Essential Drawing Studio Course (Cahir Arts)

Dynamics of Light & Shadow

One of the central subjects we will be looking at is light – and its counterpart, shadow – and they will be explained in detail, and showing how their true nature can be represented in drawing, and what specific techniques are required to do this.

In order to “turn form,” or represent light as it hits a three-dimensional object, first, we need to be able to understand this, then we need to identify it, and finally, we need to know and hone the skills and techniques needed to represent this using pencil (or charcoal) on paper.

Measurement, Proportion & Perspective

The more accurate we are in our drawing – or true to nature – the more realistic and believeable our drawings will be. Developing good measuring skills is therefore essential. Measuring does not just relate to height, width, outline, and proportion; it also includes measuring a cast shadow, for instance, or where the highlight is, which then affects how we interpret the fall of light and the form of the object.

The use of three-dimensional perspective is one of the most significant developments in Western art over the last 500 years. We will investigate intuitive perspective versus linear perspective, their historical uses, and pay more attention to it in subject matter that often tends to bypass it.

Line & Tone

We could categorise the entire drawing process into two major components: line and tone. One simple definition for these might be that:

• Line creates shape and outline – which relies on things like measurement, proportion, perspective, contour, and that
• Tone fills in these shapes – or concerns itself with what’s happening on the ‘inside’ of the form.

Developing a pristine shading technique is essential for detailing the effect of light on a subject. Light’s behaviour and effect is logical – there are no anomalies. Thus, our drawing technique must operate on the same level of accuracy if we are to render an object as realistically as possible. If our shading in a drawing is haphazard, careless, or illogical, then our drawing will quickly fall apart.

We will look in detail at the tools and paper we should use, and how to use them properly, as instruments of fine art.

Composition

There are many ‘rules’ around composition, many of which you will learn on this course. Today, many people think of rules in art as being restrictive and dampening our expression. But these rules – which are rather principles and conventions – came about after the fact in order to heighten the impact of art.

Many of the principles are borne from physical and perceptual truths, and even abstract art will also account for them. The ‘rules’ are very much connected with the laws of nature.

Studio Best Practices

You will learn many important studio practices and useful information including:

• Materials and equipment
• Different art brands and shopping for the best art supplies
• Preparing paper and other supports
• Archiving or framing finished drawings

Artists, Styles & Periods

Along the way, you will learn about many great artists of the past and present, and the methods and techniques they employed to achieve the results they did.