Have you ever wondered why artists sketch and draw before starting a painting? The answer is simple: to ensure a well-composed artwork. Without proper planning, the composition may suffer, resulting in less than satisfactory results. In this article, we explore the importance of sketching and drawing in landscape art and provide you with some helpful tips to get started.
The Power of Planning
When embarking on a landscape painting, it's crucial to plan ahead. Think of sketching as the foundation of your artwork. Just as you wouldn't build a house without a solid foundation, you shouldn't start a painting without a preliminary sketch. By putting your ideas on paper first, you can design a composition that works harmoniously and avoids common pitfalls.
Many art galleries are filled with landscape paintings that suffer from poor composition. These artworks could have benefitted greatly from preliminary pencil sketches. Planning your painting in a sketchbook allows you to experiment, make adjustments, and ensure a strong composition. Plus, the process of sketching itself is enjoyable and allows you to express your creativity.
Essential Materials for Sketching
Before you begin sketching, make sure you have the right materials. While a sketchbook and pencils are obvious requirements, there are a few more items that can enhance your drawing experience. Invest in a range of graphite pencils to achieve different tones in your sketches. Also, consider having a craft knife and sandpaper handy to sharpen your pencils effectively.
Here is a basic list of materials you will need:
- Sketchbook (A3 is ideal)
- Pencils (4H, 2H, HB, 2B, and 4B are recommended)
- Craft knife (for pencil sharpening)
- Sandpaper (for shaping pencil tips)
- Eraser
- Ruler (optional)
Mastering Pencil Techniques
When it comes to using pencils, there are various techniques you can employ to create stunning drawings. One effective method is the Ted Kautzky ‘broad stroke' technique. This technique involves sharpening your pencil at an angle and filing the graphite to create a flat wedge. By using the broad side of the wedge, you can make uniform wide marks that beautifully depict forms found in landscapes.
Hold your pencil at an angle and make even, deliberate strokes. This approach allows you to achieve a range of values and communicate realistic forms. The broad stroke method is especially useful for capturing the texture and foliage of trees.
Sharpening Techniques for Broad Strokes
To create broad stroke marks, you need to sharpen your pencil in a specific way. Start by using a craft knife to expose about 1/4″ of the graphite lead. Then, file the exposed graphite on sandpaper to create a flat wedge. The flat side of the wedge is what you will use for making broad strokes.
Adding Depth to Your Drawings
To bring depth and a sense of space to your pencil drawings, you need to consider tonality and the play of light and shadow. One effective approach is to use different graphite pencils to achieve a range of tones. Hard pencils like 4H and 2H are perfect for distant objects, as they produce lighter marks. On the other hand, softer pencils like 2B and 4B are excellent for shading dark tones and shadows in the foreground.
The Art of Composition
Composition is key in any artwork, whether it's a painting or a pencil drawing. To plan a successful composition, start with small thumbnail sketches. These quick sketches help you explore different ideas and determine which composition works best for your vision. Spend about two to three minutes on each thumbnail sketch, keeping them proportional to the final size of your artwork.
Once you have a promising composition, use it as a reference for your final pencil sketch. The pencil sketch will guide you when you're ready to start painting, ensuring a well-composed and visually pleasing artwork.
Drawing Demonstration #1 – Rolling Hills of Northland, New Zealand
Let's take a closer look at a drawing demonstration to see these techniques in action. This particular drawing features a group of pine trees surrounded by rolling hills, a characteristic landscape of Northland in New Zealand. The sketch serves as a reference for a future painting.
In the composition, the group of trees becomes the focal point, while adjustments are made to enhance the overall balance. To ensure accuracy, the final sketch matches the size of the intended painting. After lightly sketching the design with a 4H pencil, the broad-stroke pencil method is used to shade different areas of the scene.
By gradually adding layers and darker values, the drawing starts to take shape. HB and 2H pencils are used for trees in the mid-ground, while the shadows in the foreground pine trees are represented by a 4B pencil. The result is a drawing that effectively captures the essence of the landscape.
Drawing Demonstration #2 – Shotover River, Queenstown, New Zealand
Our second drawing demonstration showcases a mountain river valley surrounded by broadleaf trees. The reference photo provided a naturally pleasing composition, with only minor adjustments made during the design process.
Incorporating a ‘steelyard' composition, this drawing balances the weight of the trees on the left with the smaller pine trees on the right. Using a 4H pencil, the composition is faintly sketched before shading and adding darker values. Different graphite pencils are employed to achieve the desired tonal range.
Finishing touches are made, focusing on the prominent shadow within the foreground poplar tree. A 4B pencil is used to enhance the depth and add final details, such as grass and bits of wood. The result is a captivating drawing that brings the landscape to life.
Now that you have some valuable insights into sketching and drawing landscapes, grab your sketchbook and pencils and embark on your artistic journey. Remember, planning is key, and sketching is not only an essential step in the process but also an enjoyable way to express your creativity.
Thanks for reading and happy sketching! 😊
References
- Ted Kautzky, 1979. The Ted Kautzky Pencil Book. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
- Edgar Payne, 1941. Composition of Outdoor Painting. DeRu’s Fine Arts.
Don't forget to check out more helpful blog posts like this one at Shill Art – Express Your Creativity and explore our range of coloring books here.
Follow us on:
- Facebook fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/ShillArt.Official
- Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreeColoringPagesToPrint
- Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/ShillArtOfficial
More Coloring Books at here, see now:https://shillart.com/coloring-books