This is the picture we will be sketching on Wednesday.
Divide into 3rds for placement and proportions.
Last night we looked at a photograph I had taken from Aberystwyth promenade. It shows part of the rocks, the sea wall, the castle grounds and the war memorial
It easily fits into thirds. Horizontally and vertically. The bottom third gave us the opportunity to use interesting mark making.
Some people found it useful to draw the same grid on the photograph. This helps get the proportions of each area relatively balanced.
Lightly sketch in the main features until you are happy using a H pencil. Then start boldening the work with a 2 B pencil. Add hatching, cross hatching, stippling and scumbling until you have the image needed. Rubbers were a useful tool.
Last night I set up a still life for Ponterwyd Art Club to sketch on Zoom. Well should have been an easy task to put some things together. We had been practising with cups and saucers so sensible to continue that theme, add a few tiny cream jugs a glass bottle and some flowers. Except what would have looked great in a normal class now had to look good through a camera on to a computer screen. Obviously I balanced my tablet on its special cushion- absolutely not going to work. So then boxes get put on a chair a small art stand to balance the phone, turn the camera, hide some of my clutter with a sheet over an easel. Discover what looks good to the eye isn’t so good through a camera. Move everything about 5 times.Here is the picture we worked from in the end.
At the end of the session I took a photograph so everyone could either improve or like me have another go. Much happier with my second attempt. Lesson learned next time set up day before and forward the photo, making it easier for everyone.
Try it yourself.
tjanehopkins 