Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 8 min read

Welcome to the fascinating world of form drawing—a method that combines art, creativity, and precision to create stunning visual pieces. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to brush up on your technique, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of form drawing with ease and confidence.

Welcome to Form Drawing

Form drawing is a unique art form that can be both soothing and intellectually stimulating. It will help you master the essentials of drawing and add a new dimension to your artistic capabilities. Let's dive into what form drawing is and why it's worth learning.

What is Form Drawing?

Form drawing is a technique that focuses on creating shapes and forms with the use of simple lines. It's all about understanding the form and how to portray it on paper. You'll begin with basic shapes—like circles, squares, and triangles—and gradually move on to more complex forms. The beauty of form drawing lies in its simplicity and the endless possibilities it offers for creating intricate works of art.

Why Learn Form Drawing?

1. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination: Form drawing enhances your hand-eye coordination—a key skill for any artist.
2. Helps Understand Structure: It's a great way to understand the underlying structure of objects, helping you create more realistic drawings.
3. Boosts Creativity: Form drawing encourages you to think out of the box and experiment with different shapes and forms.
4. Relaxation: Like other forms of art, form drawing also has a calming effect and can be a great stress-buster.
In essence, form drawing not only enhances your artistic skills but also contributes to your overall well-being.

Gather Your Drawing Tools

Before you get started with form drawing, it's important to gather your tools. The right tools can make all the difference in your drawing experience. Let's explore what you'll need.

Choosing the Right Pencil

When it comes to form drawing, a good-quality pencil is your best ally. For beginners, a standard HB pencil is a safe choice. It provides a balance between the hardness and blackness of the lead, allowing for both precision and versatility. As you progress, you may want to experiment with a range of pencils—from softer ones like 2B or 4B for darker lines and shading, to harder ones like H or 2H for lighter, more detailed work.

Paper Selection

The type of paper you use can greatly impact the final result. For form drawing, smooth paper is often the best choice. It allows for easy movement of the pencil and makes detailing easier. Sketch pads or drawing books with acid-free paper are a great option as they prevent yellowing over time and keep your artwork looking crisp and fresh.

Additional Tools

While a pencil and paper are the main tools for form drawing, a few additional items can enhance your drawing experience:
1. Eraser: A good quality eraser is important for correcting mistakes and creating highlights in your drawing.
2. Sharpener: A sharpener will keep your pencil tip sharp for precision.
3. Ruler: A ruler can be handy for drawing straight lines and measuring distances.
4. Blending Stumps: These are used for smudging and blending graphite or charcoal to give your drawing a smooth, realistic appearance.
Remember, the right tools can make your form drawing journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Basic Drawing Techniques

Now that you have your tools sorted, let's dive into some basic drawing techniques. Mastering these techniques will provide a solid foundation for your form drawing and take your skills to the next level.

Mastering Lines

A line is the simplest and most fundamental element of drawing. In form drawing, lines define the shape and form of what you're drawing. Here are some tips to help you master lines:
1. Hold the Pencil Correctly: Hold the pencil like you would hold a pen for writing. This gives you control and precision.
2. Practice Different Types of Lines: Straight lines, wavy lines, zigzag lines, or curved lines—all have their place in form drawing. Practice drawing different types of lines to build your skill.
3. Experiment with Line Quality: Try varying the pressure on the pencil to create different line qualities. Light pressure gives you thin, faint lines, while heavier pressure produces thick, bold lines.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll get at drawing lines.

Shading Techniques

Shading adds depth and dimension to your form drawings, making them look more realistic. Here are some shading techniques to try:
1. Hatching: This involves drawing closely spaced parallel lines. The closer the lines, the darker the shading.
2. Cross-Hatching: This is similar to hatching but involves drawing another set of lines in a different direction on top of the first set.
3. Stippling: This technique uses dots to create darker or lighter areas—the more dots, the darker the shading.
4. Blending: This method smooths out the pencil strokes to create a smooth, gradient effect.
Experiment with these techniques and see which one you prefer. There's no right or wrong—it's all about what works best for you.

Creating Textures

Texture makes your form drawings come alive by adding a sense of touch to the visuals. Whether you're drawing the rough surface of a tree or the smooth skin of an apple, the right texture can make all the difference. To create texture, you can use the same shading techniques mentioned above but in different ways. For instance, you can use hatching to create a rough texture or blending to create a smooth texture. The key is to observe the texture of the object you're drawing closely and try to replicate it on paper.

Practicing Form Drawing

With the basic techniques under your belt, it's time to put them into practice through form drawing exercises. This is where your drawing skills really start to shape up.

Drawing Basic Shapes

Begin your form drawing practice by drawing basic shapes. Shapes like squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles are the building blocks of all complex forms. Start by drawing these shapes in various sizes and orientations. Once you are comfortable, try drawing these shapes in perspective, giving them a three-dimensional look. Remember, it's okay if your shapes aren't perfect—the goal is to improve over time, not to be perfect on the first try.

Combining Shapes

Most objects can be broken down into simpler shapes. For example, a house can be broken down into rectangles (for the walls) and triangles (for the roof). Practice combining basic shapes to create more complex forms. This exercise will not only improve your form drawing skills but also help you see the world around you in a new way.

Drawing 3D Forms

One of the goals of form drawing is to create a sense of depth and dimension. To do this, you need to learn how to draw 3D forms. Start with basic forms like cubes, spheres, cylinders, and cones. Practice shading these forms to give them a sense of volume and depth. Once you're comfortable with these, try drawing more complex forms like a vase or an apple. Gradually, you'll learn to create a sense of three-dimensionality in your drawings, bringing them to life.

Exploring Creative Approaches

Form drawing is not just about accuracy—it's also about creativity. Once you have a handle on the basics, it's time to let your imagination run wild and explore different creative approaches.

Using Reference Images

One useful strategy is to draw from reference images. You can find these anywhere: a photo album, a magazine, even a Google search. Drawing from reference is great for improving your observation skills and understanding of form. A simple apple, for example, can teach you a lot about light, shadow, and texture.

Experimenting with Styles

Don't limit yourself to just one style of form drawing. Experiment with different styles to find what suits you best. You might want to try a more realistic style, a cartoon style, or even a Cubist style à la Picasso. There's no right or wrong here—just what feels right for you.

Incorporating Color

Form drawing doesn't have to be monochromatic. Incorporating color can add a whole new dimension to your drawings. You can use colored pencils, markers, or even watercolor paints. When using color, remember to consider how light and shadow will affect the color of your forms. A red apple, for example, will not be the same shade of red all over—it will have lighter areas where the light hits it, and darker areas where it is in shadow.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Like any new skill, form drawing comes with its own set of challenges. But don't let these deter you. Remember, every artist has been there at some point. Let's address some common issues you might encounter and how to overcome them.

Dealing with Proportion Errors

Struggling with getting the proportions right? You're not alone. Here's a tip: start by breaking down the object you're drawing into basic shapes. For instance, a human face can be broken down into circles and ovals. This can help you get the proportions right before you start adding details. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each form drawing, you'll get a little better at this.

Avoiding Smudging

Smudging can be a real headache, especially when you're working with graphite or charcoal. But there are ways to avoid it. One tried-and-true method is to use a piece of scrap paper under your hand as you draw. This can help prevent your hand from smudging your work. You can also try using a fixative spray once you're done to prevent your drawing from smudging.

Maintaining Consistent Shading

Shading is crucial in form drawing as it gives your drawings depth and dimension. But maintaining consistent shading can be a challenge. Here's a tip: try to keep your light source consistent. For example, if the light is coming from the right, the left side of your form should be darker. You should also pay attention to the pressure you're applying on your pencil. The harder you press, the darker your shading will be.

Continuing Your Drawing Journey

The journey of form drawing is not a race—it's a marathon. It's about growing a little each day, learning new things, and enjoying the process. So, let's talk about how you can keep the momentum going.

Setting Drawing Goals

Goal setting can be a powerful tool in your form drawing journey. Whether it's mastering a new technique, completing a drawing a day, or finally tackling that intricate form you've been avoiding—having a clear goal can keep you motivated. Jot these goals down in a notebook or a digital app like Trello or Evernote. Seeing your goals in black and white can give you a sense of direction and purpose.

Finding Inspiration

Form drawing is all about observation. So, where can you find inspiration? Just about anywhere! Look closely at the objects around you. The cup of coffee on your desk, the tree outside your window, even the shoes you're wearing—all these can be great sources of inspiration. Also, don't forget to explore the works of other artists. Whether it's Leonardo da Vinci's detailed anatomical sketches or Zaha Hadid's fluid architectural designs, you can learn a lot from their techniques and styles.

Joining a Drawing Community

Art is personal, but it doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Joining a drawing community can provide you with much-needed support and feedback. It can be a local art club in your town or an online platform like DeviantArt. Sharing your work and interacting with fellow artists can give you fresh perspectives, constructive feedback, and a sense of belonging. Plus, it's always good to know that you're not alone in your form drawing journey.

If you're new to form drawing and want to deepen your understanding, we highly recommend David Shepherd's workshop, 'A Drawing for a Painting'. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a drawing as the foundation for a painting, ensuring that your artwork is both beautiful and structurally sound. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your drawing skills and create stunning artwork!