Observational Drawing Practice

Do you want to get better at seeing? Seeing is when you actually look at an object so closely, you understand all the contours, shapes, shadows, and textures that you wouldn’t have seen without a little training. It’s all about practice. Draw something 20 times and you won’t even have to look at the object again.

There are a few ways to make this practice more interesting. But the first step is always to find an object or two. Once you put that in front of you or use the image below, try these drawing exercises:

  1. With only 1 tool, pencil or coloured pencil, draw the object in 10 seconds - using just lines.

  2. Now draw it in 30 seconds - using just lines.

  3. Now draw it in 2 minutes using two colours.

  4. Draw it in 5 minutes using as many colours and tools as you like. Do this one multiple times!

  5. Draw the object without lifting your pencil off the page.

  6. With a tool of your choice, draw the object without looking at your page.

  7. Using a dark colour pencil or pencil draw or shade outside of the object, the negative space. There should be no lines or shading inside the object.

Observational Drawing with Fruit

If you’re interested in more, join Brina’s Creative Side. Becoming a member is just $55, a one time fee, to access all of the previous and upcoming posts which include printables, more photos, detailed instructions, videos, and customizable options for each art project. Perfect for teachers, art instructors, parents, or any one of any age who might want a bit of creative inspiration.

Brina Schenk

An artist and illustrator based in Fernie, BC, creating commissions, travel artwork, and live painting portraits.

https://www.brinaschenk.com
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Art Project - My Moth

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A Private Art Lesson in Fernie