Is this possible??

[andymania]

Is it possible to do very accurate figure drawings using only gesture, negative space analysis, and big shapes rather than using any kind of measuring devices such as plumb lines, grids, etc. I am curious cause i am wondering if my eye/hand coordintaion can reach a level where i really dont have to rely on any kind or measuring devices. Is this possible? Cause so far, starting drawings with gesture and the above menitoned, it might take me several tries to nail it perfectly as opposed to a grid, etc...

-Ady

[Craig D]

Is this possible??

yes.

If you watch some of the pros draw/paint you may not usually see them measuring (with an object). It's not that they don't measure etc but with practice you can do this with just your eye.

[Mirana]

Gridding and similar analytical drawing techniques are meant to train your brain to recognize proportion on it's own. They aren't supposed to be long-term...at least not when you aren't recording something directly from life (portraits, still life, etc). You'd draw awfully stiff if it was the only thing you ever used to draw. Drawing multiple gestures is also how you learn and is completely normal.

[andymania]

ok thanks guys. My spatial relationships and angles always seem to be a little off and I always end up redrawing the whole thing.

[Elwell]

Hell yeah.

[Lohan]

I've been wondering this, too. I first learned to draw using the gestural "Nicolaides" type of construction and thought everything was good. then when i was introduced to the more classical, rigid style of drawing with plum lines, black mirrors, etc, i found the latter to be MUCH more accurate. i was really frustrated when i went back to using gestural construction because i could NEVER get them to be as accurate as when using the other method. but i guess im just a god damn noob :D

[Ilaekae]

Are you talking about stuff like this?

[tomwaits4noman]

I think once you know the basic rules for human anatomy you can sketch freely, basic may be a bit misleading as there is a lot to take in in terms of structure but it is what ever works for you, I find basic shapes boxes the easiest way to do it but I have seen drawings by Glen Keane - Disney Animator that were just curves and lines - that is impressive

[Seedling]

Grids and such are training wheels. :-)

[Elwell]

I've been wondering this, too. I first learned to draw using the gestural "Nicolaides" type of construction and thought everything was good. then when i was introduced to the more classical, rigid style of drawing with plum lines, black mirrors, etc, i found the latter to be MUCH more accurate. i was really frustrated when i went back to using gestural construction because i could NEVER get them to be as accurate as when using the other method. but i guess im just a god damn noob :D
Also, remember that absolute accuracy isn't necessarily the objective.

[Mirana]

Also, remember that absolute accuracy isn't necessarily the objective.

Elwell speaks truth! If your wanted it exact, take a photo. Art is about dynamics and life...inconsistancies make it interesting!

[Lohan]

I thought the original poster was asking about being as accurate as possible. But I agree with Tristan.

[andymania]

yes i know the relationships dont have to be exactly accurate. But I dont want things to be really off as well.