LinkedIn Learning: Drawing Foundations

2h24m * Beginner * Course

After reading the overview of this course, I’ve decided to select simple props from previous projects as the subjects of my sketching, to allow me to focus on putting drawing theory into practice.

Will Kemp, the instructor of this course, lists the three main principles of this course as such: ‘Shape’, ‘simplicity’ and ‘structure’. He refers to ‘simplicity’ as a means of leading to better results by concentrating on ‘simple’ subjects and drawing techniques that when combined, deliver a powerful impact.

The Theory behind Drawing

During this section of the course Will Kemp discusses how the brain perceives drawings and reality. Whilst this is fascinating it does appear the course’s focus is on helping you replicate reality rather than drawing from imagination. I will continue with the course as I think it will undoubtedly improve my drawing skills and confidence. I had hoped that one of the courses on this ‘Learning Path’ would build on drawing from imagination and improving creativity. As this is an area I hope to improve in. However, I am excited to complete this refresher on the foundations of drawing and really delve back into the basics.

“Memories Influence Perception, seeing like an artist”

This is such an interesting concept that the way we grow up drawing as a child influences how we draw today. I actually experienced a very recent example with this. I was trying to sketch a shed outside and for some reason even though I couldn't see the base of the shed as it was concealed by foliage I drew a massive black line where it would meet the ground. Kemp describes this as our brain filling the space with what it knows is there. This is helpful to know as it will hopefully help me to avoid making such mistakes in the future, one exercise Kemp practiced was breaking an image down into sections that abstract the overall subject into basic shapes and lines instead.

The Importance of Line

Keeping on the topic of our brains subconsciously filling in visuals to make logical sense of something we are looking at, it can make a drawing appear 3D, once the line drawing is complete. This is useful to know as it highlights the importance of sketching outlines first, that way you can clearly see if the image is cohesive before spending time working on it.

This made me think of my visit to the National Portrait Gallery in London, where from a distance some of the paintings appear photo realistic but up close there are just abstract shapes and dashes on a canvas. Ultimately I think I need to concentrate on working past my insecurities with my work as there is no pressure to achieve something perfect but my own.

Prior to this course Picture Planes weren't a term I had come across before, now however I know they are used to help funnel your focus to the subject of your drawing. They are also used to keep everything you draw on one surface by giving you one plane of view instead of an otherwise 3D subject.

Whilst the idea is an interesting one after seeing it in practice and giving it an attempt myself I can confidently reiterate that the practice isn't one I will be using in the future as I ultimately found the technique more of a hindrance to my line drawing than a help.

Value & Tone

Learning about value and tone came with the realisation that I avoid using dark tones and therefore creating less impactful and realistic work. With this in mind I found the tonal exercises really helpful in exploring the full range of shades I can achieve just through pencil drawings. I now intend to look at previous work and try to redraw it with darker tones keeping in mind what I've learned. One tip I found extremely useful was to never draw on a fully white page. As by shading the backdrop it starts your drawing out with an immediate contrast and broader palette.

The focus of these exercises wasn’t on mark making but instead on how tones can work within a drawing. To that end I believe these drawings can be considered a success and I am pleased with the outcomes.