The art of realistic drawing has evolved through the ages with various techniques and approaches. Among the many methods artists use to create their works, three notable approaches are Sight Size, Constructive Drawing, and Comparative Drawing. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and in this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the differences between Sight Size, Comparative Drawing, and Constructive Drawing.
1. What is the Sight Size method?
The Sight Size Method is a proven technique for conveying the exact proportions of a subject when drawing or painting. By focusing on specific steps and measurements, you can ensure that heights and widths are accurately reproduced. Here are the basic steps of the Sight Size Method:
Drawing board orientation:
Make sure your drawing board is level. A stable and level work surface is crucial to enable correct perception of proportions.
Positioning and line of sight:
Position yourself so that you can see the design in a suitable format on the paper. It is important that you are facing your drawing board and that your center of body is between the design and the board. Mark your position with tape to ensure consistency throughout the process.
Vertical reference line:
Find a central vertical line through your subject. This line will serve as a reference point for measuring the heights and widths. It should run from top to bottom through the subject, capturing the main elements.
Measuring heights:
To determine the most important heights of the subject, hold your arms out in front of you and close one eye. Use a plumbline, wooden skewers, knitting needles, or similar thin, sturdy objects, or another measuring instrument to mark the intersections of the heights with the vertical reference line. Start with the highest and lowest points of the subject, then work your way through the heights in order of importance. Repeat the measurements several times to check their accuracy.
Measuring the widths:
The widths of the subject are also measured using the central vertical line. Assume the same position as when measuring the heights and determine the distance between the desired point and the central line. Transfer this width to your paper by holding the measuring instrument over the paper and overlapping one side with the vertical line. Start with the widest point of the subject and work your way through the widths in order of importance. Again, check the measurements several times to make sure the proportions are correct.
Control and verification:
It is crucial to check the heights and widths several times to ensure that the proportions are accurate. Compare the measurements to the highest and lowest points as well as the widest point of the subject. This repeated check will allow you to identify and correct any errors before you start the actual
2. What is the Comparative Method for realistic drawing?
Comparative Drawing, refers to the process of comparing different parts of the subject to determine their relative sizes and positions. The artist uses reference points or guidelines to determine the correct proportions. This method is well suited to depicting complex scenes or figures where accurate perception of relative sizes and positions is crucial.
Observation and selection of comparison elements:
Start by carefully observing your subject or object. Identify the most important elements or features that will serve as a standard of comparison. Choose clear and measurable elements, such as the length of a stem in relation to the height of a flower.
Sketching the basic shapes:
Start by sketching the basic shapes of your subject. Make sure to depict the proportions of these basic shapes correctly. Use light lines or guidelines to mark the positions and distances of the comparison elements.
Setting a scale:
Choose a specific part of your subject to serve as a scale for the rest of the elements. For example, this scale could be the length of a particular leaf in a plant subject. Then compare the other elements to this scale and make sure their proportions are correct.
Use of reference points:
Use reference points to accurately represent proportions. Reference points can be, for example, the distance between the eyes and ears of a face or the position of a branch in relation to the leaves of a tree. Focus on how these reference points relate to each other and transfer these relationships into your drawing.
Multiple verification:
Check your drawing regularly to make sure the proportions are correct. Compare the different elements to each other and to your previous measurements. Check that the distances and proportions between the comparison elements are consistent.
Make adjustments:
If you notice that the proportions are not correct, make adjustments accordingly. Correct the lines and proportions to achieve a more accurate representation. Be patient and willing to make adjustments until you are satisfied with the result
3. What is the Constructive method?
The Constructive Drawing method focuses on highlighting the basic structure and geometric shapes of a subject. The artist carefully analyzes the subject and breaks it down into simpler shapes to reduce complexity. As the drawing progresses, the shapes are gradually expanded and refined. This approach emphasizes the relationship between the different elements of the subject and allows spatial depth and volume to be correctly represented. It should be noted, however, that this method may not be suitable for beginners, especially when drawing life, as a basic knowledge of anatomy is required to understand the implementation of body parts such as arms or legs.
Observation and analysis of the motif:
Start by carefully observing the subject or object and identifying the basic shapes and structures. Look for geometric shapes such as squares, circles or rectangles that might be included in the subject. Analyze the relationships between the shapes and how they relate to each other.
Constructing the basic shapes:
Use baselines and simple geometric shapes to establish the basic proportions and positions of the subject. Draw light lines to mark the orientation and position of the different elements. You can also use guidelines to account for perspective and depth in the subject.
Using construction lines:
Add construction lines to the basic shapes to more accurately depict the structure and details of the subject. These lines serve as guides to determine the placement of facial features, limbs, or other complex elements. Focus on how the lines relate to each other and how they define the shapes.
Step-by-step construction:
Build up the motif gradually by connecting the different shapes and structures together. Start with the basic shapes and then work your way to the more complex details. Make sure that the proportions and positions of the elements remain consistent throughout the process.
Periodic review:
Check your drawing regularly to make sure the proportions and positions are correct. Compare the different elements with each other and with your previous designs. If necessary, correct the lines and proportions to achieve a more precise representation.
Refining the details:
Once the basic shapes and structures are established, you can focus on refining the details. Add shading, textures and more fine lines to make the subject appear more realistic. Be patient and take your time to work out the details carefully.
Conclusion
It is important to note that Sight Size, Comparative Drawing and Constructive Drawing are not strictly separate methods, but rather different approaches that can be combined depending on the artist's preferences and the requirements of the subject.