STRATEGIES FOR OBSERVATION
The pictorial plane holds your compositions similar to a theatrical stage that presents a characters and props in a play.
Consider the horizontal and vertical edges of your pictorial planes (the edge of your drawing support) = to the horizontal and vertical axes of the illusionistic space where the drawn figure will interact upon. The correct placement of your figure determines the reality of if your figure can actually stand in that space or sit comfortably. Think of the pictorial plane as an imaginary window.
Make use of a view finder the same proportion of your paper.
FIGURE SIZE
The scale of figure in the pictorial plan signals your viewers the figure’s distance (or your own) from us. Do not draw the figure too small, you will not have enough room for details. Too large, will create body areas that can never have enough details.
Position yourself about 12’ from the model so you can perceive in its totality.
Develop Frame Consciousness towards Excellent Compositional
Learn to look and visualize the figure on the pictorial plane prior to laying a single mark on your substrate (surface). This early ground work will assist leading towards successful compositional outcomes.
Do not crop the figure’s head from the pictorial composition — no lobotomies here, please! Instead, crop the figure from the its lower extremities. If you consider early visualization as suggested in the earlier step, your composition need not have anything cropped.
Make use of the NEGATIVE SHAPES you see around the figure’s contour. This requires your mind’s eye to flatten out depth of field / and/ or / depth full, 3D space. Place your figure inside the pictorial window so that the negative shapes created are activated and are of interest to a successful composition.
Remember, you are the play write, choreographer and stage manager of your own DRAMA!
Course Sketchbook Assignments
IMAGINARY WINDOW EXERCISE
2 minute drawings with pencil on newsprint
Complete 5 in your sketchbook weekly.
By the end of the term should have a minimum of 50
This is a key drawing skill and should be done on a regular bases to hone your observation skills.
Look at a figure, imagine a window before your eyes, or make use of your view finder.
Draw a similar proportionate window in your sketchbook, one per page.
Experiment with vertical and horizontal windows. Experiment with using a rotunda (circular) space.
When positioning the drawn figure, look for basic geometric shapes, contrasting forms and interesting intersections between figure’s anatomy, and figure to ground relationships.
Dynamic intersections will enliven your picture to becoming activated, look for vertical, horizontal and diagonal thrusts.
Try to accentuate these by the figure’s positioning on the pictorial plane, but remember, your drawing must be convincing to your viewer’s that your figure can stand correctly and not seem like they are toppling over.
This exercise should be done regularly. I am asking only for 5 per week. You may make use of live models, photos of figures in action are not the best, but will suffice.
