Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6
Is it possible to learn how to draw or sketch? I know there are classes but do they work? Anyone learned? I'm not an artist and don't draw well but do have an eye and have automotive design ideas I need to put down on paper.
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Sounds like you may want to take a two phase approach.
First start with the "
Draw What You See" approach to build up the eye to brain to hand connection. This is found in those
still life and
life drawing courses.
Secondly you can then move on to the
draw what's in your brain part, which is a bit harder for some.
The third method..............taboo in some circles, embraced by other professions.
Tracing over and or modifying an existing image. This is best done successfully after mastering the two previous methods mentioned, but knowing a few simple rules about perspective and proportions can fast track you there.
Fourth method...............all sorts of computer programs, and again it may help to have some knowledge and experience with the one or more of the previously mentioned methods as a framework or backdrop.
EDIT: An architectural example of the third method in hybrid form: I build a simple mass model of a building or take a picture of a house. I then print it out, extrapolate the perspective's vanishing points and vertical measuring lines, and draw in the changes and or building addition. Trace over and add trees and grass.
As for automotive, let's say you want to make your own rear spoiler. Take a picture of the car or find one on the Internet, print it out and mark it up or trace over it.
Right now that method isn't working for me, so I need to find my large scale Porsche 911 model and fabricate a cardboard/plastic/metal spoiler for it - then take a picture and trace over it.
I can run a photocopy and splash some color on it, color pencil it, watercolor it, whatever. One could even scan it and use a computer paint program to finish it off with.
The thing to remember is that any drawing is 2D even the 3D ones on your computer screen. Nothing beats a model - the only true 3D. It's just so literal and the tactile experience of building something is irreplaceable. The medium might be clay, fiberglass, cardboard, foamcore board, rigid insulation foam, or whatever.
I often draw things at one level of complexity, but when I go to build something (usually a scale model),
it often gets simpler and better.
If you are trying to develop something, simpler is often better.