| Learning how to draw by using a grid is | | | | finished. |
| almost like using a shortcut. | | | | 6. Pick a square to commence copying |
| It's things like grids that make drawing | | | | from. I am right-handed, so I always |
| possible for people who despair that | | | | start at the top left square. This way, |
| they'll never be able to draw. This | | | | I don't smudge my drawing. |
| process breaks drawings right down to | | | | Another good shortcut is to photocopy a |
| baby steps. | | | | grid onto a transparency. This will save |
| I recommend you use a grid as an aid | | | | you the time it takes to draw a grid on |
| only. I wouldn't encourage you to depend | | | | your picture. It also reduces the |
| on it all the time. | | | | possibility of errors with measurements. |
| Grids break down a picture into | | | | Plus, you don't have to waste time |
| manageable sized pieces. You only need | | | | getting a copy the original picture. |
| to focus on one square at a time and, | | | | Lots of good, positive reasons to get a |
| before you know it, you have a great | | | | transparency there! |
| drawing staring you in the face! | | | | I use blu-tack to stick my transparency |
| Here's what you need to do:- | | | | onto my picture to keep it steady. |
| 1. Find a good, clear picture that you | | | | You can make this process easier if you |
| would like to copy. | | | | start off using grids with the exact |
| 2. Make a copy of this picture, if you | | | | same measurements. That is, the grid you |
| don't want to damage your original. | | | | copy from and the grid you copy on to, |
| 3. On your copy, mark all four edges of | | | | should both be the same size. As you |
| the picture at half inch intervals. Use | | | | become more confident with the process, |
| a black fine tip marker. Beginners | | | | you can keep increasing the size of the |
| should start with smaller squares, like | | | | grid until you no longer need the guide |
| one quarter inch. Take care with your | | | | lines at all. |
| measurements, it can have an adverse | | | | If you draw a grid on your picture to |
| effect on your drawings if you make a | | | | half inch measurements, and then draw a |
| mistake. | | | | grid with one inch measurements on your |
| 4. Connect all the marks from side to | | | | blank paper, you will finish up with a |
| side and from top to bottom to create | | | | larger drawing than the original. This |
| your grid. | | | | also works in reverse, if you draw a |
| 5. Now draw a grid on your blank paper | | | | larger grid on your original and a small |
| to the exact same measurements. Draw | | | | grid on your blank paper, you get a |
| these lines very lightly, in pencil. You | | | | smaller drawing. |
| will be erasing these when you are | | | | Welcome to the world of drawing! |