Sketch Book for the Artist

OBJECTS

AND

INSTRUMENTS

How to Draw Ellipses

WE VISUALIZE CYLINDRICAL VESSELS, such as bowls and cups,

as essentially circular, since this is how we experience them

in everyday use. However, when seen at an angle, circles

change into ellipses, and these narrow or widen depending

on the height of our view. To make a cylindrical object appear

real in our pictorial space, we use ellipses to give a sense of

perspective. Be aware, though, that this is only one way

COMMON ERRORS

When drawing cylindrical objects in perspective, for example plates or bowls on a table,

there are three common errors people stumble upon. I have drawn these for you here.

The first common error is to draw two pointed

ellipses, giving the cylinder four corners, like a

disposable plastic cup that has been crushed

in your hand.

The second common error is to tilt the upper

and lower ellipses at different angles, suggesting

that the vessel is lopsided. I have exaggerated

this error here.

third common error is to draw upper and

lover ellipses with different-sized apertures, as if

the table surface slopes upward beneath the

vessel, while its upper rim remains level.

WHERE TO START

In the air above a spacious sheet of scrap paper; spin your hand in a relaxed

circle. Watch the tip of your pen and see it draw an ellipse in the air Keep this

movement going while gently lowering the pen onto the paper like the needle of

a record player closing on the disc (only it is your lowering hand that spins, not

the paper!) As the pen touches down, keep it spinning. Don't worry if it is uneven—

just try again; you will achieve steadiness with practice. Cover a sheet of paper

with spinning, springlike forms like those I have drawn below.

of seeing. Cubism, for example, (see p.90) takes a different

view, describing many sides of an object simultaneously.

Ellipse are best drawn quickly, smoothly, and in one

bold stroke, even if your hand wobbles a little at first. A

wobbling but confident ellipse will still be more convincing

than a slow, hesitant one that has edged its way nervously

around the vessel's rim.