement of the different
values or colors of an object or
subject, as represented by lines,
blending, or shading. Sight alone
identi ies patterns.
Pens (also see ink) are

disposable, re illable, or
A striped pattern (above) and a spotted pattern (below) are sketched with rechargeable drawing tools used
a smooth texture (on the left) and the fuzzy texture (on the right). for commercial art, sketching, and
drawing.
Disposable pens are
inexpensive and meant to be
thrown away when the ink runs
out. They create consistently
even lines.
Reillable technical pens are
expensive, but can last several
years when properly cleaned
and maintained. The lines
A fun cartoon of produced are sharp and never
a starfish (named
Starr) is rendered
vary in width.
with both thick and
Rechargeable pens do not
thin disposable
pens. hold their own ink supply
and must be dipped into ink
before use. Each pen is made
up of a holder and a nib (nibs
A sampling of of various sizes can it into a
different types of single holder). However, when
pencils includes you buy, make sure the nibs
charcoal, cont, and holders are compatible;
chalk, carbon,
some manufacturers make nibs
and graphite.
that only it their own holders.
Pencil (also see carbon pencil,

colored pencils, graphite,
charcoal, mechanical pencil,
wood-encased pencil, woodless
pencil, and pastels) refers to a
broad category of drawing tools
that have a medium inside a
holder.
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For example, a regular pencil
has a medium encased in a
wooden holder. On the other
hand, a mechanical pencil has
replaceable, thin cylindrical
sticks of medium that are
manually loaded into a tiny
tube inside a holder.
The marks made by charcoal
and carbon pencils are very In the early seventeenth
similar; however, carbon century, the word pencil
is slightly finer, and more was used to identify any
consistent in quality. writing or drawing tool that
held a piece of graphite,
chalk, or charcoal, as well as
Needless to say, the core of brushes with pointed tips.
a woodless graphite pencil By the end of the nineteenth
is considerably thicker than
century, pencil de ined a
that of a wood-encased
graphite pencil. stick of graphite encased in a
cylindrical piece of wood.
Modern-day pencils are
categorized by the medium
Three wood- inside the holder (such as
encased charcoal, cont, or chalk).
graphite
pencils made The word pencil comes
by different from the Latin word pencillus,
manufacturers. which means little tail.
A large building in Arlington, Virginia is Pentagon is a straight-

named after this geometric shape. sided shape with ive sides
and ive angles.
Permanent (as used to

describe markers and pens)
refers to the ability to remain
waterproof when dry.
Perpendicular refers
to a straight line (real or
imaginary) that meets (or
intersects) another straight
line to form at least one
Each of these two drawings is made up of four right angles, even though the ninety-degree angle.
second drawing is slightly tilted. Hence, line AB is perpendicular to line CD, and
line CD is perpendicular to line AB in both drawings.
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Detail view of the Perpendicular and
various shapes, forms, parallel lines are the only
and textures of an
unfinished pen-and-
types of lines that can
ink drawing of autumn extend to in inity without
leaves that is being ever connecting.
rendered with pointillism.
Perspective (See
geometric perspective,
atmospheric perspective,
foreshortening, and one-
A close-up view of
point perspective.)
pointillism reveals
thousands of seemingly
random dots of various
Perspective
colors that were drawn lines (See geometric
with a rechargeable pen perspective.)
and several different
colors of ink.
Pigment refers to the
colored material that
is mixed with dry or
liquid mediums to create
the colors in a colored
artwork.
Pointillism (also see

stippling) is a method of
drawing or painting with
several layers of small
colored dots, strokes, or
individual brushstrokes.
When viewed from a
distance, the dots in
A delicate pointillistic pointillist paintings
drawing of a section of and drawings appear to
a rose is created with
colored pencils.
blend together to create
the illusion of depth,
visual masses, and forms.
Nineteenth-century
A close-up view of pointillism French impressionistic
(rendered with colored pencils)
clearly shows a few of the
artists (including George
thousands of dots of various sizes Seurat and Paul Signac)
and shapes that create a picture. helped this genre to
Dots rendered with a pen or fine-tip become a highly respected
marker tend to be more consistent style of painting, and
in both size and shape.
(more recently) drawing.
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A fun Polychromatic
polychromatic
acrylic painting of
(also see achromatic and
a mischievous- monochromatic) refers to an
looking parrot. artwork created with several
different colors.
Portable studio is a
variety of drawing or painting
materials that are packed
in an easily transportable
container used for creating
art outside your home.
A few
examples In addition to art supplies,
of drawing you may want to include
supplies that any of the following in your
an artist might
pack inside a portable studio:
portable studio. View inder frame.
Note: a pencil
sharpener is Portfolio (if you use
the item most sheets of drawing paper).
often forgotten!
Plastic bags to protect
your artwork (and you) in
case of rain.
Beverages and snacks.
Wipes or paper towels for
clean-up.
Small camera to take
photos of inspirational
scenes and objects.
Depending on where you
go, you may need bug
repellent.
Oh, and dont forget your
sunscreen and a hat!
A handmade Portfolio (also called a

portfolio held portfolio case) is a hard-sided
together with foldable case in which artists
yellow duct tape, store (or carry) paintings,
tied with blue
shoelaces, and
drawings, and sheets of
decorated with drawing paper to protect
a drawing of them from damage.
daisies.
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Four portraits of the same person Portfolios come
(created from the same photo) have been in many different
rendered to look like four very different
people.
sizes and types,
ranging from
simple inexpensive
cardboard to high-
quality, expensive
leather.
A portfolio also
refers to a body of
work created by
an artist for self-
promotion and
(or) to supplement
an application
for career
advancement
opportunities
An executive in an big technology
(such as
corporation, a professional
snowboarder, or a musician? educational
upgrades or gallery
A computer security expert with the
FBI, an archeologist, or a Karate exhibitions).
instructor?
Portrait is an
artwork depicting
a likeness to
a persons (or
animals) face and
sometimes his or
her body.
Portrait
format (See
drawing format.)
Positive
space (also see
negative space) is
the space occupied
An artist, a secret agent with Scotland A philanthropist and advocate for
Yard, or an elementary school teacher? human rights, a photographer, or an by an object or
environmental scientist? living being and
(or) its various
parts.
And - the answer is (drum roll please): In reality, this man of many faces is a psychologist.
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Positive and negative spaces assume
distinctive shapes. Artists need to be
able to identify the individual shapes
that de ine the positive and negative
spaces an object (or living being).
The outlines of that object (or
living being) exist where the two
spaces meet; hence, knowing how
to see spaces is integral to drawing
accurately.
Pouncing is a technique
(popular during the Renaissance) for
transferring the outlines of an image
to another surface (for example,
transferring a drawing on paper to a
canvas or wall).
1. First, the outline of the image is
1. Examine the drawing of the cartoon boy. perforated with a series of tiny
2. Consider his head positive space. holes and placed on (or taped to)
3. The background around his head is therefore negative space. the inal surface.
4. Imagine lifting the positive space from the paper and placing it into 2. A ine powder (such as charcoal
the opening created by the negative space (like a jigsaw puzzle). powder) is sprinkled (or
Where the edges of the two spaces meet is where you should
sometimes gently rubbed) over
draw the outline of the boys head.
the image outlines, causing some
of the powder to fall through the
holes onto the new surface.
3. The original image is removed
to reveal guidelines on the new
surface for creating another
drawing or painting of the image.
Powdered (also see drawing

powder and charcoal) describes a
drawing medium (such as graphite)
that has been ground into a ine
powder.
The smoothly flowing outlines
of an antelope are copied
from an ancient fresco.
Prehistoric describes the period
in time before language was used to
Drawings of three animals based on write and record history. Prehistoric
prehistoric cave drawings created by humans drew pictures on many
cavemen (or cavewomen). surfaces, including the walls of caves.
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Prepared paper
(also see handmade
paper) is a paper
that is coated with a
This female substance that seals,
is eight colors, and (or) alters
heads tall, its surface and (or)
and almost
tooth. The surface of
two heads
wide at the a popular drawing
shoulders. paper during the
The heights ifteenth century was
of most coated with several
female layers of white lead
figures and ground bone
share the
that was tinted with
following
proportional a pigment and then
similarities: tempered with glue
Top of the head touches line 1, and entire head is in between lines 1 and 2. sizing.
Chin touches line 2, and top of the shoulders is approximately one third of the way
down from line 2. Primary colors
Armpits are along line 3, and lower sections of the elbows align with line 4. (See color.)
Wrists and crotch are along line 5 (halfway down from the top of the head), hands fit
into the space between lines 5 and 6, and the tips of the fingers line up at mid-thigh
between lines 5 and 6. Primer (See gesso.)
Lower sections of the knees are on line 7, and bottoms of the feet are on line 9.
Proportion is
the relationship in
You may be quite size between two or
surprised by how more components of a
proportionately tiny an
infants face actually is!
drawing (or painting).
Observe the following: As an aside, the
1. The size of
proportions of human
the face is igures are usually
represented as a measured in heads
small circle, and (the length of a head
the head as a from the top of the
large circle.
skull to the bottom of
2. The features are the chin), which can
lightly sketched
within the
be different for each
guidelines. person.
3. The outline is
refined. Pupil of an eye
4. Shading is added. (See eye.)
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Raw Umber as it appears

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Raw Umber
straight from a tube of acrylic
paint, and when applied directly
is the name of a
to a surface (such as canvas). dark brown color
available in several
mediums (including
watercolor, oil, and
acrylic paints, as well
Raw Umber mixed with
as colored pencils).
Ultramarine Blue and white
creates gray. When mixing paints,
you can end up with
a wonderful black
This detailed when you combine
representational graphite Raw Umber with
drawing of a Siamese Tiger Ultramarine Blue.
Fish is considered realism.
You can then add
small dabs of this
color to white to
create various values
of a neutral gray.
Realism is a style
of art in which living
beings and objects
are represented in
an artwork (such as
a drawing, painting,
or sculpture) as
they appear in real
life (in other words,
without stylization
or distortion).
Realistic
Realism can even be sculpture
achieved when drawing
is a three-
a very tiny animal,
such as this water flea dimensional art
(Daphnia) that can only form that portrays
be seen with help from a recognizable shapes,
microscope. objects, or people.
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Ream refers to a unit
of 500 sheets of paper,
and is used to calculate
a papers weight.
The weight of paper
describes the thickness
of individual sheets
of paper. For example,
The opposite sides of
this rectangle are equal thin paper weighs very
in length. little, but is easily torn
and damaged. Thick
paper is more durable
than thin because it
A thin rim of weighs more.
reflected light
(marked RL)
along the Rectangle is a
lower right parallelogram with
edge of a four straight sides and
sphere greatly four right angles.
enhances
the illusion
of three Red chalk (also
dimensions.
called sanguine) is a
drawing medium made
from a combination
of clay and hematite
(also known as iron).
Leonardo da Vinci is
thought to be the irst
artist to use red chalk
extensively for drawing
(toward the end of the
The rendering of reflected ifteenth century).
light is an invaluable
technique for creating the
illusion of different forms on a Reflected light is
persons face. a faint light re lected
or bounced back on
an object from nearby
Reflected light along the surfaces.
edge of the jaw serves
to separate the edge of
the jaw from the neck. Regular pencil
Otherwise, the outer (See graphite and
edge of the jaw and wood-encased pencil.)
the neck could appear
attached.
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Drawing of a seahorse is rendered Renaissance (from the
with techniques made popular during
the Renaissance.
French word for rebirth) (also
see High Renaissance) refers
to the diverse changes within
European culture from the early
12th century to the late 16th
century. During this short period
in history, visual art developed
more than at any other time
since the beginning of mankind.
Between 1480 and 1527,
during the period known as
the High Renaissance, many of
historys most renowned artists
created some of the greatest
masterpieces in the history of
A drawing of a medieval spoon demonstrates art.
the Renaissance drawing techniques of Today, this rebirth (also referred
outlining a subject with lines of various widths,
and shading its values with hatching.
to as new birth), continues its
growth with a resurgence of
the learning and teaching of
This cartoon traditional drawing techniques
drawing of in home school, recreational, and
a snake is academic learning environments.
representational.
(In other words,
it looks like a Render refers to the process
snake, but is not
realistic; no living of making or creating something.
snakes actually For example, an artist can render
look like this.) a sketch by drawing lines on a
sheet of paper.
Representational (the
opposite of abstract and
nonrepresentational) is the
depiction of objects, igures, or
scenes as visually determined by
the artist.
Unlike abstract art, the subjects
of representational artworks are
recognizable, but not necessarily
A detailed
drawing of a realistically or factually
spider is both represented.
representational
and realistic.
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Resource files
I file my non-
(also called resources)
digital reference
photographs in small are a collection of
boxes labeled by information (such as
subjects, such as books, articles, photos,
faces and still life and digital images) used
so I can easily find
by artists as references
something when I
need it. for writing or (and)
creating art.
Right angle is
Even though these formed when two
three angle lines straight perpendicular
are slanted in lines meet at a ninety
different directions, degree angle.
each is considered
a right angle.
Right-brain
describes the right
hemisphere of the
brain, which controls
visual and perceptive
functions. Your creative
The lumps and bumps of
and insightful right
the rough texture of an brain sees abstract
avacado is rendered with connections between
squirkles. lines, shapes, and spaces
in a non-narrative
context, to help you see
proportions.
Romanticism
refers to a genre of
art during the late
eighteenth and early
nineteenth centuries
that celebrated nature,
rather than civilization.
The texture of weathered
old wood (as in this old rain
barrel and wooden shack) Rough (also see
is often so rough that if
you ran your hand across
texture) refers to
its surface, you would the surface features
probable need tweezers of objects that are
to remove splinters from uneven, abrasive, lumpy,
beneath your skin. irregular, or jagged.
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Rough sketch (also see gesture sketch and sketch) is a quickly rendered visual notation
of an image or idea that illustrates the important elements of a subject using very few details.
Rough sketches can capture a pose or gesture, establish values, suggest proportions, and (or)
arrange the major components of a composition.
A rough sketch
of a caricature
of a little girl sets
up the basic
proportions of her
face, hair, and
clothing.
Additional visual
information is
added to this
rough sketch (of
a little girl named
Hallie Kate) during
the rendering of
the final detailed
drawing.
Rough tooth
(See tooth.)
A simple
sketch of a
compositional Rule of
formula known
as the Golden thirds (also
Mean. see focal point)
identi ies four
A compositional formula
ideal locations
called the rule of thirds within a
identifies four ideal potential rectangular
locations for focal points. drawing space
for a focal point.
The rule of thirds
The rule of thirds identified the best is a variation of
location for the lobster trap (the an old traditional
primary focal point) in this sketch compositional
of a fishing community. The larger
of the two fishing shacks and a
formula known
section of land (secondary focal as the Golden
points) are sketched around the two Mean.
upper points.
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Sandpaper block is an artists
The core of tool with tear-off sheets of ine
any type of sandpaper used to sharpen the points
wood-encased of pencils. Your wood-encased pencils
pencil can be
will last longer if you use a sandpaper
sharpened with a
sandpaper block. block more often than a pencil
sharpener.
Scriptliner (See brushes.)
Sculptor is an artist who creates

sculptures. For example, a well-known
sculptor of the Renaissance was
Michelangelo; one of his most famous
sculptures is the statue of David.
Sculpture is a three-dimensional
artwork that is made of a material
such as bronze, rock, or marble.
Sepia coloring
gives an Secondary colors (See color.)
antique feel to
a caricature of
a man wearing Sepia refers to the popular brown
a medieval- colors used in various media. During
styled shirt. the Renaissance, the word sepia
(derived from Latin and Greek words
for cuttleish) was used to describe an
artists brownish-gray pigment made
from the dried ink sacs of cuttle ish
and squid.
Sepia ink is a thin, brown liquid

medium used for painting, writing,
and (or) creating drawings with
Sepia ink can be mixed
with red or orange ink
re illable and (or) rechargeable pens.
to create a warmer,
brighter brown.
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A detailed caricature of a teenage boy is Sepia toning
rendered in graphite on white paper.
is a genre (or
method) of
printing or digitally
photographing (or
modifying) images
with tones of brown
(rather than black
and white, or full
color). Some sepia-
toned photographs
from the late 1800s
have survived the
ravages of time and
still exist today.
Photoshop is a great program for changing a

graphite drawing into a sepia-toned portrait. Sets of lines
(also see contour
crosshatching,
Two simple sets of hatching lines;
contour hatching,
one with straight lines and the other
with curved lines. crosshatching,
and hatching) are
created when several
lines are grouped
Sets of crosshatching lines
together to create
can be simple or complex, shading.
depending on the techniques
you use for creating specific
textures and three-dimensional Shading (noun)
forms. refers to the various
values within a
drawing that make
images appear
textured and (or)
three-dimensional;
(verb) the process
of adding values to
a drawing so as to
create the illusion
of texture, form,
and (or) three-
dimensional space.
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Sets of hatching and crosshatching lines created all the different textures and forms in the
shading of this drawing. The subject is the same person as a child and as an adult.
Shading
map (also
called a value
A shading map map) is a plan
becomes graduated (or blueprint) for
shading in the following adding shading
four simple steps: to a drawing.
1. The shapes of The shapes of
different values various values
are very lightly
outlined and
are identi ied and
marked: H lightly outlined
(highlight), L (light on the drawing
values), no mark paper before the
(medium values), shading is added.
and D (dark
values).
2. Light values Shadow (also
graduate toward see cast shadow)
the medium. refers to a dark
3. Medium values area on a surface
graduate toward that is caused
the light and dark
values.
when light is
blocked (or
4. Dark values
graduate toward partially blocked)
the medium by an object or
values. living being.
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Five different Shape is a
shapes created
with straight lines.
two-dimensional
geometrical object that
A few extra can serve as the outline
lines are added, of a three-dimensional
and sections object. For example, a
of others are circle is the shape of a
erased, to give
the same five
sphere. Common shapes
shapes fun include squares, circles,
personalities. and ovals.
Sharpener (also
see sandpaper block)
is a tool for sharpening
pencils. An ideal
sharpener for artists
is hand-held, made
of metal, and has two
openings (for regular
and oversized pencils).
Shiny (also see

texture, smooth, rough,
and matte) refers
Four types of hand- to a texture that has
held pencil sharpeners;
the one with two blades
highlights re lecting off
and openings (in the its surface. Shiny objects
lower right) is my very can be glossy or highly
favorite. polished, such as the
surface of a shiny new
penny or polished brass.
Three examples of Sidebar is a section

shiny textures include
(or box) of text (some
silk fabric, a silver
medallion, and a have illustrations) that
leather jacket. provides additional
information about a
topic. For example,
many instructional art
books have sidebars
that provide readers
with de initions of
art-related words and
terms.
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Single curved
line (sometimes called
a simple curved line)
(also see curved line,
compound curve,
and line) curves in
A set of eleven
single curved lines. only one direction,
either clockwise or
counterclockwise.
Sketch (noun) (also

see igure, gesture
sketch, underdrawing,
and rough sketch) is a
A two-dimensional simple representation,
sketch of the most outline, or drawing, that
important shapes of captures the integral
a bee are sketched aspects of a subject
proportionately
correct.
quickly and ef iciently,
and often serves as a
preliminary drawing
for a more detailed
Shading is added to
the bee with several drawing;
different grades (verb) refers to the
of pencils and a process of rendering a
variety of techniques
including hatching, sketch.
squirkling, and
stippling. The bee
now appears to be Sketchbook refers
three dimensional. to several sheets of
drawing paper that are
bound together and
contained within a soft
or hard cover.
Smooth (also see

texture, shiny, rough,
and matte) is a texture
with very few surface
features. When you
run your hand over a
smooth surface, you feel
Four examples of little or no unevenness
fabrics with a smooth or roughness.
texture.
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Softcover describes
a lexible book cover
that is usually made of
medium-to-heavy paper.
Softcover sketchbooks
are inexpensive; however,
you need to handle them
carefully so the paper
Shading can transform a inside doesnt wrinkle.
circular shape into a sphere
and the planet Earth (also
referred to as a sphere). Sphere is a perfectly
round geometric object (a
three-dimensional circle)
in which all points on
the surface are the same
Contour hatching turns four
distance from the center
circles into four spheres point. Balls and globes are
(the cartoon face and its examples of spheres.
eyes and nose).
Spiral line is a curved

line that can never
meet itself to form a
shape. It can continue
in either a clockwise
or counterclockwise
direction, and simply
becomes larger (or
smaller) and less (or
more) curved, the longer
Spiral lines are fun to
draw and can become it gets.
progressively longer and
longer until you eventually
run out of paper. Spray fixative is
a transparent, aerosol
coating that is sprayed
onto an artwork to help
the medium adhere to
the paper to prevent the
drawing from smudging.
Square is a shape with

A square is the first four straight sides that are
shape most people think the same length and four
of when asked to name a right angles.
straight-sided shape.
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Squirkling is a shading
technique in which randomly
drawn overlapping curved
lines and shapes (called
squirkles) create values.
Squirkling is ideal for simple
Five different values created with squirkling and five grades of graphite. drawings by beginners as
well as highly realistic works
by professional artists.
I created this word in the
eighties to describe this
method of textured shading
that combines squiggles and
scribbles with circles.
Squirkles are used to create a textured graduation of values from light to dark.
Squirkles are randomly

rendered, overlapping curved
lines and shapes that are
used to create a shading
technique called squirkling.
Squirkles are
wonderful for Sticks (also see charcoal
creating tons and chalk pastels) are a type
of different of drawing tool in which
textures, a medium is compressed
including the
fleece jacket
into a block or cylindrical
modelled by sticks. Sticks come in various
a beautiful sizes, which make them
young lady highly adaptable for diverse
named Anne. mark-making styles and
techniques; large sticks are
great for large sketches, and
smaller sticks for smaller
works.
Sticks even work well when
broken! The sharp edges of
broken pieces are fantastic
for rendering thin, strong
lines. The lat ends and
Squirkling sides can be used for broad
is an ideal strokes. You can even use a
shading
technique for
sharp knife and (or) coarse
rendering very sandpaper to sharpen a stick
curly hair. to a ine point.
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Still-life drawings do not Still life is
have to be boring (as
you can tell by this fun
an artwork
drawing of a poseable Glass objects (such that depicts
picture frame). as this unusual bottle) representational,
make wonderful still- inanimate
life drawing subjects. objects such as
fruit, lowers, or
bottles.
Stippling
(also called
stipple or
stippled) is
a shading
technique in
which a series
of dots are
arranged in
groups to create
the illusion of
values.
Light values are
made by drawing
a series of dots
that are light in
value, small, and
(or) far apart.
Dark values
A bbarrell iis usually
ll an ordinary
di still-life
till lif require a lot
subject until you add a cartoon face. more patience
because you
need to draw
many more dots
that are closer
together.
To achieve a
A close-up view of strong contrast
an eye shaded with in values, you can
stippling. also make the
dark values with
larger dots and
A cartoon of a bird that (or) draw dots
is outlined and stippled
with a very fine-tipped
that are darker in
black pen. value.
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Straight line is
a geometrical object
that provides the
shortest connection
between any two
points. Straight lines
can be rendered thick
or thin, long or short,
and drawn in any
Stippling is my favorite direction. They are
shading technique for categorized into three
illustrating my jewelry basic types: vertical
designs.
(straight up and down
and at a right angle
to a horizontal line);
horizontal (level and
at a right angle to a
vertical line); and
diagonal (slanting or
sloping at an angle).
Straight-sided
Two angle lines with right angles connect to create a straight-sided shape called a square. shape is a
geometrical object
such as a square,
rectangle, or triangle
that is created when
three or more straight
lines connect to form a
shape.
Stretched
canvas (See
Two angle lines join together to create a parallelogram (or diamond-shape). canvas.)
Stump (also see

blending stump) is a
pointed, solid stick of
soft paper or leather,
used for blending and
shading drawings.
An angle line and a straight line connect to make a straight-sided shape called a triangle.
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True realists do Style refers to an
not use lines to
outline shapes.
artists individual
I (on the other approach to his or her
hand) love using own art. For example,
lines, which is realism is a well-known
a traditional style.
characteristic
of illustrators. An artists style
Look closely at is de ined by an
this drawing and accumulation of her/his
you can see my
inherent preferences,
style of drawing
outlines. life experiences, artistic
philosophy, personal
goals, and academic
background. When an
artists personal style
Even though I know that lines do is critiqued and (or)
not outline objects in the real world, examined by others,
I just cant resist adding outlines to the resulting label
some of my drawings. Check out
the outline of her lower jaw, ear, and
may focus more so on
sections of her hat. a particular historical
period or artistic
movement than the
artists true style.
In other words, labels
should not become
more important to
artists than staying
true to the style with
which they feel most
comfortable.
Stylus (also see

leadpoint and
metalpoint) refers to
a thin metal stick used
for drawing during the
Renaissance. It was
most often cast with a
ine point at one end
Needless to say, when I want to draw without
and a blunter point at
outlines, I can (as you can see in this close-up
view of a young mans face). But the temptation the opposite end, so as
is always there to outline shapes. My style to provide artists with
of drawing doesnt fit well into any current the creative freedom to
category; so I made up my own. I refer to my vary the width of their
true style as Illustrative Realism.
lines as they worked.
S
A stylus leaves a thin
deposit of metal on
the surface of paper,
producing a very
ine line. Silver was
very popular with
Renaissance artists
because it eventually
tarnished, and took on
a beautiful, luminous,
The brown tonality.
subjects
of this
drawing are Subject is a word
a group of used to identify what
teenagers an artist is drawing or
and adults
painting.
wearing
special-
effects
makeup,
Symmetrical (See
and dressed symmetry.)
in costumes
for a
haunted Symmetry (also
house see line of symmetry)
production. in drawing is a
balanced arrangement
(sometimes referred
This fun cartoon was
to as a mirror image)
designed as an icon for a
drawing book, and rendered of lines, shapes,
to be symmetrical. and (or) values on
opposite sides of
an often-imaginary
center line. In other
words, both sides are
symmetrical. Many
drawing subjects
(such as vases and
frontal views of faces)
look more believable
when drawn the same
on both sides.
This symmetrical drawing is an

optical illusion. (Imagine a line of
Synthetic
symmetry down the center.) Can you brushes (See
see a vase? How about the profiles brushes.)
of two faces?
T
T
Talent is a process of self-
discovery, throughout which you
acknowledge that you possess
the interest and motivation to
become exceptional in a speci ic
area. To ind out what a talented
person looks like, go look in
Four line-drawing
techniques are a mirror! With commitment,
used to outline patience, and dedication you can
the head of a turn your talent into skill.
koala.
Technical pens (also see

A proportionately pens) are drawing tools available
accurate rough
in both re illable and pre- illed
sketch is rendered
with feathered lines. (disposable) holders that work
beautifully for creating the sharp,
even lines used for detailed
drawings, drafting, graphic
design, and commercial art.
Continuous Pre- illed technical pens are
lines are used relatively inexpensive, and do not
to outline the
koalas eyes and
require constant cleaning.
nose. Re illable technical pens need
very thin ink speci ically
designed to pass through the tiny
opening in the nib of the pen.
Ink that is too thick can clog ine
nibs.
Technique is a well-known
method (such as a speci ic way
to do shading) that is used to
accomplish a particular activity
or task.
A technique for
rendering short fur For example, more than one
is used to outline Fluffy ears are line-drawing technique may be
the koalas head, created with a
technique for suitable for a speci ic drawing.
mouth, chin, and a
section of the nose. outlining long fur.
T
Hence, an artists selection
of a speci ic line-drawing
technique is generally based
on his or her individual
preferences, skill level, and
what works best to render the
subject.
Text refers to the words

used in writing.
Texture (also see smooth,

shiny, rough, and matte)
refers to the surface detail
of an object and can be
identi ied with vision, a sense
of touch, and (or) a general
knowledge of the subject.
Accurate rendering of an
objects textures is the key
to creating highly realistic
Sixteen different textures are created with various shading techniques.
drawings and paintings.
A thumbnail sketch of a young Three-ring binders

mans face in profile allows me
to plan the composition and
(See binder and resource
decide on the tones I want to iles.)
use for shading.
Thumbnail (also see

sketch and rough sketch) is
a preliminary sketch (often
smaller than the planned size
of the inal drawing) rendered
before an artist begins a
drawing, and is designed
to work through potential
problems with composition,
values, perspective, and (or)
proportions.
My final drawing turned out to be Tint (also see mixing paint,

very close to what I had envisioned; shading, and burnishing) is
mainly due to the fact that I took the process of combining a
the time to create a preliminary
thumbnail sketch. color (or tone) with white to
lighten its value.
T
Tone (also see
values) refers
to the degree
of lightness or
darkness of an
area. Tone varies
from the bright
In the style
of traditional white of a light
realism, the source, through
background is shades of gray, to
shaded with a the deepest black
range of tones shadows.
to enhance the
visibility of a Traditional
white goose on realists often use
white paper. tones (instead of
lines) to create
the illusion of
outlines.
Tooth refers
to the surface
texture of paper,
and can range
from silky smooth
to very rough and
Two close-up views of coarse.
graphite applied to paper
A highly detailed Paper with a
with a smooth tooth
drawing of a smooth tooth is
(from the side and front
cat is rendered
on). Very little of the lat with a silky
on paper with a
white paper is visible. texture; medium
smooth tooth.
tooth is uneven
with a slightly
rough texture;
and coarse tooth
is bumpy with
a very rough
texture.
The tooth of
paper can be
easily destroyed
Close-up of medium- by pressing too
tooth paper reveals Sketchbook paper hard on its surface
graphite sitting on its with a medium
tooth is perfect for
with your pencil
peaks and the white
paper showing through. capturing an owl. or aggressively
using an eraser.
T
If your
shading
begins to
look shiny,
the tooth
is lattened
beyond
repair;
additional
Paper with a rough shading will
tooth has high The rough tooth of a no longer
ridges and deep watercolor paper helps adhere to
grooves that create create realistic textures
distinctive patterns. of tree trunks.
the papers
surface.
Hence, you
should always
apply only a
little pressure
to paper with
your pencils.
Torso is
the primary
structure of a
human body
A simple sketch to which the
identifies and outlines head, arms,
the major forms of the Shading is added and legs are
fronts and backs of male to the sketches connected.
and female torsos. of frontal views
of female and
male torsos Tortillon
Detailed drawings of the to exaggerate
backs of female and male the various
(See blending
torsos accentuate the anatomical forms. stump.)
forms of bones, muscles,
and fatty tissue.
Trapezoid
is a four-
sided shape
in which only
two sides are
The shape parallel.
of this
trapezoid
resembles
a simple
flower pot.
T
Traditional realist (also see realism and style) refers to an artist who prefers to draw
subjects as they exist in reality. For example, in the real world, objects and living beings are not
outlined with lines. Hence, traditional realists outline their subjects with very lightly rendered,
feathered or continuous outlines that cannot be seen after shading is added.
Conversely, an illustrative realist (like me) prefers to have unrealistic outlines showing.
Outlining with visible outlines is simply a technical preference based on personal style.
In reality, giraffes are not outlined with dark lines.

As you examine the drawing of a baby giraffe
(on the left) rendered in the style of traditional Triangle is a shape
realism, your imagination seems to fill in the with three straight sides
outlines automatically (the dark spots help). and three angles.
However, many illustrative realists use their art
as illustrations for various applications, including
books or academic publications. Hence, dark Triptych (also see
outlines help their subjects stand out strongly diptych) is an artwork
from a white background. In the drawing on the consisting of three related
right, the dark outlines accentuate the various
forms of the giraffe. A simple musical instrument
paintings or drawings.
is named after a triangle.
U
U
Underdrawing
(also see sketch,
gesture sketch, and
rough sketch) is a
loosely rendered
drawing or sketch
that is created
as a guide for a
inal drawing (or
painting).
An underdrawing can
develop from a very
rough sketch to a Unity refers
more detailed sketch to a balanced
during the process of composition in
establishing accurate
which the various
proportions.
components come
Compare two stages
together to create a
of an underdrawing
of a dogs eye to the sense of harmonious
final drawing. integration.
An oil painting of a young

hockey player is unified by
using the directionalities of
compositional components and
a limited range of colors.
The many shapes of the colors
in the background (including the
ice in the lower section) seem to
point toward the boy, especially
his face (the focal point).
V
V
Value scale is a range of
different values that are drawn in
order from light to dark (or from
dark to light).
Values (also see tone) are

the different shades of gray (or
colors) created in a drawing
(or painting) by various means,
such as varying the density of
the shading lines, and (or) the
pressure used when holding a
pencil.
Vanishing point (See

geometric perspective, and one-
point perspective.)
Three methods for creating value scales also demonstrate three shading
techniques: hatching, crosshatching, and squirkling. Learning how to draw
value scales with a full range of values is integral to developing strong Vertical line is a geometric
shading skills.
object that is straight up and
down, and at a right angle to a
level surface.
Viewfinder frame is
an adjustable, see-through
frame that allows you to look
at a subject from various
viewpoints, and is invaluable
Three different grades of
pencils help create three when planning a composition for
examples of graduated any type of drawing or painting
values. (such as portraits, igures, and
landscapes).
An easily constructed view inder
frame consists of two adjustable
Several vertical L-shaped pieces of heavy paper,
lines are sketched cardboard, or matte board, which
freehand (without a is held together with paper clips.
ruler).
V
The three basic stages of working with a Vinyl eraser is an artistic tool used for erasing
viewfinder frame are: (1) examine your subject
(in this case, a photo) and decide what you
sections of drawings, and (or) drawing crisp, light
want to draw; (2) Look through the viewfinder lines and ine details on a surface covered with a
frame and adjust its two parts until you find an drawing medium (such as graphite).
ideal composition; and (3) render your drawing.
Vision describes the ability to see, and can also

refer to an artists creative aspirations.
Visual art refers to artworks (such as drawings,

paintings, and sculptures) that can be appreciated
with the sense of sight. For example, all the drawings
in this book are considered visual art.
Vinyl erasers are

available in many
forms, including
(1) blocks, (2)
wheels, and
(3) pencil-type
erasers.
Shadow (a Dalmatian) is a portrait of my daughters

dog, and an example of visual art.
W
An endearing cartoon
W
Warm Fuzzies are
of how I envision a
Warm Fuzzie.
encouragements or af irmations,
either given or received. They
represent something unique
to everyone, and live wherever
kindheartedness dwells.
Watercolor refers to translucent,

water-based paint that is available as
dry, solid cakes, or in tubes of thick,
liquid pigment. The word watercolor
can also be used to describe a painting
created with water-soluble pigments.
Wash refers to a technique in which

a dye-based medium (such as ink)
or a pigment-based medium (such
as watercolor or oil paint) is diluted
and applied to a surface (such as
watercolor paper or canvas) with a
brush.
A wash of ink enhances the background of a graphite drawing. (A Wood-encased pencil (better
wash also works beautifully when working with watercolors.)
known as a regular pencil) has a
To create this type of background, you first mix two or more thin, cylindrical stick of graphite or
values (or colors) with water in separate containers, and then
charcoal inside a wooden casing,
test the mixtures on a piece of scrap paper. Then, use a large
brush to cover the entire surface of a heavy watercolor paper with which is designed to keep your hands
different mixes. Sprinkle a little coarse salt in places where you clean.
want patterns; when the paper is completely dry (usually 10 to 12
hours), very gently brush off the salt.
Woodless pencil is a thick
cylindrical stick of graphite wrapped
in a vinyl casing; hence, your hands
stay clean as you work. Woodless
Woodless pencils pencils are a joy to work with, and
tend to be more ideal for large graphite drawings
expensive than
wood-encased;
needing wider strokes than regular
however, they last pencils can provide. When sharpened,
much longer. they can also make thin lines.
A
DrawSpace
QUICK
REFERENCE
DICTIONARY OF ART-RELATED TERMS
Abstract (page 1) (closely related to with acid deteriorate and turn yellow. Drawing
nonrepresentational) refers to art that is books and papers often have labels that tell
created with line, color, form, pattern, and you the paper is acid-free.
(or) shape, rather than realistically depicting
objects, nature, or living beings. In some Acrylic painting (page 2) (noun) is an
cases, the subject exists in reality, but may be artwork painted with acrylic paints. Acrylic
unrecognizable. paintings look very similar to oil paintings;
however, acrylic paints are considerably
Abstraction (page 1) refers to a partial more stable than oils, which tend to yellow or
or complete departure from reality in visual become brittle as they age.
imagery. For example, partial abstraction (verb) is the process of creating an acrylic
in a figurative work may include unrealistic painting.
colors and (or) forms. A total abstraction may
be completely unrecognizable as existing in
Acrylic paints (page 2) are water-based,
reality.
fast-drying artists paints that are thicker and
stronger than tempera or watercolor. Even
Achromatic (page 1) (also see though water is used to dilute acrylics from
monochromatic on page 67 and the tube, they become water-resistant when
polychromatic on page 80) describes an dry. Acrylics can work in much the same
artwork rendered without color, using only way as watercolor paints. However, unlike
black, white, and (or) shades of gray. watercolors, acrylics cannot be rehydrated
(brought back to a liquid) once dry.
Acid-free (page 1) refers to a high-quality,
long-lasting paper that has had the acid Aerial perspective (See atmospheric
removed from the pulp in the paper-making perspective on page 6.)
process. Art can be ruined when materials
A
Age progression (pages 2 and 3) is Alizarin Crimson (page 4) (also see
the art of rendering individuals older than color on pages 19 and 20) is the name (used
they are. Age progression is widely used for many different types of artists paints
in forensic investigations; especially those including oils, watercolors, and acrylics) of a
involving missing children. popular deep red paint color that can create
Even though peoples faces change vibrant reds (when mixed with Cadmium Red)
throughout their lives in natural and and bright pinks (when mixed with Titanium
predictable stages, its impossible to White), as well as brilliant purples (when
accurately determine how an individual will mixed with Ultramarine Blue and Titanium
look at a specific age. For this reason, age White).
progression and age regression techniques
are generally considered an art, rather than a Anchor (page 4) (also see composition
science. on page 21) refers to a component of
composition in which a section of a drawing
The following describes the aging process at
subject appears to extend outside the edges
various stages:
of a drawing or painting.
Newborn: Head is proportionately huge
as compared to the tiny body.
Angle (page 4) refers to the size of the
Age 1: Eyes are fully developed and neck space between two straight lines that intersect
is stronger and longer. (meet), usually measured in degrees.
Age 2: Jaw and chin are larger to make
space for a few teeth. Angle line (page 4) occurs when two
Age 4: Nose is longer and the face straight lines intersect to form an angle.
becomes more firm. Angle lines are used to draw such shapes as
squares, rectangles, and triangles.
Age 7: Eyebrows and chin are more
pronounced.
Anticlockwise (See counterclockwise on
Age 10: a thin layer of baby fat still covers
page 24.)
the face.
Age 13: Mouth, jaw, chin, and
Archaeologist (page 5) is a person
cheekbones are more defined.
who studies ancient peoples by finding and
Age 15: Facial muscles and jawbone are documenting the things they left behind. (As
more noticeable. an aside, many archeologists have excellent
Age 18: Brow ridge and bridge of the drawing skills.)
nose are fully developed.
Age 30: All facial structures are fully Art (page 5) (also called artwork) refers
developed. to the creations (such as drawings and
paintings) of artists who employ their abilities
Age 45: Wrinkles are visible, especially
to make original works of art - from the
around the eyes.
intellectual conception, to a never-before-
Age 60: Deeper wrinkles and forms, seen conclusion.
and facial bone structures are more
noticeable.
Artist (page 5) refers to any person who
Age 80: Deeper folds, pouches, and works within one or more art disciplines, such
wrinkles appear. as visual art, performance art, dance, writing,
or music.
Age regression (page 3) is the art of
rendering a person younger than her or his
actual age.
A&B
ArtSpeak (page 5) is a fun word used nose) refers to the largest, central rounded
to describe the vocabulary of art. An form of the lower half of the nose. The shape
understanding of art-related words and terms of the ball may appear circular, oval-shaped,
enhances your comprehension of curriculum, triangular, or even rectangular (with rounded
and helps make your creative experiences edges, of course).
more pleasurable (and less frustrating).
Base of a nose (page 69) (also see nose
Artwork (See art on page 5.) on pages 68 to 70) (also called the septum)
is in between the nostrils and connects the
Atmospheric perspective (page 6) nose to the lower face above the upper lip.
(also called aerial perspective) (also see
geometric perspective on pages 42 to 44) Basic colors (page 7) (also see color
refers to the visual depth created by particles on pages 19 and 20) are the six best-known
in the atmosphere. The farther subjects colors: yellow, red, and blue (primary colors)
recede into the distance, the lighter in value and orange, purple, and green (secondary
they seem to become, and their edges and colors). A simple box of eight childrens
forms appear more blurred. crayons includes the basic colors, as well as
Even on a clear day, your ability to see distant black and brown.
objects is decreased by an assortment of
atmospheric components, such as minuscule Binder (page 7) (also called a three-ring
particles of dust, pollen, and (or) tiny droplets binder) (also see binding agent on page 7) is
of moisture. great for organizing your reference materials,
Your vision becomes further diminished lesson files, printed electronic books, and
when the atmosphere is filled with haze, fog, small drawings. Small drawings can be
smoke, rain, or snow. Even close-up objects sprayed with a fixative and inserted into three-
can appear out of focus or almost invisible ring, transparent vinyl sheet protectors, before
under certain conditions (such as during a you add them to a binder.
snowstorm).
Binding agent (page 7) (also called a
Avant-garde (page 6) refers to the creation binder) is an ingredient in paint that solidifies
and application of new, original, and (or) as it dries, thereby binding the pigment
experimental ideas and techniques. particles together so that the paint adheres to
a surface.
Binding agents are also added to powdered
drawing mediums (such as charcoal) to
B compress them into solid cylindrical, square,
and rectangular forms.
Background (page 7) (also called distant Black (page 8) (also see color on pages
space) refers to the sections of a drawing or 19 and 20) is the complete absence of light.
painting that are the farthest away from the For example, think of yourself looking around
viewer. a room in which there is absolutely no light
source whatsoever.
Balance (page 7) is a stable arrangement In painting, replicating this black requires
of subjects and values within a drawing a mixture of paints that create the darkest
composition. possible value (such as Raw Umber and
Ultramarine Blue). In drawing, soft charcoal
Ball of a nose (page 69) (also see nose can make a powerful black.
on pages 68 to 70) (also called the tip of a
B
Blending (page 8) is the process of gently also have square ends. They allow more
rubbing a section of shading (or paint) with a control over how much paint you apply than a
blending tool, such as a facial tissue or piece flat brush, because the hairs are shorter and
of paper towel (or a brush) to evenly distribute the brush is less springy (more firm). Brights
the medium over the papers surface (or hold a lot of paint when fully loaded, allowing
canvas). you to make long and bold, or short and
repetitive brushstrokes.
Blenders (page 12) (also see brushes on
pages 9 to 12) (also called blending brushes) Blind contour drawing (page 9) (also
(such as hake and fan brushes) are used see contour drawing on page 23) is a
for blending brushstrokes so as to create slightly unconventional method of creating
smoothly graduated colors. Blending brushes a contour drawing, in which you look only at
are not designed to move paint around on your subject and not at your drawing paper as
the canvas, but rather to smooth out the you work. By visually following the edges of
brushwork. Unlike other types of brushes, the object as you draw, you strengthen your
blenders usually work best when they are dry. visual skills.
Blending stump (page 8) (also called Bristle (page 10) (also see brushes on
a tortillon, stump, or blender) is a long, thin pages 9 to 12) is a type of brush head (made
cylindrical artists tool that is pointed at both from natural hog or pig bristles) that is stiff
ends, and made of tightly wound paper or felt. enough to easily move thick paint around on
Blending stumps are used to blend charcoal, your painting surface. Bristle brushes are the
graphite, and pastel drawings. When the tips workhorses of painting and are flexible and
become too dirty or dull to work properly, they springy.
can be sharpened.
Dont use your fingers to blend your drawing. Brushes (pages 9 to 12) (also called
The oils in your skin can damage your work. paintbrushes) are tools used to apply a wet
medium (such as paint) to a surface (such as
Blending stumps are sold in art supply stores canvas).
and are available in many different sizes from
small to large. Big ones are great for large You can use any brush that best suits your
areas of shading, and the tiny ones work well work, unless of course the manufacturer
for smaller, more detailed sections. states that the brush is only suitable for a
specific medium.
Blending tool (page 9) refers to anything For example, if you prefer a short-handled
that is used by an artist to blend media. brush but find a long-handled brush you
absolutely love, you can always have the
Bridge of a nose (page 69) (also see handle cut shorter so its end doesnt poke you
nose on pages 68 to 70) (sometimes called in the eye as you work.
the nasal bone) is the section of the nose Paintbrushes that are designed for artists
where the upper bony section joins the have three basic parts: brush head, ferrule,
cartilage. While barely visible on young and handle.
children, the bridge of an adult nose often Brush head is the working end of a
protrudes as a noticeable bulge or bump. paintbrush, and is usually made from hairs or
The contoured outline of the bridge is most bristles. The head of a brush is responsible
obvious when the nose is viewed in profile. for carrying paint to your canvas, and placing
and (or) moving the color exactly where you
Brights (page 11) (also see brushes on want to create an image.
pages 9 to 12) are a type of paintbrush with
shorter hairs (or bristles) than flats, but they (Continued on page 113)
B
Brush heads can be long, short, thick, or thin. Consider them a hybrid of a round and a
They can be made from natural products, flat.
synthetic fibers, or a combination of both: Large filberts are great for painting
Bristle (made from natural hog or pig large sections of paintings, such as
bristles) is stiff enough to easily move backgrounds, and their brushstrokes are
thick paint around on your painting big, loose, and broad. Smaller ones make
surface. Bristle brushes are the gorgeous delicate, rounded brushstrokes
workhorses of painting and are flexible that look wonderful in detailed areas.
and springy. Rounds have brush hairs or bristles of
Sable (or other animal hairs) is a soft various sizes including fat, thin, long, and
natural hair, that is ideal for creating gently short, but they always come to a point.
flowing lines. The better the quality of a They work well for drawing a preliminary
sable brush, the more paint it can hold composition on your canvas, and are
while still maintaining its fine point. great for painting and blending detailed
Synthetic hair and mixed bristle are sections.
durable, easy to clean, and ideal for Scriptliners (sometimes called riggers or
either beginners or professionals. Todays liners) have long, thin hair and a pointed
synthetic brushes are of much better tip. They are well-suited for producing
quality than their predecessors. High- long continuous lines without frequent
quality synthetics work as well as natural reloading, and for rendering very intricate
hairs, and tend to be less expensive. details. They perform best with much
Ferrule is the part of a brush (often made of diluted paints.
metal) that is connected to the brush head Blenders (such as hake and fan brushes)
on one end and the handle on the other. The are used for blending brushstrokes so as
ferrule holds the brush hairs (or bristles) in to create smoothly graduated colors.
their proper shape. A good-quality ferrule is Blending brushes are not designed to
tapered and has no seams. move paint around on the canvas, but
A ferrules shape is specific to the type of rather to smooth out the brushwork. Unlike
brush head, such as the following: other types of brushes, blenders usually
Flats have square ends with long, stiff work best when they are dry.
bristles or long, soft hair. They come in Handle is the part of a paintbrush held by the
various sizes from very tiny to several artist, usually made of wood, and available
inches wide. in short and long lengths. If the handle of
Brights have shorter hairs (or bristles) a brush looks cheap and poorly finished,
than flats, but also have square ends. chances are its a poor-quality brush.
They allow more control over how much Brushes have either short or long handles:
paint you apply than a flat brush, because Short-handled brushes work well for
the hairs are shorter and the brush is artists who like to work on a small easel
less springy (more firm). Brights hold a or at a table, and (or) prefer detailed
lot of paint when fully loaded, allowing or close-up painting. Watercolor brush
you to make long and bold, or short and handles are short, since the work is
repetitive brushstrokes. usually done at close range.
Filberts are available with either soft hairs Long-handled brushes are great for
or stiff bristles, and differ from flat brushes artists who prefer to work loosely in oils
in that they are rounded on the outer or acrylics on large, upright canvases at a
edges of the tip. They are approximately full-size easel, and at arms length away
the same length as flats, but create a from their canvases.
softer, less angular brushstroke.
B&C
Brush head (page 9) (also see brushes Mix small amounts of Ultramarine Blue,
on pages 9 to 12) is the working end of a Yellow Ochre, and Raw Umber with Cadmium
paintbrush, and is usually made from hairs or Red to make believable shadow colors for red
bristles. The head of a brush is responsible objects.
for carrying paint to your canvas, and placing
and (or) moving the color exactly where you Cadmium Yellow (page 14) (also see
want to create an image. Brush heads can be color on pages 19 and 20) refers to a range
long, short, thick, or thin. They can be made of different yellow hues (such as Cadmium
from natural products, synthetic fibers, or a Yellow Light) that are great for mixing any
combination of both. color that needs a pure, clean yellow. For
example, a tiny bit of Cadmium Yellow Light
Brushstroke (page 13) (also see brushes mixed with white creates highlights that are so
on pages 9 to 12) refers to the shape and size bright, they almost glow.
of a single application of paint to a surface
with a paintbrush. Canvas (page 14) is a popular fabric used
Many artists love the way brushstrokes look as a surface for painting with oils or acrylics.
when the paint is applied thickly with a large Before applying paint, the fabric should be
brush. Other artists thoroughly blend their stretched and mounted on a frame, and
brushstrokes together so they can no longer then primed with several layers of a primer
be distinguished from one another. An artists (such as gesso) that is specifically made for
preference of brushstrokes helps define the painters. If you dont want to prepare your
style of that artist. own canvases, most art stores sell stretched
canvases in many different sizes that are
Bulls eye (page 13) (also see already primed and ready to use.
composition on page 21) is the center
section of a drawing space. A composition is Canvas board (page 15) is an inexpensive
weakened when the primary subject is drawn alternative to canvas. However, paintings
within the bulls eye. done on canvas boards tend to deteriorate
after only a few years.
Burnishing (page 13) refers to the process When I began learning to paint, I used canvas
of applying one (or more than one) layer of board. Most of my early paintings were awful,
a dry medium (such as colored pencils or anyway. However, I did a portrait of my son
graphite) over another, to lighten, darken, or that somehow turned out fairly well. I regret
blend the colors (or values). Burnishing also now that I didnt use stretched canvas.
refers to the technique of using a light grade
of graphite pencil to fill in entire sections of
Carbon pencil (page 15) is a very popular
shading to even out the values.
type of drawing tool that makes soft, velvety
marks that are absolutely gorgeous for
sketching.
C Caricature (page 15) is a type of cartoon,

usually based on an actual person, with the
individuals various characteristics and facial
Cadmium Red (page 14) (also see color features exaggerated for comic effect.
on pages 19 and 20) is a gorgeous warm red.
When mixed with other colors and white, it
makes very realistic skin tones. To paint the Cartoon (page 15) is a humorous,
warm, light hues of red objects, mix Cadmium lighthearted, or (and) satirical drawing or
Red with a touch of Cadmium Yellow Light. sketch.
C
Cast shadow (page 16) (also see shadow Chiaroscuro (page 17) is a drawing and
on page 91) is a dark section on an object or painting technique that was introduced during
on a surface adjacent to (beside) an object the Renaissance, in which contrasts of light
(or living being) that receives little or no direct and dark values are balanced, so as to create
light. the illusion of a three-dimensional reality on a
The values of a cast shadow are darkest next flat surface. Chiaroscuro is extremely effective
to the object and become gradually lighter as for creating a powerful illusion of depth and
they move farther away. space around primary and secondary focal
points in a composition.
Cerulean Blue (page 16) (also see color
on pages 19 and 20) is a versatile paint color Chroma (page 18) (also see color on pages
that is used to create many colors, including 19 and 20) refers to the intensity, strength,
greens, greenish blues, and sky colors. and (or) purity of a color. The color of an
acrylic or oil paint that is squeezed directly
from the tube is considered full chroma.
Chalk (page 16) is a drawing medium
derived from various natural sources, including
hematite, carbon, and calcite. Circle (page 18) is a geometric shape in
which all the points of its outline are an equal
Chalk is available in a broad range of natural distance from its center point.
browns and sepias that are ideal for rendering
studies of great masters drawings.
Circular shape (page 18) is created when
the ends of a curved line meet (such as in the
Chalk pastels (page 16) (also see pastels letter O). Drawing various types of circular
on page 76) are a drawing medium that are shapes is a popular method of sketching and
available in pencils and sticks. Colors can be outlining the forms of various objects and
dry-mixed by layering one on top of another, living creatures.
and can be easily blended for soft, realistic
still-life subjects and portraits.
Classical drawing (page 18) (also see
The sharp corners and edges of sticks can realism on page 84) refers to the drawing
be used to draw thin lines, and the sides can methods invented by ancient Greeks and
make broad strokes. Romans for creating realistic drawings.
Classical drawing was later enhanced by the
Charcoal (pages 16 and 17) is a drawing great masters of the Renaissance.
medium made from burnt organic material
(such as wood). As with graphite, charcoal Clay (page 18) is a naturally occurring
comes in various grades. material that becomes hardened when dried.
Charcoal is available in pencils, powder, and For example, clay is mixed with graphite to
sticks: make graphite drawing mediums.
Charcoal pencils have a thin cylindrical
stick of compressed charcoal inside a Clips (page 18) (usually made of metal)
wooden casing. can be used indoors or outdoors to securely
clamp sheets of paper to a drawing board.
Charcoal powder is a drawing medium When artists draw outdoors, clips can prevent
that works well for shading large areas of their drawings from falling on the ground or
a drawing or preparing a base for drawing blowing away.
with erasers.
Charcoal sticks are made by compressing Clockwise (page 19) is a direction or
powdered charcoal and a binding agent motion that follows the movement of the
into cylindrical or rectangular sticks. hands of a clock.
C
Color (pages 19 and 20) refers to the Specific groupings of colors have unique
visual qualities of objects based on individual qualities:
perception of their hues and values. Basic Primary colors include yellow, red, and
colors include yellow, orange, red, purple, blue. All colors originate from primary
blue, and green. colors, and no combinations of other
Warm and cool colors can have a broad range colors can make primary colors. Primary
of emotional effects on how people feel: colors are high-intensity, and go well
together if you want a drawing to look
Warm colors include yellow, orange and red,
incredibly bright. By mixing the primary
as well as any colors made by mixing these
colors with other colors in various
three colors together or (and) with white or
combinations, you can create millions of
black. To remember warm colors, think of the
different colors.
colors you see in fire.
Secondary colors are orange, green, and
Yellow is bright, cheery, and powerful,
purple, and are created with two primary
and is the color of happiness, sunshine,
colors.
and flowers (such as daffodils).
Intermediary colors are created by
Orange is a combination of yellow and combining two secondary colors.
red. Think of orange as energetic, vibrant, Complementary colors are very different
and flamboyant. from one another, and when placed
Red is the warmest and most energetic beside each other, their strong contrasting
color, and is associated with love, energy, colors seem to make one another
and danger (as in a red traffic light). brighter and more vibrant. When used in
a drawing, sets of complementary colors
Cool colors include blue, green, and purple,
create harmony because together they
as well as mixtures of any of these three
contain all three primary colors. Sets of
colors and any that are mixed with white or
complementary colors are easy to find on
black. Cool colors are usually soothing and
a color wheel because they are directly
calming. (Think about the colors that reflect
opposite one another.
into snow and ice.)
Purple is spiritual, mysterious, and exotic, Color wheel (page 20) (also see color
and represents royalty, nobility, and on pages 19 and 20) refers to a method
enlightenment. Some purples (made with of arranging colors within a circular format
more red than blue) can easily fall into the to easily reference primary, secondary,
category of warm colors. intermediary, and complementary colors.
Blue represents tranquility, harmony, and Whenever you use colors to create art, keep a
peace. Think of a blue sky, a calm ocean, color wheel close by as an easy reference for
or an iceberg. choosing colors.
Green is soothing, nurturing, and calming,
and symbolizes nature, good luck, youth, Colored pencils (page 21) are a
and generosity. Some greens that are wonderful medium for drawing everything
made with more yellow than blue are and anything. They beautifully capture soft
considered warm colors. delicate subjects such as portraits and
flowers, and also work very well for subjects
Many artists and authors have attempted to
needing a bolder, more colorful approach.
definitively categorize colors into warm and
cool. I personally prefer to base my decision Colored pencils are relatively inexpensive, not
on my perception of the color when it is messy, and easily travel with you wherever
placed beside other colors in a painting or you go.
drawing.
(Continued on page 117)
C
Colored pencils come in a wide variety of and a childs wax crayon.
qualities from student to professional. With the addition of wax, this medium is less
During the manufacturing process, various likely to break or crumble, and consequently,
synthetic and (or) organic pigments are added much less apt to fall off the drawing surface.
to binding agents and wax. The permanency
rating of the pigment (check the packaging) Continuous line (page 22) refers to any
helps to determine the quality of the pencils. type of line that is rendered without lifting
the pencil (or other drawing media) from the
Commission (page 21) refers to an order paper or drawing surface.
placed with an artist for an original work of art.
Contour (page 23) refers to the outline of
Complementary colors (page 21) (also a shape or form (or a section of a shape or
see color on pages 19 and 20, and color form).
wheel on page 20) are very different from one
another, and when placed beside each other, Contour crosshatching (page 23) is a
their strong contrasting colors seem to make highly effective shading technique for creating
one another brighter and more vibrant. the illusion of three-dimensional forms.
When used in a drawing, sets of This is achieved when two (or more) sets of
complementary colors create harmony curved lines of various lengths cross over one
because together they contain all three another along the contours of the subjects
primary colors. Sets of complementary colors surface.
are easy to find on a color wheel because
they are directly opposite one another. Contour drawing (page 23) is a drawing
comprised of outlines that follow the contours
Composition (page 21) (also see focal of the edges of various components of a
point on page 39, and Rule of Thirds on drawing subject.
page 88) refers to the arrangement of the
various parts of your drawing subject within Contour hatching (page 23) is a shading
the borders of a drawing space. technique in which sets of curved hatching
lines follow the outlines, contours, and
Compound curve (page 22) is created (or) forms of the drawing subject, so as to
when a curved line changes direction. accentuate the illusion of three-dimensional
Compound curved lines travel in both reality.
clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
Contour lines (page 23) are formed when
Conservation framing (page 22) (also the shared edges of spaces and (or) objects
called preservation framing) refers to the meet. You can draw everything you can see
specific archival materials (such as museum- or imagine by combining different types of
quality archival glass) and techniques used contour lines (such as thick, thin, straight, and
in the process of framing an artwork to curved).
protect the art from long-term deterioration or
damage from environmental pollutants, acid, Contrast (page 24) (also see high contrast
and light. on page 51, and low contrast on page 59)
is the comparison of different values when
Cont crayon (page 22) is a drawing put beside one another, and is an invaluable
medium in which pigments are mixed with tool for accentuating various components of
non-adhesive binders and wax. Cont composition.
performs like a cross between a chalk pastel
C&D
Cool colors (page 19) (also see color on teardrops) are not truly circular in nature (like
pages 19 and 20) include blue, green, and circles or ovals); hence, I simply refer to them
purple, as well as mixtures of any of these as curved-sided shapes.
three colors and any that are mixed with white
or black. Cool colors are usually soothing and
calming. (Think about the colors that reflect
into snow and ice.) D
Copyright (page 24) is a form of protection,
which grants artists the exclusive right to Diagonal line (page 26) is neither vertical
sell, reproduce, or exhibit their own original nor horizontal, but rather, slants at an angle.
artworks.
Diamond-shape (page 26) is a
If you live in a country that has signed the
parallelogram in which a straight line (usually
Berne Union for the Protection of Literary and
imaginary) drawn from two opposite points is
Artistic Property (also known as the Berne
perpendicular to a line connecting the second
Convention), you automatically own the
set of opposite points.
copyright to your original creations from the
moment each is completed.
Diptych (page 26) is set of two related
paintings or drawings that come together as a
Counterclockwise (page 24) (sometimes single artwork.
called anticlockwise) is a direction or motion
that is opposite to the movement of the hands
of a clock. Disposable palette (page 26) is a book
of disposable sheets of a coated paper that
is specifically designed for mixing paint. You
Cranial mass (page 24) (often referred to simply tear off and throw away a used sheet,
as the cranium) is the large upper section of
and begin mixing paint on the clean sheet
the skull at the back of the head.
underneath.
Crosshatching (page 24) is shading Disposable pen (page 26) (also see
technique in which sets of straight or curved
pens on page 77) is an inexpensive writing or
lines cross over, overlap, crisscross, or (and)
drawing tool that is meant to be thrown away
cut through other sets.
when the ink runs out.
Curved contour lines (page 25) are Distant space (See background on
curved lines that follow the contours of
page 7.)
a drawing subject and define its three-
dimensional forms.
Dominant light source (See light
source on page 58.)
Curved line (page 25) is created when a
straight line curves or bends. Curved lines (as
in the letters C and U) can be drawn in any Drafting desk (page 27) (or drafting table)
direction and be any length. is an adjustable worktable with a slanted top.
Curved-sided shapes (page 25) are Drawing (page 27) (noun) is the image
shapes that are created with curved lines, that results from the application of a medium
and have sections where two or more of to a surface. A drawing defines an artists
the curved lines meet at a point (or points). choice of subjects from his or her own unique
Curved-sided shapes (such as hearts or perspective.
D&E
(Verb) refers to the process of applying a which you render a drawing within a specific
medium to a surface to create an image. perimeter. It can be the shape of a sheet of
paper itself, or a shape you outline on your
Drawing accessories (page 27) are paper, such as a square, rectangle, or circle.
any tools or products that enhance an artists
drawing experiences. Drawing stick (page 29) is a drawing tool
that is made by compressing and shaping a
Drawing board (page 27) is an medium (such as cont crayon, chalk, oil or
unbendable, portable, smooth surface used chalk pastels, graphite, or charcoal) into a
to support an artists sketchbook or drawing cylindrical or rectangular chunk.
paper.
Dry media (page 29) refers to non-liquid
Drawing format (pages 27 and 28) (also drawing mediums (such as colored pencils,
see drawing space on page 29) refers to the graphite, cont crayon, charcoal, and chalk).
orientation of a rectangular drawing space.
The following two popular drawing formats are Dry-mixing (page 29) refers to the process
called landscape and portrait: of using a dry medium (such as colored
pencils) to mix two (or more) different colors
Landscape format (sometimes called a together to make a new color.
horizontal format) is a rectangular drawing
space that is rotated so the two longer
sides are at the top and bottom.
Dry mount (page 29) refers to the process
of adhering paper artwork or photographs to a
Portrait format (sometimes called a board by using dry adhesive substances, high
vertical format) is a rectangular drawing heat, and (or) a dry mount press.
space that is rotated so the two shorter
sides are at the top and bottom.
Drawing from life (See life drawing on

page 58.)
E
Drawing paper (page 28) is an acid-free Ear (page 30) is the organ for hearing in
paper designed specifically for artists, and is humans (and many animals). Drawing (and
available in various types, colors, textures, painting) the exterior of human ears is easier
and sizes. when you are familiar with the following five
basic parts:
Drawing powder (page 28) (also see Outer rim is the long form along the
charcoal on pages 16 and 17) refers to tiny outside edge of the ear that meets the
loose particles of a drawing medium that earlobe at the lower section.
have been broken down from a solid into a Inner rim is the smaller long form inside
powder. Drawing with a powdered medium the ear that circles the rear of the opening
is messy, especially when applied directly to to the ear canal.
a surface with bare fingers and (or) hands.
Small lobe is the tiny form over the frontal
The mess can be cut down considerably by
section of the opening to the ear canal.
first wrapping tissues, paper towels, or fabric
around your fingers. Ear canal is the opening to the inner ear.
Earlobe is the soft, fleshy, lower section of
Drawing space (page 29) (sometimes the ear.
called a drawing surface) (also see drawing
format on pages 27 and 28) is the area in
E&F
Ear canal (page 30) (also see ear on page Highlight is the brightest section (or
30) is the opening to the inner ear. sections) where light bounces off the
surface of the eye. A highlight is not an
Earlobe (page 30) (also see ear on page actual part of an eye; however, artists
30) is the soft, fleshy, lower section of the ear. usually paint or draw highlights to capture
the moist, glossy surface of the eye and
enhance the illusion of realism.
Easel (page 30) is an artists accessory
(often made from wood or metal) that can be Inner corner is a small, reddish, triangular
used to support a canvas when painting, or a or oval-shaped form in the inside corner of
sheet of drawing paper attached to a drawing the eye, close to the nose.
board for drawing. An easel can be any size; Pupil of an eye is the darkest circular
from a simple tabletop collapsible tripod to a shape within the iris, that adjusts its size
large, floor-to-ceiling studio type with a large under different lighting conditions.
base.
Eye level (also see geometric perspective
Egg tempera (page 31) is a water-based on pages 42 to 44, and horizon line on pages
paint that is made with an egg yolk binder. 42 and 43) (also called the horizon line) is
an imaginary horizontal line that divides your
Elements of art (page 31) are the basic line of vision when you look straight ahead. In
visual symbols found in visual art, including essence, the horizon line and your eye level
(but not limited to) line, shape, form, texture, are one and the same.
and color.
Eyeball (Also see eye on pages 31 and
Eye (pages 31 and 32) is the organ of sight 32, and white of the eye on page 32) is the
and light sensitivity. Artists need to be able entire spherical section of an eye that is safely
to identify the following nine parts of an eye protected within an opening in the skull called
(or features that are close to) an eye and one the orbital socket.
element of light:
Upper eyelid crease is a fold in the skin Eyebrow (page 31) (Also see eye on pages
above the top section of the eyeball. 31 and 32) is an arch-shaped group of hairs
above the eye.
Upper eyelid is a fold of skin that opens
and closes automatically (blinking) to
protect the eyeball. Eyelashes (page 32) (Also see eye on
pages 31 and 32) are fine hairs that grow from
Lower eyelid is the fold of skin that the outer edges of the upper and lower eyelids.
protects the lower section of the eyeball.
The lower eyelid cannot move without
help from facial muscles around the eye.
Eyebrow is an arch-shaped group of hairs
above the eye.
F
Eyelashes are fine hairs that grow from
the outer edges of the upper and lower Facial expressions (pages 33 to 36) (also
eyelids. see facial muscles on pages 37 and 38) are
voluntary and involuntary movements of facial
White of the eye (the large light section muscles in response to various emotions.
of an eyeball) is light in value and color, As the facial muscles do their jobs, different
but is not really white. sections of the face move and often create
Iris is the colored circular section of an folds and wrinkles in the skin.
eyeball surrounding the pupil. (Continued on page 121)
F
Descriptions of the visual characteristics of a Endearing: (page 34) Eyebrows are
few basic facial expressions and emotional raised and curled upward in the center.
states are as follows: Eyes are slightly closed, creating crows
Angry: (page 33) Eyebrows are lowered feet in the outer corners. Corners of the
in the center down over the upper eyelids. mouth are pulled back toward the ears.
Vertical and horizontal creases appear Happy: (page 35) Eyelids and eyebrows
on the forehead. Eyes are wide open. are very relaxed. Mouth widens and the
Mouth is closed tightly and its corners corners curve up and back toward the
are forcefully stretched downward. Chin ears. Sometimes the upper teeth show.
bulges upward. Gleeful: (page 35) Eyebrows are relaxed.
Bored: (page 33) Eyebrows move close Eyes narrow and sometimes close
together and curve upward in the center. completely. Mouth opens wide, back
Vertical and horizontal crinkles appear on toward the ears, and lots of teeth are
the forehead. Eyes are partially closed. visible (especially the upper ones).
Lines around the outer corners of the Mischievous: (page 35) Brow and
eye (crows feet) and lower lid creases eyebrows lower toward the center and
are slightly pronounced. Mouth is relaxed partially cover the upper eyelids. Eyes
and fully open. The upper lip is pulled up narrow. Mouth widens back towards the
and back, and the lower jaw is dropped, ears in a grin.
stretching the whole lower face downward.
Creases form from the sides of the nose Pain: (page 35) Nostrils are pulled
down to the chin. upward, and cheeks are raised. Eyebrows
lower, and numerous wrinkles extend from
Contentment: (page 34) Eyebrows are the inside corners of each eye across the
relaxed and slightly lifted upward. Eyes bridge of the nose. Eyes are tightly closed;
are partially closed and the upper eyelids the lid line is straight. Vertical creases
are drooped downward, covering part of on the upper lid hide the upper lid fold.
the irises. Mouth is closed, relaxed, and Crows feet extend from the outer corners
pulled slightly back toward the ears. of the eyes. Upper teeth are hidden under
Devastated: (page 34) Eyebrows are the upper lip, and the front lower teeth are
lowered toward the center, and vertical visible. Mouth is open, and the lips are
creases form on the lowered brow. Eyes stretched horizontally and downward.
are very tightly closed with pronounced Sadness: (page 36) Brow and eyebrows
creases at the outer corners. Mouth is bend upward and toward the center,
open, and the lips are stretched both forming vertical creases and folds. Upper
horizontally and downward, pushing the eyelids fold upward toward the center.
center sections of the mouth upward Corners of mouth curve downward.
toward the nose. Chin is raised and tight.
Seduction: (page 36) Eyebrows are
Disgusted: (page 34) (hateful and raised. Upper eyelids are slightly closed.
horrified are similar) Eyes are partially Mouth is pushed forward puckering the
closed and crows feet are more lips.
pronounced. Deep horizontal creases
appear between the eyes, extending Terror: (page 36) (surprise and shock are
across the bridge of the nose. Inner similar) Eyebrows lift up and curve upward
sections of the eyebrows are lowered, in the center. Eyes open very wide with
forming vertical folds on the brow. One the whites showing all around the irises.
side (or both sides) of the upper lip is
raised. Center of the lower lip and chin are Facial features (page 36) include the
pushed upward. eyes, nose, and mouth.
F
Facial guidelines (page 36) identify the Pouting muscle pushes the center of the
approximate locations of human features mouth upward, resulting in a raised and
and ears on an average head within specific puckered chin.
spaces. Facial guidelines for babies and Lip-stretchers are rarely used muscles
children are different than those for adults. that pull the lips horizontally backward on
the face.
Facial mass (page 37) (also called the
face or facial area) refers to the lower frontal Facial slope (page 38) refers to the angle
section of a human head. of a persons head (excluding the nose)
when viewed from the side: from the forward
Facial muscles (pages 37 and 38) (also projection at the base of the upper teeth,
see facial expressions on pages 33 to 36) upward to the forehead.
are the muscles of the face.
To keep things simple, I refer to each by Fan brushes (See blenders on page 12,
its role in facial expression rather than its and brushes on pages 9 to 12.)
anatomically correct name.
The following ten major facial muscles can Feathered line (page 38) is a series of
create an infinite range of facial expressions: short lines that appear to be a single line. To
feather a line, you very gently sketch a series
Eyebrow-lifter is a wide, flat muscle of short lines that involves a constant lifting of
with two independent halves, that runs the pencil from the paper.
vertically across the forehead.
Frowners are the muscles between the Ferrule (page 10) (also see brushes on
eyebrows that extend from the bridge of pages 9 to 12) is the part of a brush (often
the nose upward and outward in a fan made of metal) that is connected to the brush
shape. head on one end and the handle on the other.
Eyelid-lifter is a tiny muscle in each The ferrule holds the brush hairs (or bristles)
upper eyelid that controls the up and in their proper shape. A good-quality ferrule is
down movements of the upper eyelid to tapered and has no seams. A ferrules shape
open and close the eyes. is specific to the type of brush head.
Eye-squeezer is a large oval-shaped
muscle mass surrounding the eye and Figurative (page 39) refers to the visual
extending onto the upper section of the depiction of a human body in a drawing or
cheek. The various sections can work painting.
independently or together.
Lip-raisers are the muscles that extend Figure (page 39) refers to the body of a
from above the outer mouth area, human being.
directly upward on the cheek in a fan-like
shape. Filberts (page 11) (also see brushes on
Smiling muscles run from the corners pages 9 to 12) are a type of paintbrush that
of the mouth back toward the ears. are available with either soft hairs or stiff
bristles, and differ from flat brushes in that
Speaking muscles encircle the mouth,
they are rounded on the outer edges of the
and work with other muscles to give the
tip. They are approximately the same length
mouth its movements when talking.
as flats, but create a softer, less angular
Sadness muscle extends from the brushstroke. Consider them a hybrid of a
corners of the mouth in a downward round and a flat.
direction.
F
Large filberts are great for painting large Forensic art (pages 40 and 41) (also
sections of paintings, such as backgrounds, see age progression and age regression
and their brushstrokes are big, loose, and on pages 2 and 3) refers to the artistic
broad. Smaller ones make gorgeous delicate, techniques used by police departments and
rounded brushstrokes that look wonderful in investigative agencies in the identification,
detailed areas. apprehension, or conviction of wanted or
missing persons. Forensic art includes
Fixative spray (page 39) is used by several specific disciplines including:
artists to lessen the likelihood of smudging by Age progression: is frequently used to
adhering the medium to the paper or canvas. create an updated image of a child who
has been missing for a long time.
Flats (page 10) (also see brushes on pages Image modification: can be as simple as
9 to 12) are a type of paintbrush that have adding or removing a beard or mustache
square ends with long, stiff bristles or long, from a photograph of a suspect, or as
soft hair. They come in various sizes from complicated as drawing an entire face
very tiny to several inches wide. hidden behind a ski mask by referring to
nothing more than a video image.
Focal point (page 39) (also see Rule of
Post-mortem reconstruction: refers
Thirds on page 88) (sometimes called center
to the process of sculpting a three-
of interest or center of focus) is a term used
dimensional head and face from a skull.
to identify the most important elements in a
drawing or painting. Composite art: the artist is often called
a sketch artist. Composite art is the
Most drawings and paintings have the
best-known discipline of forensic art. In
following two types of focal points:
essence, a forensic artist translates other
Primary focal point is the single most peoples memories into drawings.
important center of interest (or focus) in
Naturally, strong drawing skills and an in-
a drawing. For example, in a drawing of
depth knowledge of facial anatomy are
an animal, it may be the eyes, the entire
important. However, even more essential
face, or a whole section of the body that is
is the artists ability to interact with, and
especially fascinating.
interview the victim or witness, and
Secondary focal point refers to successfully gather, interpret, and illustrate
a center(s) of interest in a drawing the information obtained from his or her
composition that is significant, but not memory.
quite as important as the primary focal
point. Foreshortening (page 41) (also see
geometric perspective on pages 42 to 44) is
Folk Art (page 40) is a traditional genre of an element of perspective that describes the
art that depicts the life style, customs, culture, visual distortion of objects and living beings
and values of a society. when viewed at an extreme angle. The word
foreshortening applies to a single object or
Foreground (page 40) refers to the figure, whereas the word perspective refers to
sections of an artwork that are closest to the an entire scene.
viewer. Objects (or people) in the foreground
are usually rendered with more details and a Form (page 41) is an element of art that is
greater contrast of values than those in the created in drawings and paintings by using
middle ground or background. shading and (or) colors to transform shapes
into three-dimensional structures.
F&G
Format (See drawing format on pages 27 eye level always stays with you. Objects
and 28.) below the horizon line are below your eye
level, and objects above the horizon line are
Fresco (page 41) is an artwork (often called above your eye level.
a mural) painted on a thin layer of plaster As an artist, you control whether you want
that covers a wall or ceiling. For example, viewers to feel like theyre at eye level with,
frescoes that date back more than 3,500 or looking downward or upward at the objects
years have been discovered in Greece. The in your drawing. You decide the viewers eye
ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (in Rome) is also level based on where you choose to draw the
a fresco that was painted by Michelangelo horizon line.
between 1508 and 1512. At eye level: To create the illusion that
viewers are at eye level with the objects
Friable (page 41) is used to describe in your drawings you need to employ
the extent to which a dry drawing medium the perspective lines (defined below
crumbles or breaks. For example, charcoal and illustrated on pages 43 and 44) as
and chalk are friable, and therefore drawings follows:
created with friable mediums need to be
Perspective lines of objects at your
sprayed with a fixative to protect the medium
eye level (touching the horizon line)
from eventually falling off the paper.
converge both downward and upward.
Perspective lines of objects above
your eye level (above the horizon line)
G
converge downward.
Perspective lines of objects below
your eye level (below the horizon line)
Geometric perspective (pages 42 to 44) converge upward.
(sometimes called linear perspective) (also
see atmospheric perspective on page 6) Looking downward: If you want the
is a precise drawing technique that makes viewers of your drawings to feel like they
subjects in a drawing look like they recede are looking downward, draw the subjects
into distant space. Drawing subjects appear below the horizon line.
smaller the farther they are away from you. The perspective lines of objects below
Conversely, the closer people and objects are eye level angle upward towards the
to you, the larger they look. horizon line and converge at a vanishing
Perspective is the very foundation of realistic point.
art, in that it has the power to create the Looking upward: To create the illusion
illusion of a third dimension on a flat piece of that the viewer is looking upward, draw
drawing paper. your subjects above the horizon line.
To understand geometric perspective, you The perspective lines of objects that
need to be familiar with its three basic appear above the viewer, lead downward
components: horizon line, vanishing point, to a vanishing point.
and perspective lines. Vanishing point is an imaginary point (or
Horizon line (also called eye level) is an points) on the horizon line where perspective
imaginary horizontal line that divides your line lines converge.
of vision when you look straight ahead. In Perspective lines are imaginary straight
essence, the horizon line and your eye level lines (usually angular), which extend from
are one and the same. the edges of drawing subjects, back to a
Wherever you move - from the top of the vanishing point (or points) on the horizon line.
highest mountain to the lowest valley - your
G
Gesso (pages 44 and 45) is a white primer Graduation (page 46) (also called
that can be applied to absorbent surfaces graduated shading or graduated values) is a
(such as canvas) to seal and prepare the continuous progression of values, from dark
surface for oil or acrylic paint. Gesso can be to light or light to dark. The goal of graduated
tinted with acrylic paints (but not oil paints) for shading is to keep the transitions between
a toned surface. the different values flowing smoothly into one
As an aside, many artists simply begin another.
painting without an underdrawing. Others
prefer to render a preliminary drawing with Graphite (pages 46 and 47) (also see
paint. Some artists like to do a detailed grade on page 45) is a soft black form of
drawing with a dry medium (such as graphite, opaque (non-transparent) carbon found in
charcoal, or chalk) on a primed surface before nature. It is often mixed with clay to make
they begin painting. various types of drawing tools for artists.
You can begin an underdrawing after the Graphite was discovered in England
initial couple of coats of gesso are brushed somewhere between 1500 and 1560. Its claim
on, dried, lightly sanded (if a smooth surface to fame as a drawing tool began with farmers
is preferred), and then brushed clean with a marking their sheep to easily identify their
dry brush. To prevent the drawing medium flocks.
from bleeding through your finished painting, The various grades of H graphite pencils
you should spray the surface with a fixative work beautifully for light and middle values.
and paint it with a thin layer of gesso (diluted B graphite pencils are best for middle and
with water). This wash should be thin enough dark values. A combination of both H and B
to allow you to still see your drawing. graphite pencils can create a full range of
values from very light to almost black.
Gesture sketch (page 45) (also see Modern-day graphite pencils consist of a
rough sketch on page 88) uses simple cylindrical stick of a graphite and clay mixture,
sketching methods to capture the past, encased in a wooden cylinder. Graphite is
present, or potential movements of living also available as sticks, powders, woodless
beings. Gesture sketches are usually pencils, and leads for mechanical pencils.
rendered quickly to capture the energy and
movement of the subject. Pure graphite is blacker and softer than
the clay with which it is mixed. As a rule,
H pencils have less pure graphite than B
Golden Mean (page 45) (also see rule of pencils. (To help you remember, think of H
thirds on page 88, and focal point on page
as hard and B as bolder.)
39) is a mathematical formula devised by the
ancient Greeks, used to create a balanced The actual amount of graphite in the
composition through the strategic placement composite determines the label of a pencil.
of focal points. For example a 9H pencil is made up of
approximately 40% graphite; conversely, a 9B
Gouache (page 45) is an opaque water- pencil has more than 90% graphite.
based paint (similar to poster paint) that dries
to a matte finish. Grid (pages 47 and 48) is a precise
arrangement of a specific number of squares,
Grade (page 45) (also see graphite on of exact sizes, proportionately drawn on both
pages 46 and 47, and pencil on pages 77 a photo and a drawing surface.
and 78) refers to the softness or hardness To explain the process of working with a grid,
of the mixture used in the manufacture of the following demonstrates the three stages of
drawing mediums. drawing a German Shepherd:
G&H
1. Planning and drawing grids: The photo Handmade paper (page 49) refers to any
was rotated (until I found an angle that type of paper that is made without modern
I liked) and then taped to graph paper. technology or machinery.
Using the graph paper as a guide, I drew
During the Renaissance, drawing papers
the grid lines on the photo with a fine-tip
were handmade by breaking down or
ballpoint pen. I then marked letters and
chopping up source materials such as plants,
numbers along the outer edges to identify
vegetable matter, rags, and (or) sailcloth, into
each vertical and horizontal row.
individual cellulose fibers. These fibers were
A larger corresponding grid is carefully mixed with water to form a soupy pulp, and
outlined on my drawing paper. were then scooped up with a wire screen and
2. Sketching proportions: I work in only set into a wooden mold.
one square at a time with 2H or HB leads The pulp was leveled flat by shaking the
in mechanical pencils. wooden mold, and once the water had
I visually measure proportions, and drained through the screen, an even deposit
observe the relationships between of matted fibers remained on the screens
the lines, shapes, and spaces in each surface. This matted deposit was then turned
square, while constantly referring to the out onto a heavy woolen cloth or felt. Another
photo. felt was layered on top of the thin sheet of
pulp, then more felt, and so on. The resulting
I outlined all parts of the dogs head,
stack of pulp sheets and felts were then
ears, and face in their correct places,
pressed to extract as much of the moisture
beginning in the upper right corner. I then
left in the pulp as possible.
referred to the photo to map out where I
planned to draw light or dark values. The sheets of paper were then hung to dry. At
this stage, the paper was still very absorbent
3. Adding shading: The grid lines were
(like blotting paper). To harden the surface,
all carefully erased, and a full range of
the paper was coated with a non-absorbent
values was created with various grades
sealer (such as a layer of gelatin).
of pencils from 2H to 6B.
The type of paper that was very popular with
the masters was coated with white lead and
Gum Arabic (page 48) (also see binding
ground bone, usually tinted with a pigment,
agent on page 7) is a binding agent that
and tempered with a glue sizing.
is added to various media to improve the
bonding properties of their ingredients.
Hardcover (page 49) refers to a durable
type of book cover that is made from a thick
and unbendable material.
H Hardness (page 50) (also see grade on
page 45, and Graphite on pages 46 and
Hake brush (See blenders on page 12, 47) refers to the numerical rating of H-grade
and brushes on pages 9 to 12.) media according to their ingredients; the
harder the mixture the higher the number.
Handle (page 12) (also see brushes on For example, an 8H graphite pencil has more
pages 9 to 12) is the part of a paintbrush clay (hard) than graphite (soft), and therefore
held by the artist, usually made of wood, and makes an extremely light mark. Conversely,
available in short and long lengths. If the a 2H graphite pencil is made with a higher
handle of a brush looks cheap and poorly percentage of graphite, and therefore makes
finished, chances are its a poor-quality a darker mark, and is not as hard as an 8H
brush. pencil.
H
Hatching (page 50) (also see form where the dominant light bounces off its
crosshatching on page 24) is a series of surface. Highlights are more pronounced on
lines (called a set) drawn closely together to shiny or glistening surfaces than those which
give the illusion of values. Depending on the are dull or matte.
shading effects desired, the individual lines You can usually find the brightest highlight
in hatching sets can be far apart or close in a drawing or painting on the section of the
together. primary focal point that is closest to the light
source (without being in shadow).
Heightening (page 50) refers to the Less intense highlights are often used to
technique of applying a light pigment (such enhance the illusion of form on secondary
as white chalk or gouache) to sections of a focal points and less important areas of
drawing to enhance the illusions of mass, interest.
form, and light.
Highlight on an eye (page 32) (Also
Hematite (page 50) (often called iron oxide) see eye on pages 31 and 32) is the brightest
is the ingredient in natural red chalk that section (or sections) where light bounces off
determines its specific hue. the surface of the eye. A highlight is not an
actual part of an eye; however, artists usually
Heptagon (page 50) is a straight-sided paint or draw highlights to capture the moist,
shape with seven sides and seven angles. glossy surface of the eye and enhance the
illusion of realism.
Hexagon (page 50) is a straight-sided
shape with six sides and six angles. History (page 52) is a written record of the
past; mostly about the lives and activities of
High contrast (page 51) (also see human beings and their environments.
contrast on page 24, and low contrast on For example, historians (people who study
page 59) refers to shading that is created by and write about history) have documented
drawing the darkest values adjacent to the that Leonardo da Vinci was born in Italy in the
highlights and lightest values. year 1452.
High key (page 51) (also see key on page Horizon line (pages 42 and 43) (also called
56) (think of high levels of light) refers to eye level) (also see geometric perspective
drawings that have a range of values that are on pages 42 to 44) is an imaginary horizontal
mostly light. Sometimes, even the shadows line that divides your line of vision when you
and dark areas are shaded with medium look straight ahead. In essence, the horizon
values rather than extreme darks. line and your eye level are one and the same.
High Renaissance (page 51) (also Horizontal (page 52) describes a flat
see Renaissance on page 86) refers to surface or line that is at a right angle to
the styles and techniques of the early 16th vertical lines, and is parallel to a level surface.
century paintings of Florence and Rome,
characterized by technical mastery, and
Horizontal format (See drawing format
humanistic content.
on pages 27 and 28.) (Also called landscape
format.)
Highlight (page 51) (Also see eye on pages
31 and 32) is a small section (or sections) of a
Horizontal line (page 52) is a geometric
drawing or painting subject (or subjects) that
object that is at a right angle to a vertical line,
is rendered with white or a very light value.
and parallel to a level surface.
Highlights identify the brightest area of a
H, I & J
Hot-pressed (page 52) describes a paper that is applied to a surface with a brush or pen
that is pressed through hot cylinders during to write, paint, or draw.
its manufacture. Some smooth, hot-pressed Inks have been used by artists for hundreds
watercolor papers are wonderful for rendering of years. Most Renaissance pen-and-ink
graphite drawings. drawings were rendered with black and (or)
various shades of brown, red, and orange.
Hue (page 52) (also see color on pages 19 The most popular inks for traditional and
and 20) is another word for color (such as red, classical drawing include India, Chinese, and
purple, or teal). Bistro.
Todays inks are available in a wide
assortment of colors and can be mixed
together and (or) diluted to make almost any
I color imaginable. Materials for ink drawings
include inks, pen nibs, holders, and brushes.
Most art stores carry several types of pen
Icon (page 53) is a visual image or a graphic holders and many sizes of nibs.
symbol that is used to identify a specific task
or information. For example, icons can identify
sidebars in books, or specific functions on Inner corner of an eye (page 32) (also
computer display screens. see eye on pages 31 and 32) is a small,
reddish, triangular or oval-shaped form in the
inside corner of the eye, close to the nose.
Illustration (page 53) is an image that
is used to enhance a book, publication, or
concept, or help explain text. For example, Inner rim of an ear (page 30) (also see
illustrations are used throughout this book to ear on page 30) is the smaller long form
further the readers comprehension of text inside the ear that circles the rear of the
definitions. opening to the ear canal.
Impasto (page 53) is a painting technique Intensity (page 54) describes the
in which the paint is laid on so thickly that its brightness or dullness of a color.
texture stands out.
Intermediary colors (page 20) (also see
Impressionism (page 53) is a style color on pages 19 and 20) are created by
of art in which realism is distorted so as combining two secondary colors.
to accentuate color, light, form, or (and)
movement. The term Impressionism is Iris (page 32) (also see eye on pages 31
derived from a painting by Claude Monet titled and 32) is the colored circular section of an
Impression Sunrise. eyeball surrounding the pupil.
In-home studio (page 54) is a personal

drawing place within (or adjacent to) an
artists home. An ideal in-home studio has
adequate space for the artist and his or
J
her art supplies. It can range from a small
section of a table, to a large, fully equipped
Juxtaposition (page 55) is an aspect of
composition that refers to the close placement
professional art studio.
of elements, in order to compare or contrast
their relationships and (or) enhance the
Ink (page 54) (also see sepia ink on page message or meaning of the artwork.
89) is a thin liquid (usually black or colored)
K&L
For example, colors and shapes can be scenery that includes some components of
juxtaposed to complement or contrast one land (such as trees, mountains, or beaches).
another.
For comparison: Similar objects can be Landscape format (page 28) (also
added to an artwork to illustrate a specific see drawing format on pages 27 and 28)
theme (such as a drawing of various (sometimes called a horizontal format) is a
objects that are all made of wood). rectangular drawing space that is rotated
so the two longer sides are at the top and
For contrast: Artists can put two or
bottom.
more objects together that have opposite
associations or interpretations (such as
putting something new and shiny beside Leadpoint (page 57) (also see stylus on
an object that is old and weathered). pages 98 and 99, and metalpoint on page
64) was an ancient drawing tool made of lead
(a soft metal) or a lead alloy, that would leave
marks on unprepared paper. Lead produced a
K beautiful faint line that could be erased.

During the Renaissance leadpoint was
popular for creating an underdrawing in
Key (page 56) refers to the overall amount of preparation for a more detailed drawing (to
light and dark values in a drawing. be done over top) using another medium. On
High-key drawings (think of high levels the downside, the tip of a lead stylus would
of light) have a range of values that quickly become blunt.
are mostly light. Sometimes, even the Leadpoint is considered the ancestor of the
shadows and dark areas are shaded with modern-day lead pencil, which is actually a
medium values rather than extreme darks. lead-free composite of graphite and clay.
Low-key drawings (think of low levels of
light) have a range of mostly dark values Left-brain (page 57) refers to the left
and tend to be ominous or moody. Some hemisphere of the brain which controls
low-key drawings can also be high- analytical, mathematical, and verbal thinking.
contrast, which entails drawing the darkest
darks next to the lightest lights. Level (page 57) (also see horizontal on
page 52, and parallel on page 76) refers to
Kneaded Eraser (page 56) is a versatile, the comparison of one horizontal surface or
soft, pliable eraser, used to erase parts of a line to another or others.
drawing or to make a section lighter. Its tip can
be molded to a point (or wedge) to erase small Life drawing (page 58) (verb) refers to the
sections of a drawing, or to draw fine lines on process of drawing from a living being, rather
a surface, covered with a drawing medium, than a photo or sketch.
such as graphite. To clean a kneaded eraser,
(noun) is an artwork or sketch created by
you simply stretch and reshape it (also known
using an actual living being as a reference.
as kneading) several times.
Dedicated artists devote several years to
mastering the skills needed for accurately
drawing the contours and forms of human
L figures.
Light source (page 58) is the direction

Landscape (page 57) is a drawing or from which a dominant light originates.
painting depicting an expanse of natural (Continued on page 130)
L&M
A light source identifies the light and shadow
areas of a drawing subject, so artists know
where to add light or dark lines and values.
M
Manga (page 60) (a Japanese word for
Line (page 58) is the visually identifiable comic book) refers to a popular style of
path of a point moving in space. cartooning that originated in Japan. Manga
Straight, angle, and curved lines can vary in also refers to reprints of Japanese comics
width, direction, and length, and are used in that are translated from Japanese into other
drawings to visually separate and (or) define languages (such as English).
the forms of a drawing subject.
Manikin (pages 60 and 61) is an accurately
Line drawing (page 59) is an artwork proportioned male or female model (usually
created with only lines. The goal is to made of wood) that can be bent and contorted
accurately outline the contours of the various into various poses.
shapes and (or) forms, of a drawing subject. Many manikins are designed specifically for
artists as references for practicing figurative
Line of symmetry (page 59) is a line drawings and (or) establishing accurate
(real or imaginary) dividing a drawing space human proportions for a specific pose in
into two equal sections so as to render a an artwork. Manikins of animals are also
symmetrical drawing subject. available.
The outline on each side of the line of The process of sketching a realistic figure
symmetry needs to be a mirror image of the based on the proportions of a manikin, is as
other side. follows:
1. Turn the manikin around until you find the
Linear perspective (See geometric perspective you prefer. Adjust the various
perspective on pages 42 to 44.) parts of the manikin to the desired pose.
For example, you can place the manikin
Long-handled brushes (page 12) (also above or below you and rotate it for a
see brushes on pages 9 to 12) are great frontal, back, or side view.
for artists who prefer to work loosely in oils
2. Sketch the shapes of the manikin as
or acrylics on large, upright canvases at a
accurately as possible. Outline various
full-size easel, and at arms length away from
body parts, such as shoulders, knees,
their canvases.
elbows, and wrists.
Low contrast (page 59) (also see contrast 3. Refine the outlines of the parts of the
on page 24, and high contrast on page manikin to represent the body type you
51) refers to shading with a limited range of envision. For example, maybe your goal is
values. to draw a tall basketball player or a short,
muscular dancer. (An illustrated book of
human anatomy can be a very helpful
Low key (See key on page 56.) reference.) Add additional details such as
hair, accessories, and (or) clothing.
Lower eyelid (page 31) (also see eye
on pages 31 and 32) is the fold of skin that Markers (page 61) are disposable drawing
protects the lower section of the eyeball. The (and writing) tools with a soft tip (often made
lower eyelid cannot move without help from of felt) that are filled with a colored or black
facial muscles around the eye. liquid or ink. Markers are available with tips of
many sizes from very fine to large.
M
Inexpensive childrens markers tend to be Mechanical pencil (page 63) is a drawing
water-soluble and come in lots of wonderful tool with an internal mechanism that pushes
bright colors. Professional artists markers a thin graphite lead, from the tiny tube inside
are available in both water-soluble and the holder, through the tip. The marks created
permanent, and are ideal for both artistic and by a mechanical pencil stay consistent in
commercial endeavors. size, allowing artists to focus their time and
attention on the process of shading, rather
Master (page 62) is a term of respect and than stopping every couple of minutes to
honor earned by accomplished artists with sharpen a regular pencil.
exemplary skills in their specific disciplines. Mechanical pencils can hold various grades
For example, think of a master painter or a of graphite (from very hard to soft), and come
master of the violin. in different sizes. For example, a 0.3 mm
mechanical pencil allows you to render very
Masters of the Renaissance (pages detailed drawings; a 0.5 mm pencil is great for
62 and 63) were extraordinary artists whose regular drawings, and 0.7 and 0.9 mm pencils
innovative techniques, styles, and ideas, are ideal for sketching loosely or drawing on a
greatly enhanced visual art from the 13th to large surface (or both).
16th centuries. Replacement leads are sold in single
Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Jan van Eyck, packages of leads of the same grade. Many
Hans Holbein, Michelangelo, and Raphael mechanical pencils even have erasers for
are but a few of the major artists of this which you can buy refills.
period.
These masterful artists (and others) are Medium (page 64) refers to a drawing tool
remembered for: (anything from the burnt end of a stick, to a
pencil, to a computer software program) used
Enhancing styles of art that focused on
to make marks.
drama, story-telling, human anatomy, and
highly realistic portraiture. In some cases, the word medium also
describes the artistic technique used; its form
Inventing new painting and drawing
(such as a pencil), and (or) the surface on
techniques, and enhancing classical
which a drawing is rendered.
techniques (such as chiaroscuro and
heightening); and establishing rules and For example, the medium of a specific artwork
guidelines for more accurate portrayals of could be described as hatching with graphite
subjects (for example: rules for geometric pencil on cotton paper.
perspective, and guidelines for rendering The marks made with various mediums have
the accurate proportions of human figures a major influence on the look of a drawing.
and faces). For instance, drawings rendered with graphite
Inventing, discovering, or improving pencils look quite different than those done
drawing and painting tools (such as with charcoal, markers, or Photoshop.
graphite, prepared papers, and oil paints
made with linseed oil). Mediums and media (page 64) (also see
medium on page 64) refer to more than one
Matte (page 63) (also see texture on medium.
page 101) is a surface texture that is dull
and lusterless, which often has additional Metalpoint (page 64) (also see leadpoint
characteristics, such as smooth or rough. on page 57, and stylus on pages 98 and 99 )
Many fabrics, rocks and stones, and is a drawing tool that was popular during the
unfinished wood, have a matte texture. Renaissance, and made from a relatively soft
metal, such as lead, silver, gold, or copper.
M &N
Mixed-media (page 65) describes an Modernism (page 67) refers to a style of
artwork created with two or more different art that makes a distinctive break away from
mediums. all previous genres.
Mixing paint (pages 65 and 66) (also Monochromatic (page 67) (also see
called mixing paints) refers to the process achromatic on page 1, and polychromatic
of combining varying amounts of paint of on page 80) refers to a drawing or painting
different colors to create a new color. that is rendered with a range of values (or
I refer to the following popular method for tints) of a single color.
mixing paint as the Scoop and Spread:
1. Squeeze small dollops of at least two
Mummy portrait (page 67) is a painting of
a man, woman, or child that was attached to
base colors (unmixed paint straight from
the face of a burial mummy. Many date back
the tube) onto your palette.
to the Roman occupation of Egypt.
2. Turn your palette knife on its side and
scoop up a little bit of one color. Mural (page 67) is a drawing or painting on
3. Gently ease the paint off the bottom of the a wall, ceiling, or other large surface.
palette knife (similar to spreading butter For example, a very well-known mural by
on a slice of bread) onto a clean section of Leonardo da Vinci (The Last Supper) was
a palette. painted on the back wall of the dining hall of
4. Scoop up a little of another color. Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy during
5. Add the second color to the first color. the Renaissance.
6. Use your palette knife to scoop up both Many walls and ceilings of buildings and
colors together. churches throughout the world are adorned
with murals. Murals have even been
7. Spread the paint back onto the same discovered on the walls of prehistoric caves,
place on the palette. and inside ancient Egyptian tombs.
8. Continue to scoop and spread (and add
additional colors if needed) until the paint
becomes the color you want.
To mix a light or medium color, try to avoid
adding white to a dark color. Instead, you
N
slowly add small amounts of color to white
until you obtain the desired color. Nasal (page 68) (also see nose on pages 68
to 70) refers to a nose and any of its parts and
1. Add white and any color (either straight understructures.
from the tube or a color youve already
mixed) to a clean part of your palette.
Negative space (page 68) (also see
2. Add a very tiny amount of the color to the positive space on pages 81 and 82) refers to
white paint. the area, space, or background that visually
3. Scoop and spread until the color is well surrounds or appears behind or in front of an
mixed. object, person, or another space.
4. If the new color is too light, add another
tiny amount of the base color until you Newsprint (page 67) is an inexpensive
create the color you want. paper generally used for printing newspapers.
Keep in mind that most paints become a little Newsprint is not recommended for drawing
darker when they dry. because it is very thin, tears easily, and
eventually yellows due to its acidic content.
N &O
Nose (pages 68 to 70) is the organ of smell The ball and two wings need to be considered
and the entrance to the respiratory tract. when drawing a frontal or three-quarter view
of a nose.
A human nose is made up of the following five
basic parts:
Nostrils (page 69) (also see nose on pages
1. Bridge (sometimes called the nasal 68 to 70) are the two openings on the lower
bone) is the section of the nose where section of a nose.
the upper bony section joins the cartilage.
While barely visible on young children, the
bridge of an adult nose often protrudes
as a noticeable bulge or bump. The
contoured outline of the bridge is most O
obvious when the nose is viewed in
profile. Octagon (page 71) is an eight-sided shape
2. Ball (also called the tip) refers to the with eight angles.
largest, central rounded form of the
lower half of the nose. The shape of the Oil cup (page 71) (also called a palette cup
ball may appear circular, oval-shaped, or a painting cup) is a small container that
triangular, or even rectangular (with can be clipped to an artists palette to hold a
rounded edges, of course). medium (such as linseed oil) and (or) a brush
3. Wings are the two softly rounded (often cleaner (such as odorless paint thinner). Oil
triangular shaped) forms extending from cups are available in various sizes and types,
the sides of the ball of the nose. including singles and doubles; some even
come with covers.
4. Nostrils are the two openings on the
lower section of a nose.
Oil paint (page 71) (also called oil or oils)
5. Base of a nose (also called the septum) is a painting medium that is made by mixing
is in between the nostrils and connects a finely ground adhesive pigment with an
the nose to the lower face above the oil binder. Oil paint was the primary painting
upper lip. medium of the High Renaissance and has
The basic shape of the lower section of a continued to dominate painting for the past
childs nose is very similar to that of an adult. 500 years. Oil-based paints take much longer
However, childrens noses are generally to dry than acrylics, but offer a greater ease
smaller and shorter, with an upturned ball and of manipulation, and their colors change very
an underdeveloped bridge. little when dry.
Adult noses fall into three categories (based
on the locations of the lower edges of the ball Oil painting (page 71) is a work of art
and wings): created by applying oil paints to a surface
(such as canvas, heavy linen, or board).
1. Upturned: angles upward and the ball is
higher than the wings.
Oil pastels (page 72) are a dry drawing
2. Horizontal: ball and nostrils line up
and painting medium in which pigments are
horizontally.
mixed with a very dense oil binder. Oil pastels
3. Down-turned: angles downward and the are available in cylindrical and rectangular
ball is lower than the wings. sticks covered with a thin paper. Oil solvents
Most parts of human noses are based on (such as turpentine) can be brushed on an oil
spheres and circular forms. When viewed pastel drawing to blend the colors for a more
from the side, only two circular forms come painterly appearance.
into play: the ball and one wing.
O &P
One-point perspective (page 72) (also
see geometric perspective on pages 42
to 44) is the technique of using a single
P
vanishing point to create the illusion of a
Paint (page 74) (noun) (also called paints)
straight-on view into distant space.
refers to an art medium (such as watercolor,
One point perspective occurs when the oil, or acrylic) that is made by mixing pigment
frontal face of an object (such as a cube) is with a thick or thin liquid. Paint is applied to a
closer to you than its sides. surface (such as paper, fabric, or board) with a
tool (such as a brush, palette knife, or fingers)
Opaque (page 72) refers to a medium to create a painting.
(such as paint) or material (such as paper (verb) refers to the process of applying paint to
or fabric) through which you cannot detect a surface.
light.
For example, you cannot see light through Paint box (page 74) is a container used for
thickly applied acrylic paint on canvas or storing painting materials, such as brushes and
heavy board. Likewise, thin paper is less (or) paint.
opaque than thick paper.
Painter (page 74) is a person who paints.
Orbital socket (page 73) (also called
orbital cavity) is the protective bone cavity of Painting (page 74) (noun) is an artistic
the face which keeps the eyeball protected. composition created by applying a liquid
medium (such as paint or ink) to a surface.
Original (page 73) refers to an artwork In recent decades the word painting has come
(such as a painting or drawing) created by
to include some dry mediums (such as pastels
an artist who was the first to bring the work
and colored pencils).
from its intellectual conception to its creative
conclusion.
Painting knife (page 75) (also called a
There can never be more than one original; palette knife or mixing knife) is a trowel-like
however, reproductions (such as gicles) flexible knife used for painting and (or) mixing
can be made by photographing or scanning paint, and is available in a wide variety of
the original artwork to replicate (or print) shapes and sizes.
copies of the original image.
Palette (page 75) (sometimes called a mixing
Outer rim of an ear (page 30) (also tray) (also see disposable palette on page 26)
see ear on page 30) is the long form along is a flat surface (usually made of plastic, wood,
the outside edge of the ear that meets the metal, or glass), or a flat surface with several
earlobe at the lower section. small built-in cups (often made of plastic or
metal) used for holding, mixing, and (or) storing
Oval (page 73) (sometimes called an paint.
ellipse) is an elongated circle.
Palette of colors (page 75) (also called a
Overlapping (page 73) refers to a palette or color palette) refers to the choice of
drawing or painting technique for creating colors used or (and) preferred by an individual
the illusion of depth in an artwork by artist.
rendering a subject so it visually appears to
For example, I prefer to paint with only the
be in front of another (or others).
primary colors, white, and a dark brown. I love
the challenge of mixing the exact colors I want.
P
Paper (page 76) (also see handmade paper out. They create consistently even lines.
on page 49, and tooth on pages 102 and 103) Refillable technical pens are
is the most popular surface used for drawing. expensive, but can last several years
Special papers designed specifically for drawing when properly cleaned and maintained.
are available in a vast selection of sizes, colors, The lines produced are sharp and never
tooth, and weights in large art supply stores. vary in width.
Rechargeable pens do not hold their
Parallel (page 76) (also see perpendicular own ink supply and must be dipped into
on pages 78 and 79) refers to two or more ink before use. Each pen is made up
straight lines that slant in the exact same of a holder and a nib (nibs of various
direction and can extend to infinity without ever sizes can fit into a single holder).
intersecting. However, when you buy, make sure the
nibs and holders are compatible; some
Parallelogram (page 76) is a four-sided manufacturers make nibs that only fit
shape with two sets of parallel sides that are their own holders.
equal in length, and in which the opposite
angles are identical. Pencil (pages 77 and 78) (also see
carbon pencil on page 15, colored pencils
Parchment (page 76) (also called vellum) on page 21, graphite on pages 45 and 46,
is an ancient drawing or writing surface made charcoal on pages 16 and 17, mechanical
from calf, sheep, or goat skin, and was widely pencil on page 63, wood-encased pencil
used before paper was easily available. on page 108, woodless pencil on page
Contemporary artists generally prefer a 108, and pastels on page 76) refers to a
synthetic parchment paper, which is much less broad category of drawing tools that have a
expensive, more readily available, and is not medium inside a holder.
made from animal skins.
For example, a regular pencil has a medium
encased in a wooden holder. On the other
Pastels (page 76) (also see chalk pastels hand, a mechanical pencil has replaceable,
on page 16, and oil pastels on page 72) are thin cylindrical sticks of medium that are
dry drawing mediums (sometimes available in manually loaded into a tiny tube inside a
either sticks or pencils) that are manufactured holder.
by mixing dry, powdered pigments with binding
agents. In the early seventeenth century, the word
pencil was used to identify any writing or
Artworks created with pastels can be called drawing tool that held a piece of graphite,
sketches, drawings, or paintings. chalk, or charcoal, as well as brushes with
pointed tips.
Pattern (page 77) (also see texture on page By the end of the nineteenth century,
101) refers to the arrangement of the different
pencil defined a stick of graphite encased
values or colors of an object or subject, as
in a cylindrical piece of wood.
represented by lines, blending, or shading.
Sight alone identifies patterns. Modern-day pencils are categorized by the
medium inside the holder (such as charcoal,
cont, or chalk).
Pens (page 77) (also see ink on page 54) are
disposable, refillable, or rechargeable drawing The word pencil comes from the Latin
tools used for commercial art, sketching, and word pencillus, which means little tail.
drawing.
Disposable pens are inexpensive and Pentagon (page 78) is a straight-sided
meant to be thrown away when the ink runs shape with five sides and five angles.
P
Permanent (page 78) (as used to describe Portable studio (page 80) is a variety of
markers and pens) refers to the ability to drawing or painting materials that are packed
remain waterproof when dry. in an easily transportable container used for
creating art outside your home.
Perpendicular (pages 78 and 79) refers to In addition to art supplies, you may want to
a straight line (real or imaginary) that meets include any of the following in your portable
(or intersects) another straight line to form at studio:
least one ninety-degree angle.
Viewfinder frame.
Perpendicular and parallel lines are the
Portfolio (if you use sheets of drawing
only types of lines that can extend to infinity
paper).
without ever connecting.
Plastic bags to protect your artwork (and
Perspective (See geometric perspective you) in case of rain.
on pages 42 to 44, atmospheric perspective Beverages and snacks.
on page 6, foreshortening on page 41, and Wipes or paper towels for clean-up.
one-point perspective on page 72.)
Small camera to take photos of
inspirational scenes and objects.
Perspective lines (page 44) (also see
geometric perspective on pages 42 to 44) Depending on where you go, you may
are imaginary straight lines (usually angular), need bug repellent.
which extend from the edges of drawing Oh, and dont forget your sunscreen and
subjects, back to a vanishing point (or points) a hat!
on the horizon line.
Portfolio (pages 80 and 81) (also called a
Pigment (page 79) refers to the colored portfolio case) is a hard-sided foldable case
material that is mixed with dry or liquid in which artists store (or carry) paintings,
mediums to create the colors in a colored drawings, and sheets of drawing paper to
artwork. protect them from damage.
Portfolios come in many different sizes and
Pointillism (page 79) (also see stippling types, ranging from simple inexpensive
on page 96) is a method of drawing or cardboard to high-quality, expensive leather.
painting with several layers of small colored
dots, strokes, or individual brushstrokes. A portfolio also refers to a body of work
When viewed from a distance, the dots in created by an artist for self-promotion
pointillist paintings and drawings appear to and (or) to supplement an application for
blend together to create the illusion of depth, career advancement opportunities (such as
visual masses, and forms. educational upgrades or gallery exhibitions).
Nineteenth-century French impressionistic

Portrait (page 81) is an artwork depicting a
artists (including George Seurat and Paul
likeness to a persons (or animals) face and
Signac) helped this genre to become a
sometimes his or her body.
highly respected style of painting, and (more
recently) drawing.
Portrait format (page 28) (also see
drawing format on pages 27 and 28)
Polychromatic (page 80) (also see (sometimes called a vertical format) is a
achromatic on page 1 and monochromatic
rectangular drawing space that is rotated
on page 67) refers to an artwork created with
so the two shorter sides are at the top and
several different colors.
bottom.
P&R
Positive space (pages 81 and 82) (also layers of white lead and ground bone that was
see negative space on page 68) is the space tinted with a pigment and then tempered with
occupied by an object or living being and glue sizing.
(or) its various parts. Positive and negative
spaces assume distinctive shapes. Primary colors (page 20) (also see color
Artists need to be able to identify the on pages 19 and 20) include yellow, red,
individual shapes that define the positive and and blue. All colors originate from primary
negative spaces an object (or living being). colors, and no combinations of other colors
The outlines of that object (or living being) can make primary colors. Primary colors are
exist where the two spaces meet; hence, high-intensity, and go well together if you want
knowing how to see spaces is integral to a drawing to look incredibly bright. By mixing
drawing accurately. the primary colors with other colors in various
combinations, you can create millions of
different colors.
Pouncing (page 82) is a technique (popular
during the Renaissance) for transferring the
outlines of an image to another surface (for Primary focal point (page 39) (also see
example, transferring a drawing on paper to a focal point on page 39) is the single most
canvas or wall). important center of interest (or focus) in a
drawing. For example, in a drawing of an
1. First, the outline of the image is perforated animal, it may be the eyes, the entire face, or
with a series of tiny holes and placed on a whole section of the body that is especially
(or taped to) the final surface. fascinating.
2. A fine powder (such as charcoal powder)
is sprinkled (or sometimes gently rubbed) Primer (See gesso on page 44.)
over the image outlines, causing some of
the powder to fall through the holes onto
Proportion (page 83) is the relationship in
the new surface.
size between two or more components of a
3. The original image is removed to reveal drawing (or painting).
guidelines on the new surface for creating
As an aside, the proportions of human figures
another drawing or painting of the image.
are usually measured in heads (the length of
a head from the top of the skull to the bottom
Powdered (page 82) (also see drawing of the chin), which can be different for each
powder on page 28, and charcoal on pages person.
16 and 17) describes a drawing medium
(such as graphite) that has been ground into a
Pupil of an eye (page 32) (also see eye
fine powder.
on pages 31 and 32) is the darkest circular
shape within the iris, that adjusts its size
Prehistoric (page 82) describes the period under different lighting conditions.
in time before language was used to write
and record history. Prehistoric humans drew
pictures on many surfaces, including the walls
of caves.
R
Prepared paper (page 83) (also see
handmade paper on page 49) is a paper that Raw Umber (page 84) is the name of
is coated with a substance that seals, colors, a dark brown color available in several
and (or) alters its surface and (or) tooth. The mediums (including watercolor, oil, and acrylic
surface of a popular drawing paper during paints, as well as colored pencils).
the fifteenth century was coated with several
R
When mixing paints, you can end up with During this short period in history, visual art
a wonderful black when you combine Raw developed more than at any other time since
Umber with Ultramarine Blue. You can then the beginning of mankind.
add small dabs of this color to white to create Between 1480 and 1527, during the period
various values of a neutral gray. known as the High Renaissance, many of
historys most renowned artists created some
Realism (page 84) is a style of art in which of the greatest masterpieces in the history of
living beings and objects are represented in art.
an artwork (such as a drawing, painting, or
Today, this rebirth (also referred to as
sculpture) as they appear in real life (in other
new birth), continues its growth with a
words, without stylization or distortion).
resurgence of the learning and teaching
of traditional drawing techniques in home
Realistic sculpture (page 84) is a school, recreational, and academic learning
three-dimensional art form that portrays environments.
recognizable shapes, objects, or people.
Render (page 86) refers to the process of
Ream (page 85) refers to a unit of 500 making or creating something. For example,
sheets of paper, and is used to calculate a an artist can render a sketch by drawing lines
papers weight. The weight of paper describes on a sheet of paper.
the thickness of individual sheets of paper.
For example, thin paper weighs very little,
Representational (page 86) (the opposite
but is easily torn and damaged. Thick paper
of abstract and nonrepresentational) (also
is more durable than thin because it weighs
see abstract on page 1) is the depiction
more.
of objects, figures, or scenes as visually
determined by the artist.
Rectangle (page 85) is a parallelogram with
four straight sides and four right angles. Unlike abstract art, the subjects of
representational artworks are recognizable,
but not necessarily realistically or factually
Red chalk (page 85) (also called represented.
sanguine) is a drawing medium made from a
combination of clay and hematite (also known
as iron). Leonardo da Vinci is thought to be Resource files (page 87) (also called
the first artist to use red chalk extensively resources) are a collection of information
for drawing (toward the end of the fifteenth (such as books, articles, photos, and digital
century). images) used by artists as references for
writing or (and)creating art.
Reflected light (page 85) is a faint light
reflected or bounced back on an object from Right angle (page 87) is formed when two
nearby surfaces. straight perpendicular lines meet at a ninety
degree angle.
Regular pencil (See graphite on pages
46 and 47, and wood-encased pencil on Right-brain (page 87) describes the right
page 108.) hemisphere of the brain, which controls visual
and perceptive functions.
Renaissance (page 86) (from the French Your creative and insightful right brain sees
word for rebirth) (also see High Renaissance abstract connections between lines, shapes,
on page 51) refers to the diverse changes and spaces in a non-narrative context, to help
within European culture from the early 12th you see proportions.
century to the late 16th century.
R&S
Romanticism (page 87) refers to a genre The better the quality of a sable brush, the
of art during the late eighteenth and early more paint it can hold while still maintaining
nineteenth centuries that celebrated nature, its fine point.
rather than civilization.
Sandpaper block (page 89) is an artists
Rough (page 87) (also see texture on page tool with tear-off sheets of fine sandpaper
101) refers to the surface features of objects used to sharpen the points of pencils. Your
that are uneven, abrasive, lumpy, irregular, or wood-encased pencils will last longer if you
jagged. use a sandpaper block more often than a
pencil sharpener.
Rough sketch (page 88) (also see
gesture sketch on page 45, and sketch Scriptliners (page 11) (also see brushes
on page 93) is a quickly rendered visual on pages 9 to 12) (sometimes called riggers
notation of an image or idea that illustrates or liners) are a type of paintbrush that have
the important elements of a subject using very long, thin hair and a pointed tip.
few details. They are well-suited for producing long
Rough sketches can capture a pose continuous lines without frequent reloading,
or gesture, establish values, suggest and for rendering very intricate details. They
proportions, and (or) arrange the major perform best with much diluted paints.
components of a composition.
Sculptor (page 89) is an artist who
Rough tooth (See tooth on page 102.) creates sculptures. For example, a well-
known sculptor of the Renaissance was
Rounds (page 11) (also see brushes on Michelangelo; one of his most famous
pages 9 to 12) are a type of paintbrush that sculptures is the statue of David.
have brush hairs or bristles of various sizes
including fat, thin, long, and short, but they Sculpture (page 89) is a three-dimensional
always come to a point. They work well artwork that is made of a material such as
for drawing a preliminary composition on bronze, rock, or marble.
your canvas, and are great for painting and
blending detailed sections. Secondary colors (page 20) (also see
color on pages 19 and 20) are orange, green,
Rule of thirds (page 88) (also see focal and purple, and are created with two primary
point on page 39) identifies four ideal colors.
locations within a rectangular drawing space
for a focal point. The rule of thirds is a Secondary focal point (page 39) (also
variation of an old traditional compositional see focal point on page 39) refers to a
formula known as the Golden Mean. center(s) of interest in a drawing composition
that is significant, but not quite as important
as the primary focal point.
S Sepia (page 89) refers to the popular brown

colors used in various media. During the
Renaissance, the word sepia (derived from
Sable (page 10) (also see brushes on Latin and Greek words for cuttlefish) was
pages 9 to 12) (or other animal hairs) is a type used to describe an artists brownish-gray
of brush head that is made with a soft natural pigment made from the dried ink sacs of
hair, that is ideal for creating gently flowing cuttlefish and squid.
lines.
S
Sepia ink (page 89) is a thin, brown liquid pencils. An ideal sharpener for artists is hand-
medium used for painting, writing, and (or) held, made of metal, and has two openings
creating drawings with refillable and (or) (for regular and oversized pencils).
rechargeable pens.
Short-handled brushes (page 12) (also
Sepia toning (page 90) is a genre (or see brushes on pages 9 to 12) work well for
method) of printing or digitally photographing artists who like to work on a small easel or at
(or modifying) images with tones of brown a table, and (or) prefer detailed or close-up
(rather than black and white, or full color). painting. Watercolor brush handles are short,
Some sepia-toned photographs from the late since the work is usually done at close range.
1800s have survived the ravages of time and
still exist today. Shiny (page 92) (also see texture on page
101, smooth on page 93, rough on page 87,
Sets of lines (page 90) (also see contour and matte on page 63) refers to a texture that
crosshatching on page 23, contour has highlights reflecting off its surface. Shiny
hatching on page 23, crosshatching on objects can be glossy or highly polished,
page 24, and hatching on page 50) are such as the surface of a shiny new penny or
created when several lines are grouped polished brass.
together to create shading.
Sidebar (page 92) is a section (or box) of
Shading (page 90) (noun) refers to the text (some have illustrations) that provides
various values within a drawing that make additional information about a topic. For
images appear textured and (or) three- example, many instructional art books have
dimensional; sidebars that provide readers with definitions
of art-related words and terms.
(verb) the process of adding values to a
drawing so as to create the illusion of texture,
form, and (or) three-dimensional space. Single curved line (page 93) (sometimes
called a simple curved line) (also see
curved line on page 25, compound curve
Shading map (page 91) (also called a
on page 22, and line on page 58) curves
value map) is a plan (or blueprint) for adding
in only one direction, either clockwise or
shading to a drawing. The shapes of various
counterclockwise.
values are identified and lightly outlined on the
drawing paper before the shading is added.
Sketch (page 93) (noun) (also see
figure on page 39, gesture sketch on
Shadow (page 91) (also see cast shadow
page 45, underdrawing on page 105,
on page 16) refers to a dark area on a surface
and rough sketch on page 88) is a simple
that is caused when light is blocked (or
representation, outline, or drawing, that
partially blocked) by an object or living being.
captures the integral aspects of a subject
quickly and efficiently, and often serves as
Shape (page 92) is a two-dimensional a preliminary drawing for a more detailed
geometrical object that can serve as the drawing;
outline of a three-dimensional object. For
example, a circle is the shape of a sphere. (verb) refers to the process of rendering a
Common shapes include squares, circles, and sketch.
ovals.
Sketchbook (page 93) refers to several
Sharpener (page 92) (also see sandpaper sheets of drawing paper that are bound
block on page 89) is a tool for sharpening together and contained within a soft or hard
cover.
S
Small lobe of an ear (page 30) (also see Squirkles (page 95) are randomly
ear on page 30) is the tiny form over the frontal rendered, overlapping curved lines and
section of the opening to the ear canal. shapes that are used to create a shading
technique called squirkling.
Smooth (page 93) (also see texture on page
101, shiny on page 92, rough on page 87, Sticks (page 95) (also see charcoal on
and matte on page 63) is a texture with very pages 16 and 17, and chalk pastels on
few surface features. When you run your hand page 16) are a type of drawing tool in which
over a smooth surface, you feel little or no a medium is compressed into a block or
unevenness or roughness. cylindrical sticks.
Sticks come in various sizes, which make
Softcover (page 94) describes a flexible book them highly adaptable for diverse mark-
cover that is usually made of medium-to-heavy making styles and techniques; large sticks
paper. Softcover sketchbooks are inexpensive; are great for large sketches, and smaller
however, you need to handle them carefully so sticks for smaller works.
the paper inside doesnt wrinkle.
Sticks even work well when broken! The
sharp edges of broken pieces are fantastic
Sphere (page 94) is a perfectly round for rendering thin, strong lines. The flat ends
geometric object (a three-dimensional circle) and sides can be used for broad strokes.
in which all points on the surface are the same You can even use a sharp knife and (or)
distance from the center point. Balls and globes coarse sandpaper to sharpen a stick to a
are examples of spheres. fine point.
Spiral line (page 94) is a curved line Still life (page 96) is an artwork that
that can never meet itself to form a shape. depicts representational, inanimate objects
It can continue in either a clockwise or such as fruit, flowers, or bottles.
counterclockwise direction, and simply
becomes larger (or smaller) and less (or more)
Stippling (page 96) (also called stipple
curved, the longer it gets.
or stippled) is a shading technique in which
a series of dots are arranged in groups to
Spray fixative (page 94) is a transparent, create the illusion of values.
aerosol coating that is sprayed onto an artwork
to help the medium adhere to the paper to Light values are made by drawing a series
prevent the drawing from smudging. of dots that are light in value, small, and (or)
far apart.
Square (page 94) is a shape with four straight Dark values require a lot more patience
sides that are the same length and four right because you need to draw many more dots
angles. that are closer together.
To achieve a strong contrast in values, you
Squirkling (page 95) is a shading technique can also make the dark values with larger
in which randomly drawn overlapping curved dots and (or) draw dots that are darker in
lines and shapes (called squirkles) create value.
values. Squirkling is ideal for simple drawings
by beginners as well as highly realistic works by Straight line (page 97) is a geometrical
professional artists. object that provides the shortest connection
I created this word in the eighties to describe between any two points. Straight lines can
this method of textured shading that combines be rendered thick or thin, long or short, and
squiggles and scribbles with circles. drawn in any direction.
S &T
They are categorized into three basic types: Subject (page 99) is a word used to identify
vertical (straight up and down and at a right what an artist is drawing or painting.
angle to a horizontal line); horizontal (level and
at a right angle to a vertical line); and diagonal Symmetrical (See symmetry on page 99.)
(slanting or sloping at an angle).
Symmetry (page 99) (also see line of
Straight-sided shape (page 97) is symmetry on page 59) in drawing is a
a geometrical object such as a square, balanced arrangement (sometimes referred
rectangle, or triangle that is created when to as a mirror image) of lines, shapes, and
three or more straight lines connect to form a (or) values on opposite sides of an often-
shape. imaginary center line. In other words, both
sides are symmetrical. Many drawing subjects
Stretched canvas (See canvas on (such as vases and frontal views of faces)
page 14.) look more believable when drawn the same
on both sides.
Stump (page 97) (also see blending
stump on page 8) is a pointed, solid stick of Synthetic brushes (See brushes on
soft paper or leather, used for blending and pages 9 to 12.)
shading drawings.
Synthetic hair and mixed bristle
Style (page 98) refers to an artists individual (page 10) (also see brushes on pages 9 to
approach to his or her own art. For example, 12) is a type of brush head that is durable,
realism is a well-known style. easy to clean, and ideal for either beginners or
An artists style is defined by an accumulation professionals. Todays synthetic brushes are
of her/his inherent preferences, life of much better quality than their predecessors.
experiences, artistic philosophy, personal High-quality synthetics work as well as natural
goals, and academic background. When an hairs, and tend to be less expensive.
artists personal style is critiqued and (or)
examined by others, the resulting label may
focus more so on a particular historical period
or artistic movement than the artists true style. T
In other words, labels should not become more
important to artists than staying true to the Talent (page 100) is a process of self-
style with which they feel most comfortable. discovery, throughout which you acknowledge
that you possess the interest and motivation
Stylus (pages 98 and 99) (also see to become exceptional in a specific area. To
leadpoint on page 57, and metalpoint on find out what a talented person looks like, go
page 64) refers to a thin metal stick used for look in a mirror! With commitment, patience,
drawing during the Renaissance. It was most and dedication you can turn your talent into
often cast with a fine point at one end and skill.
a blunter point at the opposite end, so as to
provide artists with the creative freedom to Technical pens (page 100) (also see
vary the width of their lines as they worked. pens on page 77) are drawing tools available
A stylus leaves a thin deposit of metal on the in both refillable and pre-filled (disposable)
surface of paper, producing a very fine line. holders that work beautifully for creating the
Silver was very popular with Renaissance sharp, even lines used for detailed drawings,
artists because it eventually tarnished, and drafting, graphic design, and commercial art.
took on a beautiful, luminous, brown tonality. (Continued on page 143)
T
Pre-filled technical pens are relatively Tone (page 102) (also see values on page
inexpensive, and do not require constant 106) refers to the degree of lightness or
cleaning. Refillable technical pens need very darkness of an area. Tone varies from the
thin ink specifically designed to pass through bright white of a light source, through shades
the tiny opening in the nib of the pen. Ink that of gray, to the deepest black shadows.
is too thick can clog fine nibs.
Traditional realists often use tones (instead of
lines) to create the illusion of outlines.
Technique (pages 100 and 101) is a well-
known method (such as a specific way to
Tooth (pages 102 and 103) refers to the
do shading) that is used to accomplish a
surface texture of paper, and can range from
particular activity or task.
silky smooth to very rough and coarse.
For example, more than one line-drawing
Paper with a smooth tooth is flat with a silky
technique may be suitable for a specific
texture; medium tooth is uneven with a slightly
drawing. Hence, an artists selection of a
rough texture; and coarse tooth is bumpy with
specific line-drawing technique is generally
a very rough texture.
based on his or her individual preferences,
skill level, and what works best to render the The tooth of paper can be easily destroyed
subject. by pressing too hard on its surface with your
pencil or aggressively using an eraser.
Text (page 101) refers to the words used in If your shading begins to look shiny, the tooth
writing. is flattened beyond repair; additional shading
will no longer adhere to the papers surface.
Texture (page 101) (also see shiny on page Hence, you should always apply only a little
92, smooth on page 93, rough on page 87, pressure to paper with your pencils.
and matte on page 63) refers to the surface
detail of an object and can be identified with Torso (page 103) is the primary structure of
vision, a sense of touch, and (or) a general a human body to which the head, arms, and
knowledge of the subject. Accurate rendering legs are connected.
of an objects textures is the key to creating
highly realistic drawings and paintings. Tortillon (See blending stump on page 8.)
Three-ring binders (See binder on page Trapezoid (page 103) is a four-sided shape
7, and resource files on page 87.) in which only two sides are parallel.
Thumbnail (page 101) (also see sketch Traditional realist (page 104) (also see
on page 93, and rough sketch on page 88) realism on page 84, and style on page
is a preliminary sketch (often smaller than the 98) refers to an artist who prefers to draw
planned size of the final drawing) rendered subjects as they exist in reality.
before an artist begins a drawing, and is
For example, in the real world, objects and
designed to work through potential problems
living beings are not outlined with lines.
with composition, values, perspective, and
Hence, traditional realists outline their
(or) proportions.
subjects with very lightly rendered, feathered
or continuous outlines that cannot be seen
Tint (page 101) (also see mixing paint after shading is added.
on pages 65 and 66, shading on page 90,
and burnishing on page 13) is the process Conversely, an illustrative realist (like me)
of combining a color (or tone) with white to prefers to have unrealistic outlines showing.
lighten its value. Outlining with visible outlines is simply a
technical preference based on personal style.
U, V & W
Triangle (page 104) is a shape with three Vanishing point (page 44) (also see
straight sides and three angles. geometric perspective on pages 42 to 44),
and one-point perspective on page 72) is an
Triptych (page 104) (also see diptych on imaginary point (or points) on the horizon line
page 26) is an artwork consisting of three where perspective lines converge.
related paintings or drawings.
Vertical line (page 106) is a geometric
object that is straight up and down, and at a
right angle to a level surface.
U Viewfinder frame (page 106) is an
adjustable, see-through frame that allows
Underdrawing (page 105) (also see you to look at a subject from various
sketch on page 93, gesture sketch on viewpoints, and is invaluable when planning
page 45, and rough sketch on page 88) is a composition for any type of drawing or
a loosely rendered drawing or sketch that painting (such as portraits, figures, and
is created as a guide for a final drawing (or landscapes).
painting).
An easily constructed viewfinder frame
consists of two adjustable L-shaped pieces
Unity (page 105) refers to a balanced of heavy paper, cardboard, or matte board,
composition in which the various components which is held together with paper clips.
come together to create a sense of
harmonious integration.
Vinyl eraser (page 107) is an artistic tool
used for erasing sections of drawings, and
Upper eyelid (page 31) (Also see eye on (or) drawing crisp, light lines and fine details
pages 31 and 32) is a fold of skin over an eye on a surface covered with a drawing medium
that opens and closes automatically (blinking) (such as graphite).
to protect the eyeball.
Vision (page 107) describes the ability to
Upper eyelid crease (page 31) (Also see see, and can also refer to an artists creative
eye on pages 31 and 32) is a fold in the skin aspirations.
above the top section of the eyeball of an eye.
Visual art (page 107) refers to artworks
(such as drawings, paintings, and sculptures)
that can be appreciated with the sense of
V sight. For example, all the drawings in this
book are considered visual art.
Value scale (page 106) is a range of
different values that are drawn in order from
light to dark (or from dark to light).
W
Values (page 106) (also see tone on page
102) are the different shades of gray (or Warm colors (page 19) (also see color on
colors) created in a drawing (or painting) by pages 19 and 20) include yellow, orange and
various means, such as varying the density of red, as well as any colors made by mixing
the shading lines, and (or) the pressure used these three colors together or (and) with white
when holding a pencil. or black. To remember warm colors, think of
the colors you see in fire.
W
Warm Fuzzies (page 108) are
encouragements or affirmations, either
given or received. They represent something
unique to everyone, and live wherever
kindheartedness dwells.
Watercolor (page 108) refers to

translucent, water-based paint that is
available as dry, solid cakes, or in tubes of
thick, liquid pigment. The word watercolor can
also be used to describe a painting created
with water-soluble pigments.
Wash (page 108) refers to a technique in

which a dye-based medium (such as ink) or a
pigment-based medium (such as watercolor
or oil paint) is diluted and applied to a surface
(such as watercolor paper or canvas) with a
brush.
White of the eye (page 32) (Also see eye

on pages 31 and 32) (the large light section
of an eyeball) is light in value and color, but is
not really white.
Wings of a nose (page 69) (also see

nose on pages 68 to 70) are the two softly
rounded (often triangular shaped) forms
extending from the sides of the ball of the
nose.
Wood-encased pencil (page 108)

(better known as a regular pencil) has a thin,
cylindrical stick of graphite or charcoal inside
a wooden casing, which is designed to keep
your hands clean.
Woodless pencil (page 108) is a thick

cylindrical stick of graphite wrapped in a vinyl
casing; hence, your hands stay clean as you
work. Woodless pencils are a joy to work
with, and ideal for large graphite drawings
needing wider strokes than regular pencils
can provide. When sharpened, they can also
make thin lines.
More books by
Brenda Hoddinott
(Artist, art educator, curriculum
designer, forensic artist (retired), and
owner of Drawspace.com.)
DrawSpace
Guide to
Getting
Started with
Drawing
Publisher:
Drawspace.com
(Halifax, NS, Canada)
The Complete
Idiots Guide
to Drawing
People
Illustrated
Publisher:
Alpha Books
(New York, NY, USA)
Drawing for
Dummies
Publisher:
Wiley Publishing
(Indianapolis, IN, USA)
Published by
Drawspace.com
Halifax, NS, Canada
ISBN 978-0-9813662-2-7
$24.00 US

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Ideal for homeschooling

and self-directed learning!

Published by Drawspace.com, Halifax, NS, Canada

DrawSpace Illustrated Dictionary of Art-related Terms

Copyright 2010 Brenda Hoddinott

Publisher: Drawspace.com, Halifax, NS, Canada

Illustrations, definitions, book layout, and cover design: Brenda Hoddinott

Editor: Suzanne Beaton

Brenda Hoddinott can be contacted at brenda@drawspace.com or through her website at http://www.drawspace.com.

Acid-free refers to a high-

Acrylic paints are water-based,

Aerial perspective (See

Age progression is the art

Age regression is the art of

Angle line occurs

Art (also called artwork)

Artwork (See art.)

Balance is a stable arrangement of

Basic colors (also see color) are

While the shapes Binder (also called a three-ring

Binding agent (also called a

Blending stump (also

Blind contour drawing

Brush head is the working end

Ferrule is the part of a brush (often

Canvas is a popular fabric

A cartoon drawing, Cartoon is

Cerulean Blue is a versatile

Circle is a geometric shape in

Circular shape is created

Classical drawing (also

Clips (usually made of metal)

Color refers to the visual qualities of objects based

Warm colors include yellow, orange and red, as

This numbered color wheel identifies warm

Each of the three continuous Continuous line

This contour drawing of a

Contour lines are

Cool colors (See color.)

The cranial mass of a baby is Counterclockwise

Cranial mass (often

Drawing from life

Dry mount refers to the

The five parts of an outer

Eye is the organ

In addition to the white

Facial muscles are

When viewed in profile, Facial slope refers to

Feathered lines Feathered line is a series

Flats (See brushes.)

Focal point (sometimes

Foreground refers to the sections of

Forensic art refers to the artistic

Foreshortening (also see

Horizon line (also called

At eye level: To create the

Gesture sketch (also see

Golden Mean (also see rule

An active child presents artists with invaluable opportunities to increase their

Grade (also see graphite and

Grid is a precise arrangement

Handmade paper refers to any type

Hatching (also see