In contrast to learning hybrid rendering techniques that merge hand drawing with digital imaging, it is equally valuable to know how to represent concept designs with quickly generated, simply delineated hand drawings! This master planning project involved a series of concept sketches that visualized different landscape and streetscape improvements for a small western town. Because of the wide variety of illustrations being reproduced in a planning document, I chose a consistent 7”x11” horizontal format for each drawing.
I developed a three-step drawing approach by first blocking out the perspective in red pencil on trace, then tracing over the mockup in ink and finally coloring a print with markers. I also used a very loose drawing style with informal diagonal hatching for each drawing. Planning ahead regarding format, drawing technique, illustrative style and coloring strategy allowed me to communicate many ideas with successful results in a short amount of time.
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A Three-Step Process
I used a Sanford Col-erase red pencil on trace to block out this scene of a community ball field. The pencil mockup was reviewed and approved by my client before continuing onto the next step. I traced over the mockup with a Staedtler Lumocolor F pen on trace adding more detail and content to the scene. All of my drawings were developed from imagination without any computer or photographic backgrounds. I copied the line drawing onto presentation bond paper and added color with Chartpak AD markers. Informal marker strokes reinforced the casual character of this and all other illustrations in the series.
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Alternative Design Studies
These four drawings visualize alternative design options for selected locations. For the waterside bike path alternatives, I drew one perspective view of the river’s edge and simply traced over it a second time changing the location of the bike and pedestrian pathway. The second pair of drawings represented landscape treatment options for the open space adjacent to a major highway.
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Different Drawing Subjects and Scales
Visualizing different planning concepts for a small rural town involved focusing on the downtown streetscapes, residential neighborhoods and commercial properties. I illustrated concepts for landscaping treatments, sidewalk patterns and relationships between the built environment and open space. None of my drawings were intended as specific design solutions but served to generate public interest about the possibilities for improving the overall character and quality of their small but growing town.
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