Grid Drawing

I must admit, I didn't use grid drawing as a tool to help me learn to draw. My sister kindly made a transparent grid for me but I didn't get around to trying it out for a long time.

Once I made the commitment to trial a grid, I was ecstatic with the results. So, I've been experimenting drawing with grids ever since and I just have to show you this optional drawing tool.

Oh man, have I had fun with this!

I have been practicing portrait drawing for quite a while now but progress was slow. A grid will really help my portrait drawings to improve in the future.

I was surprised to learn that many established artists use grids, especially for portraits, to help them achieve a good resemblance. At first, I was a little horrified but I guess it is up to the individual artist and what gives the best results.

Grid drawing is especially good if you are just starting to learn to draw because it makes you concentrate more on the direction of lines and how they are placed in relation to each other.

When I'm copying a picture, it is so easy to end up with everything out of proportion. A grid solves this problem. Also, using a grid can build your confidence faster.

The mouse drawings I have here are actually 2 different drawings but both copied from the same original grid drawing.

I thought I'd include the grid so you could have a go at copying it, too.

Just draw a grid to the same measurements as above and off you go!

This is the drawing with the grid erased.

Erasing the grid is a finicky job, especially when you are using pencil.

In the first drawing, I actually went over the mouse with a fine tip ink pen. That made erasing a breeze!

Once I start to erase the grid, I use a small paint brush to brush away the residue from the eraser. This saves smudging and you don't get the oil from your hands on your paper.

I also use a magnifying glass to see any stray lines I have left behind.

How To Draw With Grids

If you don't have a transparency, you can draw a grid on the picture or photo that you are copying. Or, you can use the idea in the right column here, under "How To Make A Grid."

It's a good idea to get a second copy of your picture and draw your lines on the copy. This way, you won't ruin the original. You might need to refer back to it later, without the distraction of the grid lines.

If you want to use an image that you have saved to your computer, here are directions for PhotoFiltre - a free drawing program that puts a grid on your photo for you. Then you can print it out and it's ready to go as your reference picture.

Ok, are you ready to start grid drawing? Here's what you do ...

1. Measure the reference picture with lines equally spaced down and across.
2. Draw a grid to the exact same measurements on your blank paper.
3. Use a B pencil to draw the grid and only draw the lines lightly, so they erase easily.
4. Make sure the picture that you copy is very clear so that you can do the exercise properly.

A grid with squares about 1 inch (2.5cm) is a good size but you can draw them any size that you prefer.

If I'm copying from a small picture, I use a grid that has half inch or quarter inch squares.

As you become familiar with the process, you can use a larger size grid on your blank page than the one you squared up on your picture.

For this to be successful, the two grids must have the same number of squares. Be prepared though, the drawing will turn out larger than the original.

Tips For Grids

• To prevent being overwhelmed by a lot of squares on a grid drawing, you can cover some of your original picture with a blank piece of paper. This means you can concentrate on a couple of squares at a time.
• Keep your picture and your drawing close together so you can glance from one to the other.
• Start at whatever square you want to. I am right-handed so I start at the top left square to prevent smudging.
• Judge where the line starts within the selected square by noting if it's halfway down or at the top, etc.
• Focus on the lines in that square only.
• I use blu-tack to stick my transparent grid onto the picture or photo that I'm copying. It is very important that your grid doesn't move!

Actually, drawing the grids can be tedious. I've got to admit I was a bit sloppy with some grids that I drew (on my blank page) and I think it tells its own tale in the final drawing. Keeping them as accurate as possible will limit errors.

This is a good opportunity for you to learn from my mistakes so please be aware that unequal squares do not give good results for grid drawings.

To save preparation time in drawing grids, it's a good idea to have a few transparencies ready in all different sizes.

You never finish learning about drawing, do you? It is such an exciting and interesting hobby.

I hope you achieve fantastic results with grid drawing. At the very least, you won't be sorry you spent the time experimenting with it.

Along the same lines as this exercise, frottage is another idea which provides good entertainment for all artists.