I recently held a drawing workshop in Madison Wisconsin at the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI) 2010 Conference and really enjoyed seeing the different drawing styles from the very talented visualists that participated in my four hour program. We explored a single subject - an imaginary waterfront commercial scene - and illustrated it using two different methods of drawing. The results were fascinating and I wanted to show you some “side-by-side” drawings and discuss the differences between them.
Simple Composite Option (above). The image we used was generated from a Google SketchUp model view that I lightened in Photoshop and printed on matte finish coated bond paper. Our group drew directly onto the print with ink pens, color markers and colored pencils.
Overlay and Trace Option (above). Using the same view, we also traced over the image and created new drawings with pens, markers and colored pencils.
Comparing drawing styles (below). The images shown below were generated at the workshop and reveal very different drawing approaches. Carefully look at them and notice how basic elements such as trees, signage, foreground, materials and window patterns differ from drawing to drawing. Then study the hatching patterns of each drawing. Although the base subject was the same, the unique character of each drawing highlights the individual's delineation style, color preferences and confidence in visualizing concept design.
Special thanks to Tom Schmidt, Joe Skibba, JJ Zanetta and Scott Baumberger for the use of their incredible drawings!
Look for other articles about the “Overlay and Trace” and “Simple Composite” methods of drawing on my blog, visit my website www.drawingshortcuts.com and read my new book Drawing Shortcuts Second Edition.
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