Sketch Impressive Landscapes Using A Single Pencil
When sketching landscapes it can be difficult for an artist to create an impression of distance. It can be annoying when you have completed a drawing, only to realize that the distant mountain range appears to have advanced, looking like small hills.
Detail of foreground items should look like they stand out from the background and middle-ground. A technique for this is to minimize the degree of detail in the middle-distance. And, for distance, you lessen detail even further... often, a single line is enough to represent distant hills and horizon.
Another technique that gives the impression of distance is to use narrow subdued lines for the background. When gradually stronger and darker line-work is used for the middle-distance and foreground detail... the weaker background drawing falls back.
The simplest method is to use a variety of pencils that range from hard to soft. The hard lead pencils are useful for distance and fine-work. Softer pencils allow darker, more intense drawing that is more suitable for foreground detail.
Another way to create a similar result can be achieved using a single pencil. With plenty of practice, improved drawing skill and control you can easily manage to draw a variety of line-weights and line thickness.
Numerous effects can be achieved by using a single pencil, applying more or less pressure to get the tonal variety as you draw.
To help you understand the results try the exercise below...
Draw a simple square, around 2" X 2" (25mm X 25mm)
The target is to fill the square with shading that is lighter in one corner and darker in the opposite corner...
* Using a light touch, start at the top corner
* As your pencil moves away from the start point, gradually increase the pressure
* You should create the heaviest line weight at the opposite corner of the square
If you are careful, the shading will slowly change from light to dark across the square shape. If it isn’t a smooth transition, you can retouch areas that don’t satisfy you.
Continuing to practice this method of smooth shading will give you the high skill levels required to draw anything you desire... distance and foreground detail will not concern you.
Michael Dale is the author of 1- Color Is Best (the quick and easy way to learn to paint watercolor) and 3- Colors Are All You Need (mix any color you want fast using only 3 colors). Go to Paint-And-Draw.com to find out more.
You can also find a drawing and painting course edited by Michael Dale at DrawingFoundations.com
Detail of foreground items should look like they stand out from the background and middle-ground. A technique for this is to minimize the degree of detail in the middle-distance. And, for distance, you lessen detail even further... often, a single line is enough to represent distant hills and horizon.
Another technique that gives the impression of distance is to use narrow subdued lines for the background. When gradually stronger and darker line-work is used for the middle-distance and foreground detail... the weaker background drawing falls back.
The simplest method is to use a variety of pencils that range from hard to soft. The hard lead pencils are useful for distance and fine-work. Softer pencils allow darker, more intense drawing that is more suitable for foreground detail.
Another way to create a similar result can be achieved using a single pencil. With plenty of practice, improved drawing skill and control you can easily manage to draw a variety of line-weights and line thickness.
Numerous effects can be achieved by using a single pencil, applying more or less pressure to get the tonal variety as you draw.
To help you understand the results try the exercise below...
Draw a simple square, around 2" X 2" (25mm X 25mm)
The target is to fill the square with shading that is lighter in one corner and darker in the opposite corner...
* Using a light touch, start at the top corner
* As your pencil moves away from the start point, gradually increase the pressure
* You should create the heaviest line weight at the opposite corner of the square
If you are careful, the shading will slowly change from light to dark across the square shape. If it isn’t a smooth transition, you can retouch areas that don’t satisfy you.
Continuing to practice this method of smooth shading will give you the high skill levels required to draw anything you desire... distance and foreground detail will not concern you.
Michael Dale is the author of 1- Color Is Best (the quick and easy way to learn to paint watercolor) and 3- Colors Are All You Need (mix any color you want fast using only 3 colors). Go to Paint-And-Draw.com to find out more.
You can also find a drawing and painting course edited by Michael Dale at DrawingFoundations.com