SPEED DRAWING
LEARN TO SPEED DRAW
As we watch in amazement the artist quickly creates a work of art in
a matter of a few minutes or less. We wonder how he/she learned to work
so quickly and still produce fine art that depicts in detail various
characters and objects. We immediately decide that this is something
we will never be able to do.
But wait! Give it a try before you decide you can’t do it.
Speed drawing is nothing more than a drawing done quickly – well, let
me back track, in some cases the drawing isn’t even done rapidly but
rather, the drawing process is on video and the video is speeded up to
give that impression. However, that is not true for all speed drawings
... there really are artists that draw at a very fast speed.
SPEED DRAWING - VIEW NEXT VIDEO AND ARTICLE
After you feel your work is up to par (you are most likely your own worst critic), you will need to work on increasing your speed. Initially you should work on speed drawing in your own studio – but then take it ‘to the streets’.
Consider taking your artist pad to a mall or gym or other place filled with people. Choose individuals with interesting characteristics as models. You will of course be forced to capture the essence of the individual quickly. Memorize his/her facial features and the way the clothing drapes over the body.
Draw as quickly and as accurately as possible. Begin with the outline of the main objects and then fill in the dark areas. With practice you will learn how to actually create the illusion of motion – as your subjects are sure to be moving. You will notice that a quick movement does not allow for as detailed a drawing.
Suppose you are in a mall setting and you decide to draw an elderly man sitting across from you. He seems to be tired and perhaps a little frustrated. You notice that his hand has wrinkles in the loose skin and you can actually see blood veins beneath the surface of the skin. The man’s sweater is gray and worn ... his shoes are scuffed ... you notice his cane at his side.
How long did it take you to note all of the above? About one or two seconds! This could be a masterpiece ... draw it now!
Consider you’re at a baseball field the ball player (your model) hits a home run. As he runs past you it is not possible to discern his facial features ... he’s almost a blur as he runs past ... this drawing will be extremely different than the one of the elderly man.
Learn to make quick mental notes and use them as you draw. Your drawings will come easier and more quickly with practice. Remember that drawing is a skill that anyone can master – with enough practice!