Drawing from the Imagination

Two Hundred Fifty Fourth Post: Drawing from the Imagination

Many drawing books state that in order to make realistic and detailed drawings the artist must use reference of either live models or photographs. But what if the artist or designer were just going to try and draw a drawing from the imagination?

I have found the following technique helpful to me even though it is just plain common sense. First sketch out the view and objects. Concentrate on the object you wish to describe in the drawing. Start a new drawing using the first drawing as reference. This time concentrate on the correct proportions of the objects. Proportions meaning how large each part of the object is in size compared to its other pieces that make the whole object. Draw this second view from the correct perspective. Draw the objects as they appear from this angle.

Simple advice but it works. Sometimes drawing without reference lets the artist see what they should be looking for when they are using reference. The questions that should be ask when drawing from the imagination is what information do I need to draw this object and what visual aids do I need when I do use reference?

This takes a lot of time to draw this way, but it is good practice. It won’t replace the need for reference, but adds a new dimension to drawing.

So until you express your memories and imagination in one awesome drawing... May the Creative Force be with You