Recording ideas
- Recording (AO3) means capturing ideas, observations and insights as your work develops.
- Methods include observational drawing, photography, annotation, and quick sketches of ideas.
- Record from first-hand sources (real objects and places) where possible, as this is more personal than copying photos from the internet.
Drawing techniques
- Hatching (parallel lines) and cross-hatching (layers of crossing lines) build up tone.
- Stippling uses dots to create tone and texture.
- Blending smooths tone with a finger, tissue or blending stump.
- A tonal range goes from the lightest highlights to the darkest shadows; using the full range makes drawings look three-dimensional.
- Continuous line drawing and drawing with your weaker hand can make lively, expressive marks.
Photography and sketchbooks
- Take your own photos with thought about viewpoint, lighting and composition; they can be edited or used as a starting point.
- A sketchbook shows your journey: dated work, trial pieces, notes and reflections.
Key terms
- Observational drawing
- Drawing from real life, looking carefully.
- Hatching
- Parallel lines used to build up tone.
- Cross-hatching
- Layers of crossing lines used to create darker tone.
- Stippling
- Using dots to create tone and texture.
- Tonal range
- The range of tones from lightest to darkest.
- First-hand source
- A real object or place you observe directly.