ArtistsNetwork.com 45
2
Using a sharp colored pencil, I placed lines across the
form, that is to say, perpendicular to the direction of
the form. For example, since the wings project horizontally,
I wanted my lines to wrap around them vertically. This
technique can be done successfully using a fi ne-point
marker or pen, but I don’t recommend graphite pencil
because the lines will smudge too easily.
3
While drawing the wing, I kept my pencil in contact with
the paper throughout so that the form was rendered in
one line. To keep the line sharp, I gently rotated the pencil
as I drew. After the wing, I started the torso. I considered its
overall direction (vertical), so I drew my lines horizontally,
as if I were wrapping it with twine. For this larger section
I used a sharpener to keep the pencil tip pointed.
5
At the base of the statue, I again shifted my line
direction to describe the boxlike form.
6
Here you see the completed line drawing, Nike in
Blue Pencil (11x8½) with the photocopy removed and
a sheet of white paper beneath the tracing.