Video 11: Drawing from Life

Drawing from life is a term used for drawing objects or subjects from direct, live
observation without the aid of photographs. Drawing in this manner is recommended
over drawing from photos because the conversion from 3-Dimensional forms to the
2-Dimensional illusion of a drawing happens with the artist.

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Lighting a Still Life
When drawing from life, the
artist must consider the light
source that will light the
scene. A strong singular
light source will produce
deep core and cast
shadows. Gradations
between values are more
gradual with this type of
lighting.

When a secondary light

source is added, the core
and cast shadows are
affected. In this case, there
is less gradation between
values and the strength of
the core and cast shadows
is weaker.

It is important to consider
props that may enhance
your still life. Consider the
tonality and color of these
props and how they will
affect the completed
drawing.

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Composition
It is also important to
consider the composition of
the finished drawing. This
will need to be considered
as the still life is set up. A
composition that
encourages eye movement
while balancing positive and
negative space will prove to
be more successful.

A view finder will help frame

the composition and help
the artist organize the
subjects on the drawing
surface. A view finder can
be easily fashioned from
heavy paper.

Once a composition is
determined, the drawing
can begin. Start by loosely
drawing the shapes of the
objects onto the drawing
surface. Pay attention to
the relationships that exist
between the edges of the
objects and the edges of
the picture plane.

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Sighting

As the location of objects

within the composition are
solidified, the marks made
by the artist can become
more deliberate.

Sighting is an observation
technique in which the artist
uses the length of a pencil
or other object to compare
the size relationships
between objects in a
composition.

Sighting can also be used

to determine the relative
size of objects to be drawn
on the surface.
Comparisons can be made
between objects in the
scene using this technique.

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Drawing from Life

The artist can continue to

define the locations of
objects in the drawing by
drawing the contours.

Once the subjects are

defined in the image, the
values can be added. In
this case, hatching and
cross hatching will be used
to define the forms.

The focus in the drawing

can now be placed on
creating a range of value
since the compositional
elements have been
defined.

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Drawing from Life

Stay consistent with the

drawing method that you
choose. This will help
create harmony in the
drawing.

Consider the directional

lines (cross contours) in the
drawing as you add them.
These lines can help further
the illusion of form.

Drawing from life should be

a common practice for
artists. A noticeable
difference in drawing skill
will be noted when
observational drawing
occurs on a regular basis.

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