To draw a grid drawing, you essentially create a grid on both your reference image and your drawing surface, then copy the image square by square. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Prepare Your Reference Image and Drawing Surface
- Choose a Reference Image: Select the image you want to recreate. It can be a photograph, a digital image, or any other visual.
- Prepare Your Drawing Surface: Decide on the size and medium (paper, canvas, etc.) for your drawing.
2. Create the Grid on the Reference Image
- Determine Grid Size: The size of your grid squares will affect the level of detail you can capture. Smaller squares allow for more detail but are more time-consuming. A common starting point is 1-inch squares.
- Draw the Grid: Using a ruler and pencil, carefully draw the grid lines over your reference image.
- If it's a physical image, lightly draw the grid directly onto it.
- If it's a digital image, you can use image editing software (like GIMP, Photoshop, or even online tools) to overlay a grid.
3. Create a Corresponding Grid on Your Drawing Surface
- Determine Scale: Decide whether you want your drawing to be the same size as the original, smaller, or larger. This determines the size of the squares on your drawing surface's grid.
- Draw the Grid: Use a ruler and pencil to draw a grid with the same number of squares as your reference image. Ensure the proportions (ratio of width to height) of the overall grid match the proportions of the grid on your reference. Each square should be the decided measurement from the scaling phase.
- Example: "Each square is 1 square inch. To draw this grid, put your ruler at the top of the paper, and make a small mark at every inch. Place the ruler at the bottom of the paper and do the same thing. Then use the ruler to make a straight line connecting each dot at the bottom with its partner at the top."
4. Transfer the Image Square by Square
- Focus on One Square at a Time: Begin with a single square on your reference image.
- Observe and Draw: Carefully observe the lines, shapes, and values within that square. Recreate them in the corresponding square on your drawing surface. Pay close attention to where lines enter and exit the square.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for each square until the entire image is transferred.
5. Refine Your Drawing
- Erase the Grid Lines: Once you're satisfied with your drawing, carefully erase the grid lines.
- Add Details: Refine the drawing by adding details, shading, and any other necessary elements.
- Adjust and Correct: Make any final adjustments to ensure the drawing matches the original image as closely as possible.
Example
Let's say your reference image is 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall, and you use a 1-inch grid. Your reference image grid will have 4 squares across and 6 squares down.
If you want to double the size of your drawing, your drawing surface grid will also have 4 squares across and 6 squares down, but each square will be 2 inches by 2 inches.
