Arrange and Light Your Subject.
ESTABLISH YOUR EYE LEVEL
Look at the above arrangement. From what angle are you looking at these objects? Think about where the person who took
the photograph is standing or sitting in relation to these objects. This is an important consideration because where you sit or
stand determines your vantage point. It is very important to maintain the same vantage point when you are drawing. Moving
around changes your vantage point, and consequently you have to change your drawing. In the above setup, the person
viewing the objects is sitting in front of the table and looking directly at the objects. Notice that you cannot see the tops of
the objects. You can see them from the side only. You can also see just a small portion of the tabletop. Notice the height of
the back of the table in relation to the objects on the table.
Here are two different eye levels. In the first image (a), you are looking down on the objects. Consider which portions of the
objects you can actually see. How much of the table can you see? In the second image (b), your eye level is lower. You can-
not see the tops of the objects, and the table is obscuring the bottom of the objects. You cannot see the surface of the table.
Remember that what you can see determines what you draw.
The subjects that you choose to draw,
the way in which you arrange them,
and the way in which you choose to
light them are very personal choices.
In this section, you will be shown dif-
ferent setups as examples only. Be
aware that if you don’t like the setup,
you can rearrange it to suit yourself.
The directions given can apply to any
situation.a b