Day 2 of Week 6 of The Art & Science of Drawing is about block-in.
- block-in
- convert complex curves and contours into straight lines before drawing the details
The Block-in Method
- contours can very often be described better with straight lines than with simple geometrical forms that are too generic
- the intersection of 2 straight lines define an apex that can be use for angle sighting
Block-in a single subject
As always, start from general to specific:
- if possible, start with some simple geometrical forms to roughly describe the subject
- add the straight lines
- using the apexes, verify that everything is in proportion
- adjust what needs to be adjusted
- with a kneaded eraser the block-in drawing
- remove first the graphite or charcoal dust by dabbing your kneaded eraser
- once the excess dust was remove, erase the remaining marks until you leave only a light trace of the block-in
- now start adding your final contour lines, using the block-in as a guide
Block-in multiple subjects
- start by simplifying the subjects in basic forms
- make sure these simple forms have the right size and position one to the other
- envelope your subjects and double-check the angles and sizes are correct
- connect apex points with imaginary lines to create a contour that “envelops” all your shapes
- if you find some errors correct your drawing
- now start the block-in for each individual subject
- block-in is useful if you can identify straight lines
Summary (by Brent)
- translate complex forms into basic shapes (circles, ovals, rectangles, triangles, …) or volumes (cylinders, spheres, cubes, …)
- use the block-in to translate complex curves into straight lines
- use the envelope for additional checks
- draw a detailed contour using dark lines
The assignment
- select 3 objects and draw them using the block-in method
- fruits and vegetables are great for today’s project
- extra challenge: after drawing each object individually, draw all three of them grouped together
