how to copy a drawing: a step by step guide
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, learning how to copy a drawing is a valuable skill that can help you improve your techniques and develop your own style.
By carefully observing and replicating an existing drawing, you can gain insights into the composition, lines, shading, and details that make up the artwork.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to copy a drawing, along with tips and tricks for refining your techniques.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start to copy a drawing, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here are some essentials:
Drawing paper:
Choose a paper that’s appropriate for your drawing style, such as smooth Bristol paper or rough watercolour paper.
Pencils:
Use a range of pencils with different lead hardness to create varied lines and shades.
Erasers:
Have a few different types of erasers on hand, such as a kneaded eraser and a hard eraser, to remove mistakes.
Rulers:
Use a ruler to measure proportions and create straight lines.
Tracing paper:
Tracing paper is useful for creating a clean copy a drawing without damaging the original.
Choosing a Drawing to Copy
The first step to copy a drawing is choosing the right one to copy. Here are some tips:
Select a drawing that interests you: It’s easier to copy a drawing when you’re genuinely interested in the subject matter.
Find a drawing that matches your skill level:
Don’t choose a drawing that’s too challenging or too simple.
Select a drawing that’s slightly above your current skill level so you can learn new techniques.
Use public domain or copyright-free drawings:
Avoid copying copyrighted drawings without permission to avoid legal issues.
Observing the Original Drawing
Once you’ve selected a drawing to copy, it’s time to carefully observe it before starting the copying process. Here’s how:
Look at the overall composition: Pay attention to the placement of the subject, the background, and any other elements that make up the drawing.
Observe the lines:
Look at the types of lines used in the drawing, such as straight, curved, or jagged lines, and how they’re used to create depth and dimension.
Examine the shading:
Observe how the artist used shading techniques, such as hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling, to create shadows and highlights.
Study the details:
Look at the finer details in the drawing, such as texture, patterns, and small objects.
Preparing the Drawing Surface:
Before you start to copy a drawing, you’ll need to prepare the drawing surface. Here’s how:
Choose the right paper: Choose a paper that’s appropriate for your drawing style, such as smooth Bristol paper or rough watercolour paper.
Set up a clean workspace: Make sure your workspace is clean and well-lit to avoid distractions and mistakes.
Prepare your pencils:
Sharpen your pencils and organise them by lead hardness.
Set up your tools:
Keep your erasers, rulers, and tracing paper within reach.
Starting the Copying Process
Now that you’ve prepared your tools and observed the original drawing, it’s time to start copying it. Here’s how:
Use tracing paper: Place a piece of tracing paper over the original drawing and use a pencil to trace the lines and shapes.
Transfer the lines:
Once you’ve traced the drawing, use a pencil to transfer the lines onto your drawing paper.
Sketch lightly:
Start sketching the basic shapes and lines of the drawing lightly, using a hard pencil.
Measure proportions:
Use a ruler to measure proportions and
make sure the proportions are accurate.
Refine the drawing:
Once you’ve sketched the basic shapes and lines, start refining the drawing by adding details and shading.
Use a range of pencils:
Use a range of pencils with different lead hardness to create varied lines and shades.
Take breaks:
Take breaks often to avoid getting tired or losing focus.
Refining the Drawing
As you refine the drawing, use shading and texture to create depth and dimension. Here are some tips:
Use different shading techniques:
Experiment with different shading techniques, such as hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling, to create shadows and highlights.
Add texture:
Use a variety of lines and strokes to create texture, such as rough or smooth surfaces.
Blend shades:
Use your fingers, a blending tool, or a tissue to blend shades together smoothly.
Be patient:
Take your time when refining the drawing, and don’t rush the process.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
As you copy a drawing, you may encounter common problems. Here’s how to address them:
Mistakes in proportion:
Use a ruler to measure and check proportions, and make corrections as needed.
Inaccurate shading:
Practice shading techniques on a separate piece of paper before applying them to your drawing, and use reference images to check your shading.
Erasing mistakes:
Use a kneaded eraser to gently lift mistakes, or a hard eraser to erase more stubborn marks.
Smudging:
Avoid smudging by keeping your hand clean and resting it on a separate piece of paper while drawing.
Conclusion
Copy a drawing is a valuable skill that can help you improve your drawing techniques and develop your own style.
By observing and replicating an existing drawing, you can gain insights into the composition, lines, shading, and details that make up the artwork.
Remember to choose the right drawing, observe it carefully, prepare your tools and workspace, and refine the drawing with shading and texture.
By following these steps, you can become a better artist and unlock your creative potential. Happy drawing!
FAQ:
Q: Is it ethical to copy a drawing?
A: While it’s not illegal to copy a drawing for your own practice and learning purposes, it’s important to respect the original artist’s copyright and creative work. If you plan on using your copy of the drawing for any commercial or public purposes, it’s best to seek permission from the original artist and credit them accordingly.
Q: How do I know if I’m ready to copy a more complex drawing?
A: If you’re unsure about whether you’re ready to copy a more complex drawing, start by choosing a drawing that’s slightly above your current skill level. This will allow you to challenge yourself and learn new techniques, while still feeling confident enough to complete the task. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes and take breaks when needed.
Q: Can I use tracing paper to copy a drawing?
A: Yes, tracing paper is a great tool for copying a drawing without damaging the original. Simply place a piece of tracing paper over the original drawing and use a pencil to trace the lines and shapes. Once you’ve traced the drawing, transfer the lines onto your drawing paper and start sketching and refining the drawing as needed. Just remember to credit the original artist if you plan on sharing or using your copy for any public or commercial purposes.
