More Learn To Draw • Seeing Accurately

Join the Discussion "If you want to be able to draw from your head, you need to be able to break away from the symbols that hold you hostage" Janisse

Related Resources • Learning to Draw • Drawing Lesson No. 1 • Drawing Lesson No. 2 • Drawing Tips • Choosing Materials

Once you have observed the subject, the 3-D information is transferred to a 2-D surface. This transformation inevitably creates challenges for the artist. When we observe an object, each eye sees a slightly different view, and the constant change in the point of focus as we move our eyes around its form gives us the visual impression of depth. When drawing, we must rely on line, tone, texture and sometimes color to create the illusion of seeing depth. Artists have developed a toolbox of methods to overcome this problem.

• Linear Perspective: the most familiar way of representing objects in three-dimensional space. An understanding of perspective is essential, as even when drawing freehand, you need to be able to recognise its effect. Nothing flattens a drawing faster than distorted perspective.
• Foreshortening: the creation of an illusion of depth. Foreshortening (a term often used when referring to a figure drawing) is difficult, as on a flat surface it looks so wrong. The trick is to provide enough information to convince the viewer's eye - and to trust your eyes when you are drawing.
• Atmospheric Perspective: a crisp foreground, moderate detail in the mid-ground and an indistinct background. This can be subtly used, softening receding edges slightly.
• Mark-making: energetic, vigorous marks 'jump' off the page, (though this isn't always helpful if you are trying to create a realistically rendered surface). Dark lines stand out against white. If you are using line-only, use weight to make the line stand out or fall back, not to show the tone of the area it is against.
• Lighting the subject: Arrange your still-life or take your photograph such that it is lit from the top-left corner, as our brain most readily recognizes objects lit this way as three-dimensional. (You can see that most '3-D' browser buttons are designed this way).
• Choosing Your Subject: Consider the implications of areas of detail, pattern, colour and pose and whether these will be helpful in creating depth in your drawing. Remeber your 'artist's licence'! Modify, remove or add details to suit.
• Work from life: for beginners, it is important to learn to make your own judgements about depth. A flat photo removes this option. Use photographs as support material until you are confident working from life. A experienced artist can make judgements about the rendering of photographic images based on plenty of drawing from life.

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