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If we start a drawing by focusing on small details and moving from one part of the subject to another, the overall proportions often end up inaccurate, and the parts can feel disconnected. To avoid this, it’s important to begin by establishing the entire subject and its general proportions.
While visual measurement helps create accurate proportions, it can slow you down and interrupt the natural flow of drawing. Starting with visual measurement can also feel unnatural, since it’s very different from how we normally observe things.
Gesture drawing is a useful way to capture the whole subject quickly. A gesture drawing focuses on the whole of the subject rather than individual parts. In this approach, a single line may represent the flow of an entire leg, rather than any specific details of the thigh, knee, or shin.
Gesture drawing feels natural, free, and expressive because it is similar to the way we normally observe life. Normally, we make quick observations, taking in just enough information to identify what we are looking at. During gesture drawing, we draw based on similarly quick observations which give us enough information to capture our subject in general but not in detail. However, because gesture drawing is quick and loose it tends to lack accuracy.
Starting a drawing with visual measurement gives accuracy but often lacks expressiveness and flow. Gesture drawing, on the other hand, captures energy and flow but can be inaccurate. By beginning with a gesture and then using visual measurement to check and correct it, you can establish the overall proportions both accurately and expressively.
Using visual measurement to refine a gesture is not only an effective way to start a drawing, it also trains your eye to notice proportions more intuitively. When you check a gesture you give yourself feedback on the accuracy of your quick observations. As you practice, you’ll begin to compare distances and alignments by eye naturally, even while drawing gestures. Over time, your sense of proportion will improve and drawing accurately will come naturally.
Lesson 4 Assignment
Checking A Gesture
Begin with a gesture drawing of your subject. A gesture is a quick drawing that focuses on the whole of the subject rather than the details. Once you have your gesture, use visual measurement techniques to check its proportions and make any necessary corrections. Assess your results by how closely the proportions in your drawing match those of your subject.
- Spend the first 30 minutes doing the check a gesture exercise.
- Spend 50 to 55 minutes drawing your object to the best of your current ability. If you finish before your study session ends, draw it again until your time is up. If you can’t finish within one session, continue working on it in the next. You can also take extra time if you want.
- Reflect on your results and write about what went well and what you could improve next time.
Optional:
- Share your weekly study plan in the #accountability channel on the course discord server.
- Post your exercise results in the #exercises channel if you’d like feedback.
- Share your drawing and photo in the #course-critique channel to get feedback from the community.
If you have any questions about the course, you can ask in the #course-help channel.