Draw along with LP
O
ver the past few months (LP,
February to May issues) we have
looked at various types of
drawing materials and studied different
texture and shading patterns that can be
used with both graphite and ink. Last
month we brought our drawings alive
with the addition of loose watercolour
washes. To conclude my series, I haveput together this two-part drawing
project for you to try, using your
favourite ideas and media from
the articles.
We often put our art materials into
different categories, but there are
no rules to say that we can’t mix all
or some of our materials together.
Don’t be afraid to experiment; many
different and unique effects can be
achieved by doing just this.
To introduce this project, here is
a photograph I took on a trip to
the beautiful Mediterranean town
of Montenegro (below left). I also
produced a version of the
photograph in black and white
(right). This will give you a good
idea of the areas of the photograph
that display the strongest darks and
brightest lights. Working from a black
and white picture is often easier than
trying to pick out your tonal values
from a coloured version.Composition
The photograph shows a little street
tucked away to the side of the main
square. The street had a lovely old-
world feel about it, but I decided that
the little market stall and the chair
did nothing to add to the ambience.
I therefore decided to replace the
stall with additional foliage. I used
the stones of the surrounding paths
to give me directional lines, leading
the viewer’s eye to the main feature,
which are the steps and doorway in
my finished painting.
Choose how much or how little of
this photograph appeals to you. You
may decide to settle on just a small
portion of it, enlarging your chosen
section to make an interesting study.
Alternatively, you may choose to
draw it as it is. Adding figures or
animals would be another option to
offer additional interest. Remember
to draw what you feel about a scene,
not exactly what you see. Will you
complete your drawing in graphite
or ink, or a combination of the two?
You can also choose whether to
leave your finished drawing in black
and white, or add colour either with
watercolour washes or coloured
pencil or water-soluble pencil.
Next month, I will show you how
I tackled this project. I will complete
two versions of the picture using
different drawing materials.22 JUNE 2017 http://www.painters-online.co.uk
Part 1To conclude her six-part drawing series, Anne Kerr
introduces a drawing project from a photograph, and offers tips
and advice on how to produce your own version of the scene
Drawing project
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
nWork on your composition skillsnHow to work successfully from
photographs
nPut the techniques you’ve learned
from Anne’s series into practiceYour reference photograph: a tiny backstreet in the Mediterranean town of Montenegro
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