Medieval art techniques

Believe it or not, using grids to draw is a medieval technique. Albrecht Dürer made good use of it. Since I’m an academy-trained artist, I also tend to use drawing techniques. My favorite is the grid. There are well-trained artists, capable of tracing anything just by simply giving a good look at it, but I’m not one of them. I have to use a technique, a process.

Today, we have computers and design software. I employ these advantages to isolate my subject and trace a grid around it. In this case, my grid corresponds to my Strathmore paper size at 11 x 14 inches. This is my visual reference.

I just received the graphite pencils. This kit came with some pastel pencil samples and some charcoal pencils and sticks. They look in good order. Nothing is broken.

The Strathmore paper is already fixed to the support board, and the board was attached to the desk. This is for precision while I trace the grid and first sketch. Once I start coloring I will remove the board from the desk and move it around as I work.

The 12-inch geometry set and a T ruler for tracing my grid will arrive tomorrow; as well as the 48 pastel pencils. That should be all to start working.