An Observation Exercise

When you are learning to draw, this observation exercise will help you to shift your mind over to the artistic side of your brain. This action stops your internal chatter which in turn gives you peace and helps you to concentrate more.

Step 1. The first thing you need to do is draw a line down the center of your blank page.

Step 2. Look for a drawing of an object that is equal and in proportion on both sides.

This is actually a good exercise in itself - a drawing that fits this description is called a symmetrical drawing. A vase or a bottle are typical symmetrical shapes.

Step 3. When you have a good and simple symmetrical drawing to copy, draw a line down the center of it (your reference copy) and put a piece of paper over one half.

Of course, you need a nice big drawing to make the copying process easier.

Plain and simple objects are easy to understand, which is a strong factor in reproducing them successfully.

Step 4. Copy the uncovered half of the picture onto your paper, in outline format only.

Step 5. Make sure you are content with your outline before progressing any further. Take care that your lines that meet the center line look fairly accurate.

Step 6. Now, put away or hide the original drawing.

Step 7. Draw the second half of your drawing by copying from your first half. You are trying to create a mirror image.

This observation exercise naturally requires good concentration and it trains your eyes to see the way an artist sees.

You can also do this exercise using ordinary shapes, too - draw a star, a square, a circle and so on.

This is a nesting doll that I drew so I can experiment with drawing it in two halves after I get pretty good with the process.

You can also try drawing a cartoon figure, that would be good practice as you get into the swing of things.

The figure has to be facing straight ahead and have exactly the same features each side for you to successfully copy the mirror image.

You can progress onto more complicated line drawings as you begin to master the simple shapes.

Extra Drawing Challenge

If you want to add a bit of spice to this observation exercise, you can try drawing all symmetrical objects with two hands...

Draw the left side of a vase with the left hand and then draw the right side with the right hand, or vice versa, whichever is your preference.

Ambidextrous drawing co-ordinates the two hands, as well as the mind, so that they work together freely and harmoniously.

Through repetition, you gain skill, freedom and speed when you train yourself to draw with both hands.

I thoroughly enjoy doing two-handed drawings but then again, I've yet to find a drawing exercise that I found boring.

You have nothing to lose by trying it out anyway.
Give the idea a chance to grow and perfect itself.

My example here is not entirely correct but if I keep trying, I know I will be able to achieve better images.

It's like a flow-on effect, if you continue to practice this exercise, your drawings will improve at a faster rate.

I own the very first version of this book by Betty Edwards and it is a terrific guide for all beginner artists.

It also contains similar exercises just like the one on this page because that is the whole focus of the book - to get your artistic brain motivated and into action.

I have to tell you that it is excellent!

This observation exercise may look easy but once you experiment with it, you will find it is challenging to draw and copy a mirror image. The main objective is to just have fun with it!

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