One Line Drawings

Yesterday in my Design Projects Workshop we were challenged by our lecturer, Jamie, to attempt 2 quick sketches with about 5 minutes for each. the first challenge was to draw a selection of objects in front of us. We had to draw these objects using a one line technique meaning we could not take our pens of the paper. The aim of this exercise was to improve our ability to sketch quickly and more confidently.

After this we were then challenged to draw a portrait of the person sat oppisite. To make the challenge fairer for those who are not very good at portraits we had to draw using our non dominant hand and also using the one hand technique. Whilst I did struggle with this drawing more, having to concentrate more because I was using my left hand instead of my right helped me draw better than I thought I would.

Easy Trees

I have been practising easy techniques to draw trees in my sketchbook. I have found the best way to draw them is to be quick and confident with the lines I draw. Using a pen definitely helps with this. I have used black and blue pens and I think blue is better as it makes adding darker areas easier.

Hedge Laying

Something that is becoming rare to see in the countryside is hedge laying, as hedges are now no longer the main thing to stop cattle escaping but wire fences instead. 

However, in the future I would like to include layed hedges in my designs as I think they are a very strong and more natural barrier than a metal Fence or wall. So I looked through the bookshelf at home and found a book on hedgelaying. I found a drawing I liked about laying a hedge and thought I would try and do my own simple version. 

Sketching Sandford Park

I recently went on a walk around Sandford Park in Cheltenham, whilst there, I did some sketches of some of the landscaped spaces I liked. First, I sketched a water feature that I immediately saw when entering from the high street. I chose this as I thought it was an interesting focal point that drew me into the park when entering through the gateway. I used a fineliner pen for this sketch because it is one of my favourite mediums for drawing due to the clear lines and not being able to rub it out.

After this, I did another sketch, but instead focused on a planted space surrounding a fountain, which I particularly enjoyed for the variety of colour, despite it now being autumn. As I can't show colour using the fineliner pen, when I got back, I went over the sketch using soft pastels to show the colours.