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 grid for me, on a transparency, but for a long time, I didn't get around to trying it out.

So, I've been experimenting drawing with grids since I wanted to write about it as an optional drawing tool.

Oh man, have I had fun with this!

I have been practicing portrait drawing for quite a while now and I've got to tell you that using a grid will really help me to improve with portraits.

You would be surprised to learn how many established artists use grids as a tool.

This really is something you should try at least once.

Grid drawing is especially good if you are just starting to learn to draw.

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 on your paper 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 rubbings 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.

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!

How To Draw With Grids

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

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 Iarya's idea - look at the column here on the right, 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 wreck the original. You might need to refer back to it later, without the distraction of the grid lines.

Draw a grid to the exact same measurements on your blank paper.

Make sure the picture that you copy is very clear so that you can do the exercise properly.

Use a B pencil to draw your grid and only draw the lines lightly, so they erase easily.

A grid with squares about 1 inch (2.5cm) is a good size.

However, you can draw the grid to whatever suits you.

If I'm copying 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.

Be prepared though, the drawing will turn out larger than the original.

To prevent being overwhelmed by a lot of squares, 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. This prevents 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. Believe me, this is a lot of fun.

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.

I'm going to get more transparencies made up, with different grid sizes. This is definitely the way to go and it saves me time by not having to draw a grid on my picture.

If you try this out, I'd love to know how you get on. You can always send in one of your grid drawings, by going to Your Drawings page. Select the category that your drawing fits into, and use the form on that page to send it in.

You'll be able to tell a good story about your grid adventure, and what you think the pros and cons are.

You can see all the latest drawings submitted by everyone when you subscribe to the free monthly newsletter.

See what I mean? You never finish learning about drawing, do you? I love grid drawing!

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