Do you know what makes a person a keen observer? Well, to be honest, there is no such formula to become a keen observer. People who tend to absorb everything they see around them are good observers. In other words, people who are attentive to their vicinal surroundings are keen observers.
But do you think about expressing your observation? You can always communicate verbally. But, realistic artwork is a better way of expression. You can represent anything centered on observation. Your drawing or painting can speak volumes on your behalf.
There is no better way to express one’s perspective on reality.
Contents
What Is Observational Drawing?
Observational drawing is drawing whatever you observe. It can be as small as a spoon and as large as a person. Observational drawing is a way of expressing reality. It represents life as authentically as possible.
Such drawings encompass everything you see around you. This may include a unique perspective as well.
If you give it a thought, you will realize how many things you see around. And how their little details interact with each other. All of them have different shapes and patterns. You need to draw those 3D objects on 2D planes. Observe, visualize, and then draw; It is the easiest version of observational drawings.
Simple Steps To Create An Observational Drawing
Creating an observational sketch can be easy and complicated at the same time. Observational skills are the key to creating a perfect realistic drawing. It is about understanding the subject and communicating it to the viewer. One has to draw with a natural flow to create a realistic picture.
Here are some simple steps involved in creating an observational drawing:
Focus On The Subject
Draw what you observe, not what you think. Don’t try to create something out of your imagination. Also, keep looking at the subject while drawing. Don’t try to memorize details and shadows. Instead, refer to the object right in front of you.
Understand The Subject
Don’t rush with the drawing. First, analyze the shape and pattern. Look for the contour and shadows. You can add the intricate details in the end.
Understanding the subject will help you draw better. You can start by gridding and outlining. After which, you can move to shadows and details.
Draw From Real Objects
Observational drawing is about transcribing from natural 3D objects. Real objects give a better sense of shape, size, and texture. Thus, it becomes easy to express the same visual information.
Try Not To Trace
Observational drawings intend to improve your skillset. Thus, replicating the form by directly tracing may not be a good idea.
Visualize The Perspective
You may not know scales. But, you should apply some basic sense of scaling while drawing. You can draw a flower of its actual size. But, you can’t draw a chair or a table to the exact scale. Apart from scaling, space management is another big concern. You can’t draw a small flower at the corner and leave the rest of the page blank.
Make Rough Sketch First
You don’t need to rush for details at first. Instead, draw a basic sketch first. Check and recheck to verify the shape and contour. You can use grids for better proportion and space management.
Add Details
Once the outlined sketch is ready, you can proceed to the details. Remember, you can omit some details if you want. Only add the details which you feel are necessary.
Maintain A Good Tone
Your drawing should not mimic the object. But, it should have a similar range of tone. Look for the shadows and colored mid-tones while finishing the picture.
Define The Outlines
You might need to darken or lighten some of the rough outlines. It depends on the contour and form of the original object. Similarly, define the edges as the thing looks.
Observational Drawing Exercises for Kids or Beginners
Beginners require some help for developing inquisitive thinking. When their brain gets sharpened, they eventually begin to observe better.
Here are some basic observational drawing exercises that will help you to bring your observation into drawing:
Match The Closest
This activity involves matching the doodle, which looks most similar to the original one. The options may contain 3 to 4 doodles, out of which the user has to select the closest one. This activity enhances observation and logical thinking.
Copy The Doodle
As the name suggests, the user needs to copy the same doodle. You can divide the sheet into two halves. Draw an objective doodle on the right side. And, copy the exact doodle on the other side. Copying will help in improving their representational skills.
Change The Perspective
You might need a tangible object for this activity. Try and draw the same thing from different perspectives. For instance, select a mug, and draw the mug from 3 different views. Drawing from different perspectives will help in developing visual acuity in beginners.
One Liner
One Liner technique involves drawing without lifting the pencil. One may not get the desired result after this. But, it is an excellent way of creating little one-liners. One liner technique can help in boosting confidence.
Portray Your Style
Let your child draw anything that fascinates them. Free-range drawing can range from a butterfly to a caricature. This way, they can portray their unique style. It will allow them to express their minds and open up their imagination.
Benefits Of Observational Drawing
Observation centered drawings have many benefits. Some of them are as follows:
- It is an excellent way of researching, visualizing, and communicating ideas.
- One can express his thoughts and views.
- It helps in improving visual acuity.
- It enhances spatial management skills.
- It helps in developing logical reasoning ability.
- It contributes to cognitive development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you teach observational drawings?
You can’t teach observational skills. One has to develop and imbibe them over time.
Various observational drawing exercises can help in enhancing one’s skill set. Some of them include matching the doodle, copy the doodle, and one-liners.
What makes an excellent observational drawing?
A good observational drawing is not the one that mimics the original object. Instead, it is the one that is as per the scale and looks like the subject.
Why is observational drawing important?
Observational drawings make the person visualize and express oneself. One gets to observe, learn, and absorb different things. It helps in better communication and cognitive development.
Conclusion
Observational drawing is another name for a realistic picture. You can draw anything and everything around you.
Observational drawing helps in activating brain cells and muscles. If you focus, visualize, and create the picture as per your unique perspective, it helps build logical reasoning skills. Also, it contributes to cognitive development.