So many stories begin with “Once upon a time.” This past week became just that for me. I got to travel to visit my daughters in a neighboring state. Away from the farm, my schedule settles down to where I can take time for drawing. I found time...to sketch.
I have a photo that was taken last summer. I took it as we worked in the field. Our tractor looked rather appealing as we baled hay so I snapped the picture hoping to make it into a card. I took it at an angle hoping that might look good on a card.
I scanned the photo and filed it in my computer. I printed the picture at full-size on a sheet of 8-1/2″ by 11″ paper. To preserve ink I did it as a fast draft. This print is the foundational help I use for this particular image on my next card.
I fixed this full-size photo to a window with tape. The daylight highlighted the image. I taped another sheet of paper over the top of the photo. I proceeded to trace the main lines of the photo. These lines assist me when trying to capture proper perspective and accuracy.
I used to consider tracing as “cheating” in art. But in reality, it is a “tool” in art. It saves me much time in measuring when I have a limited amount of time in which to draw.
photo credits: Deena Hall
I really enjoyed watching you bring this sketch to life
I hope we can do it again.
me too! it was so fun to have you here!
Yes, let’s do it again.