Week 8 – Jss 1 Second Term Basic Technology Lesson Notes

Week 8; free-hand sketching

01. Pencil grip

Think of the pencil as charcoal in a wooden sheath
When I draw, I use not the tip but the side of the lead in order to maximise its utility. Holding my pencil like I would charcoal also keeps it sharper longer. When covering large areas, I shade with my pencil perpendicular to the line I’m drawing to get wide, soft lines; for details, I hold my pencil parallel to my lines to get sharp, narrow marks. The only time I use the point is when I’m working on intricate details.

02. Shading techniques

Shading with unified lines versus with patches
I like to shade in two main ways: the first is with all of my lines going in the same direction, which makes my shading appear more cohesive. This pencil drawing technique also helps my details pop out from the lines I’m using for shading.
The second method I use is working in patches, which help define shape. Patches of lines go around the form, which help keep things in perspective. This technique is also great for backgrounds and adding texture.

03. Line weight

Line weight can help define solidity and volume
The next drawing technique concerns line weight. Having control over my line weight is a great way to separate objects from one another, and can help emphasise shadows. Thicker lines can fade and disappear into the shadows, which can help convey the 3D form.
I try to avoid outlining my drawings because this tends to make things look flat and deadens the 3D effect. Breaks and spaces in my lines show form in the lights and shadows.

04. Sketch language

Use light lines to explore and dark lines to commit
When I start drawing, I plan and explore using loose lines, and avoid committing too early with hard, dark lines. As I progress my lines will change; checking and rechecking my work is vital. I darken my lines and add details at the end. I don’t focus on one area for too long to prevent overdrawing.
When drawing something symmetrical, I focus on the spaces between the lines, and of course keep reevaluating as I go along.
Assignment