Object of reference: Drawing w/o grids

[asaenz]

Point of Reference: Explained

I used the word tire in my image please note that you are measuring the rim
Also I like larger rims on my cars you can always come back and make your rims larger even though you used the photo’s stock rim length to do the point of ref.

Besides I draw my tires and rims last anyway.

Information gathered from:

Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces
by Carrie Stuart Parks

The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
by Betty Edwards

I cannot stress this enough, if you really want to learn how to draw and see get Betty’s book.
That book is not for someone who won’t take the time, discipline and dedication to improve.

Parks' book is great also.

Most libraries carry both books if they do not ask them to get them for you.

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This is similar to using a pencil and measuring w/ it but this is more accurate, takes just a little bit longer (da—ang you have to spend like 5 mins. to setup your index card) to use but keeps you in the free-hand mode and helps w/ observation skills.

Before step one

Bisect your reference picture vertically and horizontally (form a cross hair). You will end up with 4 very large quadrants.

Now Bisect your artwork paper (use a ruler) vertically and horizontally just like above.

Draw your cross hair lines lightly.

This will assist in keeping w/ your proportions and you can use it to compare spacing between lines and such.

This is explained in great detail in Dr. Edwards’ book (cross hairs, learning to see and observe Parks' book goes into point of ref. and I think Edwards' does too but uses a diff. method.



Step 1

Find an object in your picture to use as the point of ref.
I like to use the back tire. It is easier to find the major axis length.

Step 2

Get the index card and mark the length of the back rim. Then decide how large you want the back rim on your artwork to be. Remember to think about your drawing surface. You don’t want your artwork rim ref. to be too large or your drawing will be cut off.

Now, bisect the lengths of the rims/tires on the index card. Then bisect those halves. Yes, you are creating a ruler.

Step 3

Try to get the angles and lengths of the major outside lines of the car.
Remember to measure your photo with the rim length of the index card labeled “ref. tire”.
Remember to measure your artwork w/ the one labeled “artwork” don’t mix them up.
Remember you can measure also from your cross hair lines. That is what they are there for.

I like to est. the out side lines first. I will measure from the cross hair and sketch the car line that crosses it on all four lines (cross hair).

I then come in and start connecting the lines. Look for major lines don’t draw all the detail yet. This is shown in just about any “How to draw Cars” book.

I like to measure the lenght of the lines (ground effects/rocker panels) between the front and back tires.

I really like drawing free hand this way because it helps you to improve but also gives you a little help. Soon you may be good enough to just hold your pencil up and measure that way, but there is a method to that too.

Also you may want to close one eye while measuring because our binocular vision can screw things up. Be sure to always close the same eye.

I know this isn’t a step-b- step process to sketching but I think you can figure it out.

There is only one way to get good and that is to practice.

I am sure you guys have heard, “Practice makes perfect.”
I heard a better one though, not to long ago, “The right kind of practice makes perfect.”

To learn the right kind of practice you are going to have to gather knowledge from books/videos and art teachers.

Only so much can be explained on-line.

Even then I may be wrong.
Read, check, see if what I am saying is true or not. Ask other peops like art teachers and professionals.

Go to amazon.com to read reviews on the two books I mentioned.
Some people say Edwards' book is too long. That may be true but if you want anything good in life you have to spend time at it.

Alfred

[KustmAce]

Nice Al, would you mind if this went into the Tut section?

[asaenz]

Ok, sure do whatever you want.

I don't know how to move threads, sorry.

al

[KustmAce]

I don't move it, just make a link to this thread in the Tutorial section

[asaenz]

Oh, I C.

Yes I will do that and do the head light tutorial also.

Thx

al

[-GS-]

damn man thanks for the tutorial. Cant wait to give it a try.