Keep Looking!

Observational drawing is a fundamental part of producing a painting or drawing from life. It relies on direct observation of a subject and transferring the information from the eyes and mind to the paper. This type of drawing does not rely on any knowledge of perspective or other specialist drawing skills. Any art student can learn to do this with practice. It is simply about keeping the eyes on the subject and drawing what is seen onto the paper at the same time. Some students may find this difficult at the beginning. This may be because they feel they have to make an accurate drawing and need look at the paper a lot. Others may find the process unfamiliar and dislike doing both activities at the same time. They may need to start the process by doing 15 or 20 minute drawings, and extend the time gradually as confidence increases. Many students, even some experienced ones, don`t keep their eyes on the subject enough. Optimal vision is ensured by placing the easel and drawing board slightly to one side of the subject. This will allow the student to see paper and subject with very little interference. They need to be able to see from the subject to the paper on the board and back again by moving their eyes only. This ensures that the information they can see in front of them is retained in their minds whilst they draw at the same time. Students turning their heads away from the subject to the paper and back again may lose visual information. This can lead to making marks on the paper which are assumptions based on memory, or personal preference and not relevant to the actual subject. Observational drawing is an important part of building a student`s experience and confidence in practical drawing and painting skills.