How to Draw Using a Grid

This is a condensed version of a drawing lesson on the web site www.easydrawinglessons.com. It describes some of the steps in creating an outline for a drawing using a grid.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how to draw faces
• drawing lessons
• learn how to draw
• using a grid to draw
• how to draw people

[artguy2133]

@mmedeuxchevaux Thanks for the response.

You are correct, you will focus on only one square at a time, and only the outline will be drawn; the shading comes after the outline is produced.

When working from a photo I complete all of the important elements of an outline, including where the shadows and highlights begin and end. I didn't finish the outline on the video, but if I had, it would have looked identical to the original.

You can visit my site to contact me if you have any other questions.

[artguy2133]

Hi nancyvall,

No, I use a smaller grid on the reference photo if I want to enlarge the drawing. I generally use a 1/2'' grid on the reference, and an inch grid on the paper when I enlarge. You can use any sizes that you want depending on whether you want to enlarge, or reduce the outcome.

Thanks for viewing my video.

Regards,

Jeff

[artguy2133]

Hi, Thanks for the response.

I agree that the technique isn't for everyone.

I use the grid mainly for portraits. It helps me to produce an accurate outline before the shading work.

The method would be impractical for "En Plein Air", or "free-hand" drawing.

[mmedeuxchevaux]

thanks for your informative video; it helps to take the intimidation factor away from the process. i read that each square should be done at a time- not the shading, just the lines. for example, D2 has more lines in it. you chose to follow the line of the head. so, i take it, there are different techniques for achieving the same result. why did you choose your technique over the other one? sorry for the long question!

[nancyvall]

Thanks for the lesson! Very informative~

Do you always use one inch squares? If not, when would you change the size? Perhaps on a larger picture you would do larger squares?

[bumtaksi]

it is nice,but i don't really like to draw using grid..