Believe it or not, squares are one of the most versatile tools you can use when drawing. They can help you scale images, improve your accuracy, and even help you construct complex shapes from scratch.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about using squares for drawing, regardless of your skill level.
Scaling Up Your Pictures Using Square Drawing Grids
One of the best ways to enlarge a small image is to use a square grid.
The Grid Method Explained
When you use a grid to scale up an image, you’re essentially overlaying a grid on the image you want to enlarge, and then creating a matching grid on your drawing surface. Each square in the reference grid corresponds to a square in the grid you’ve drawn.
It’s important to get the grid right. If the grid isn’t accurate, the proportions of your drawing will be off.
Practical Tips for Scaling
The easiest way to enlarge an image is to copy a smaller grid onto a larger piece of paper. But, don’t go too big, too fast. If your drawing grid is more than twice the size of the original, you may introduce distortion into your drawing.
Squares for Drawing and Painting
Square grids aren’t just for graphite drawings. You can use them as a guide for all kinds of art, including painting.
But be careful if you’re working with oils. Graphite can sometimes interfere with how well the oil paint sticks to the canvas or paper.
There are a few things you can do to get around this:
- Lightly erase the grid to remove excess graphite.
- Redraw the grid using a harder pencil, like an HB.
- Use Tracedown carbon paper to transfer your image instead of graphite.
Advanced Techniques and Considerations
Squares aren’t just for beginners. Even experienced artists use them to improve accuracy in freehand drawing. Try superimposing an imaginary grid over your subject. This will help you place elements in your drawing more precisely.
You can also use the square method with other drawing techniques, such as measuring and sight-sizing, to get the best results.
Finally, remember that smaller squares give you greater precision but take more time, while larger squares are faster but less accurate. The right size depends on what you’re drawing and how much time you have.
Key Takeaways
Drawing with squares offers greater accuracy, makes scaling easier, and adds versatility to your artistic process.
The next time you’re looking for a new approach or struggling with a particular subject, give this method a try. You might be surprised at how much it can improve your drawing skills!