When I have traced and marked key points on my drawing, it is time to remove it and the large-size photo from the window pane. The lines, at this point, are very light and feebly drawn.  Lines, therefore, must be accented by heavier, firmer pencil strokes.

I rely heavily on a straight-edge ruler for my next tool. With it, the lines become distinct, straight, dark and powerful. As I work, I need:

• good lighting
• a pencil sharpener
• an eraser that can clean up errors and not leave a dirty smudge

Soon, the drawing begins to take shape.  It resembles a color book drawing at this stage of the process. Yet the progress is visible and satisfying.

I look forward to the next stage of the process.  The shading comes next.  It is time-consuming, but rewarding.

photo credits: Deena Hall

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