MATERIALS
• F pencil
• 2B pencil
• 4B pencil
• Staedtler rubber
• Canson drawing paper 110gsm
STEP 1
After selecting the paper size I am going to use for my drawing, I determine the size of the subject and where the horizon should be. I do a rough sketch at this time, taking care that the horizon is not in the centre or near it, because wherever the horizon is placed it will always be seen at eye level. I use a faint line so that it is easy to remove later on. The subject must then be put into perspective (lines tapering away to vanishing point), as this gives the drawing a sense of depth, three-dimension, solidarity and realism.
STEP 2
At this point, still using an F pencil, I only draw light lines because the paper can be easily marked if applying too much pressure. I sketch freely at this stage and don’t worry about unwanted fine lines as a good soft rubber has always been a part of my art kit. I now draw in everything that is important, that is the basic size and shape, and this way I don’t end up running off the sheet when drawing in any extra detail.
STEP 3
Now the general layout of my drawing is almost complete I continue using the F pencil to draw in more detail. I study each section looking for anything that I may have missed to erase and clean up any smudged areas.
STEP 4
With the general layout of my sketch complete, I have come to the time I enjoy the most. I’ve always said like all good contracts, the quality is in the detail. I change to a 2B or 4B pencil and once I have determined where the light is coming from I begin shading the darker areas that is, the trunk, bark and juniper needles (leaves).
FINAL STEP
At last the drawing is coming to life and I am mindful not to rush the final step. The intricate detail is what sets the drawing apart from just being a sketch, so I concentrate on the various shadings of the container, the bamboo mat it is placed on, the stones and moss around the tree, and lastly the Chinaman ornament resting under the bonsai. This is what gives the drawing character and life.
ARTIST’S HINTS AND TIPS
• To produce a successful drawing, the extra work you do at the beginning i.e. planning and setting out pays off. Taking a close up photo of the subject and the different surfaces enables you to draw the intricate details that will make the picture appealing and enjoyable to look at.
• I have found from past experience, especially for us lefties, when doing the detail work it is a useful practice to start working from the top so as to not to smudge the art work. Sometimes it is impossible to keep your hand off the surface of your drawing, so I place a sheet of paper or cardboard about half the size of the sheet of art paper and carefully rest my hand on it without moving it around.
• Using a penknife to keep your pencils sharp is helpful as I have found using a sharpener frustratingly breaks the leads.
• Using a blending stump is helpful however your fine detail work can be spoilt if it is not used correctly.
• Avoid using a ruler, and practice drawing straight lines as this can only be helpful in your art work.
• Using superior quality paper and materials will enhance your art work. Who knows it might turn out to be a masterpiece, so why not use the best?
