Blocking in?

[FlameDragon]

I know this sounds silly but I've heard that term used very often, what exactly does it mean? How does one do it?

[Dizon]

Other peeps here could give a better explanation, but in my experience when you're using the block-in you are using straight lines to describe the basic shape of your subject. The goal is to simplify the appearance of something so complicated ( i.e. human figure). Look at this thread by David Kassan : http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108714

The second image is the block-in. As you can see from his block-in he also used curved lines as well. You don't have to use straight lines all the time, but the goal must remain the same. Mr. Kassan is already experienced in drawing so he has developed a sense for forms and shapes. That's also one of the benefits of using the block-in. Another one I could think of is that it forces you to work from the general to the specific. Work from BIG shapes to small shapes. Don't mind the details until later on in the drawing process when you're refining your work. Also, since the block-in is all about simplifying you must further refine it until you arrive at the final contour/outline of the subject. That's when you can start the rendering process.

Artist's who use block-ins usually aim for the natural appearance of their subjects. Guys like Carl Dobsky, Douglas Flynt ( who also posts here), Anthony Ryder, Jacob Collins, etc. all use this method.

[Art_Addict]

I would like to add that the block -in is usually is preceded by the envelope. which is the biggest simplified shape you can draw around your subject.
The block -in breaks down that shape in to smaller and smaller parts. And it's important to focus on tilts and direction during that block-in stage.

[reidaj]

I can personally vouch that using an envelope & block-in really helped me to gain confidence drawing complex subject matter. Prior to picking up these concepts I tended to do my best to grope for the basic form, and then it was lather, rinse, repeat until I got it right.. which added up to a lot of wasted time and effort to arrive at something accurate. With a block-in I can effectively arrive at a good likeness of the subject- capturing the basic structure and gesture in a minimal amount of lines. Once I've built that solid foundation, I've been amazed how many details I can screw up, yet the drawing will still retain a good likeness.

[timpaatkins]

I always thought blocking in meant laying down a transparent wash of the "base" color within the drawn lines. I didn't think it had anything to do with the act of doing the line drawing. Goes to show what i know.

[Elwell]

Blocking in can refer to both drawing and painting. In both cases it has to do with establishing with the biggest, most important relationships first.

[Chris Bennett]

As the words imply, 'blocking in' refers to a carving approach to what you are doing as opposed to a modelling conception where things are built up. With carving you start with the block, which is at first sawn into the basic shape. This is then attacked with a heavy point chisel, hacking out the the secondary big shapes, then comes the broad flat 'skutch' chisels, then the flats and so on until you are finally polishing the marble.

[FlameDragon]

I got this Approach to Figure Drawing book by Ryder and I finally understand hat you guys are talking about about blocking in! It makes so much sense, though I need to work on it. So you should start off every drawing that way, with the envelope, then block-in, then advanced block-in?

[Dizon]

I got this Approach to Figure Drawing book by Ryder and I finally understand hat you guys are talking about about blocking in! It makes so much sense, though I need to work on it. So you should start off every drawing that way, with the envelope, then block-in, then advanced block-in?

Keep in mind that Ryder is describing his own approach when it comes to blocking-in. Elwell's definition of it is basically what every artist does without being specific to a certain method of approach.

[jt4470]

Was wondering, does the envelope method work for drawing without reference or without a model?

[Elwell]

Not really, except for general placement. It's really more of an observational tool. When working from your head you're better off thinking from the inside out.

[FlameDragon]

Maybe this is too advanced for me still, I dont seem to be grasping it *sigh* Well I really better go back to the basics. I feel like I'm all over the place.

[David Kassan]

Was just checking on this thread, FlameDragon, I noticed that you are in Brooklyn, you are welcome to sit in on my class at the Cathedral coming this Winter. The class is on Tuesday nights and its free for students. Pretty relaxed environment with really good models. Usually the students throw in a couple of bucks to tip the model each week, that way we get the better models they usually get another hour paid for in tips, The studio is in renovation right now so we are on hiatus till probably later January. I'm always looking for serious students so if you or you know some other folks interested feel free to email me. studio@davidkassan.com cheers.

Hey Tristan, feel free to stop by as well, if you are in town.

[Dizon]

wow...That's a great opportunity, Flamedragon. It's a free class and Mr. Kassan is teaching! How cool is that?

[David Kassan]

wow...That's a great opportunity, Flamedragon. It's a free class and Mr. Kassan is teaching! How cool is that?

can we drop the Mr, kassan stuff. LOL just David.

[Dizon]

can we drop the Mr, kassan stuff. LOL just David.

sorry about that...:^^;:

[FlameDragon]

Was just checking on this thread, FlameDragon, I noticed that you are in Brooklyn, you are welcome to sit in on my class at the Cathedral coming this Winter. The class is on Tuesday nights and its free for students. Pretty relaxed environment with really good models. Usually the students throw in a couple of bucks to tip the model each week, that way we get the better models they usually get another hour paid for in tips, The studio is in renovation right now so we are on hiatus till probably later January. I'm always looking for serious students so if you or you know some other folks interested feel free to email me. studio@davidkassan.com cheers.

Hey Tristan, feel free to stop by as well, if you are in town.

Awesome!! Where is it located?

[David Kassan]

its held at the Cathedral of Saint John the divine on the upper west, sort of far up, just under Columbia.