Introduction
It has become a big problem for a lot of us who are into drawings and it is seen that we are always wondering why outlining our drawings make the image better and improves the clarity. There are a few ways how we can improve our artwork through outlining. However, to do that, we need to first make sure that we understand the basics and the techniques of outline drawing.
First of all, we need to make sure we understand the meaning of outline drawing on plain text. An outline drawing is basically a sketch or a normal drawing of an image that has one or multiple strokes of ink that can suggest or describe the detail of its subject.
This subject can vary depending on the project, for example, it can range from still images, to a landscape or a portrait. Now the main question is that should we outline our drawings and if we want to answer this question in a single sentence, then we can definitely say yes to this. Most of the time, artists can seek simple form of expression from their drawing.
In this case, a basic outline of the drawing will make more sense because that can express and enhance the simple expression of the image that you are trying to portray. I hope by this article you will know everything about how to outline drawings.
Tools We Will need to Outline a Drawing
There are a lot of tools that we can use to outline the drawings and in fact, by using these tools, we can make sure to have a good base of outline which we can use to pop-up the subject that we want to show. Among them,
• Graphite pencils,
• Colored and Pastel pencils,
• Charcoal sticks,
• Artist’s pencils, and
• Graphite sticks
Besides these, a lot of artists also use Inks, Dip brushes, Dip pens to make their subjects’ outline show more details. Nowadays, there are also a lot of editing software that we can use to take this advantage. For example, Adobe Illustrator can do really great outline of drawing and they have advanced AI that can help the artists complete their works within a short amount of time.
A Step-by-Step Process on How to Outline Drawings
There are a total of three main principal methods by which we can pop-up the expressions of different portraits or other pictures. These are, mass drawing,
outline drawing, and color work. The most important of these types for a beginner is mass drawing since it consists of small bursts of outlines that looks hard from the outside, but is actually easier to do in the beginning.
First of all, if we want to do outline drawing, we mean a mere symbol of things that is supposed to represent something. It is seen that most of the time, beginners try doing outlines too much, and as a result, they overlook the difference between light and shade. Outlines are generally not possible to be drawn until the artist knows how to properly work with masses. By carefully looking at every attempt before drawing it, the artist will be able to have an idea of light and shade in their minds.
One of the fundamental foundations of all arts is sketching, we can learn and start mastering sketches if we start doing at least six to eight sketches a day. This habit of sketching will help the students develop the abilities to sketch faster and more accurately.
After this, we have to make sketches of our friends, family members, pets, utensils, furniture, etc. It is better if the subject is a stationary object. This is because you will be able to work on the sketches easily if it is not moving. After finishing the picture, they have to hold it before a mirror and look for things that looks out of place. This will give you the vision and you will be able to show the problems that you have made in your writing. By utilizing this method, we will be able to see the mistakes that we over look most of the time.
When we do sketches and they seem out of proportion, we then have to redraw and correct the sketch until it looks right. This review and learning will make sure that you get the best out of your work and also you will be able to correct your own mistakes.
When we are sketching, we have to make sure that the pencil in which we are working on is held lightly and kept at a distance from the point and we do it with a free hand. It is not a good idea to cramp or bend the fingers
We have to keep in mind that not all artists use this method and a lot of teachers also doesn’t approve this. However, it is a good hack to if you are having trouble with getting a correct position.
Usually, when we see artists do outline, people usually sketch with a hard pencil like 6H
to complete the general points. After that, they sketch the normal areas with a soft pencil. For this, we recommend 6B. When we do work like this, we consider around three pencils to do a complete work. A real artist rarely uses more than two or three pencils when doing a sketch.
In their work, they can use pen, pencil, brush or any other type of tools needed to finish the sketch. However, if we mix the mediums, without proper experience, this will definitely spoil the picture.
After finishing the sketch and correcting the mistake, we can see a clear outline of the things that we want to draw. We then have to lay our clean piece of paper on a smooth surface and then lay the sketch over it. Then we will have a great outline of the sketch on a new piece of paper without any correction marks.
Precautions While Drawing an Outline
It is possible for any artist to make mistakes whenever you are making an outline and if you are inexperienced in this field, then it is more likely to happen.
When people are working on sketches, another common mistake is keeping the work incomplete and working on it later on. When this happens, it seems that a lot of time, the artist might forget the exact stroke of the image. As a result, there might come inconsistent strokes which results in a sloppy image or sketch.
It is possible for any artist to make mistakes whenever you are making an outline and if you are inexperienced in this field, then it is more likely to happen.
When people are working on sketches, another common mistake is keeping the work incomplete and working on it later on. When this happens, it seems that a lot of time, the artist might forget the exact stroke of the image. As a result, there might come inconsistent strokes which results in a sloppy image or sketch.
FAQ’s
Should you Outline Drawings?
I think that the decision of making outline drawing completely depends on the individual and the work that they are trying to do. So, if you want to outline your drawing and think that it needs an extra edge, then you should definitely go for it.
On the other hand, if you think that the subject of your image doesn’t need additional strokes, then I think that you shouldn’t spend extra time on the outline and rather, try to do other things that make the image pop out more.
How do I Get Better at Drawing Outlines?
Practice! No, trust me. Even if this is a cliche word and you have been hearing about it for a long time, as fat as you remember, but we have to keep in mind that the best way to outgrow our own talent is through practice.
Practice and effort are over 99% of the job and if you are consistent about this, then I am sure that you will become great at drawing outlines. A lot of people think that people in this sector are born talented, while it is somewhat true, but practicing and hard work place even better role to become good at drawing something.
Which Pencil is The Best for Outlines?
Usually, when we see artists do outline, people usually sketch with a hard pencil like 6H to complete the general points. After that, they sketch the normal areas with a soft pencil.
For this, we recommend 6B. When we do work like this, we consider around three pencils to do a complete work. A real artist rarely uses more than two or three pencils when doing a sketch. In their work, they can use pen, pencil, brush or any other type of tools needed to finish the sketch. However, if we mix the mediums, without proper experience, this will definitely spoil the picture.
Conclusion
Usually, if you are a beginner, then we would suggest practicing on the sketches first and after that, slowly introduce yourself to drawing outlines. This will help you have a balance in both sectors and in the end, will give you an extra edge when you want to have more impact on your drawings.
Although it is true that drawing and understanding the core of sketching takes time, you will surely become great if you are passionate enough and keep working on regularly, even though the work is really small compared to other things.
This is the reason why many artists like to draw the human form, this is because it will definitely help them grasp the basic shape and forms for you to become the artist that you want to be in the future.
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