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Part One – THE PENCIL
SHAPES AND FORM
In this next section we are going to look at
shape and turning shape into form.
The definition of shape is that it has
perimeter and lies flat upon the picture
plane unless we relate it to other shapes
which can then imply space. It is a very useful
exercise to practise drawing shapes –
squares, circles, triangles, rectangles and any
type of organic shape. It is also useful to
practise turning shapes into illusions of
form; for example, making a circle into a
sphere, a triangle into a cone, an oblong into
a cylinder. These exercises are essential for
the beginner.
Medium: 6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, H and HB
Next we are going to draw shapes - shapes
that will imply meaning in a non-repre -
sentational way and will create tension on
the surface of the paper. The shape contains
the essence of any composition - a
combination of harmony, balance, rhythm,
movement and spatial implications. These
are the basic components that hold a
drawing together and the dynamics that a
composition needs to express an idea. The
interrelationships between them are key to
the making of a successful drawing. In the
sketches that follow we will be playing with
these interrelationships.The basic shapes
you will encounter
in most drawing
compositions.Circle. Ellipse.Square. Oblong.Triangle.