Here is the reference photo guide for each workshop. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Workshop #2
Beginner Freehand Drawing I:
Drawing from a reference photo
Please refer to the following guide when selecting a reference photo for Workshop #2,
Beginner Freehand Drawing I: Drawing from a Reference Photo
REFERENCE IMAGE FOR THE WORKSHOP:
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A simple shaped object photographed on a white or light-colored smooth background. Please have the picture printed in black and white on letter-sized paper
SYMBOLS
the aspect that makes a good reference photo
the aspect that makes a reference photo not usable for this workshop
the aspect that makes it beginner-friendly
the aspect that makes it a bit more challenging
the aspect that makes it challenging - recommended for advanced students
GOOD REFERENCE PHOTO EXAMPLE
The shape can easily be broken down into one or two simple shape(s)
White smooth surface makes the cast shadow easy to see
The subject has one uniform color so it is easy to identify highlights, mid tones and shadows
The subject has smooth texture so it is easy to shade
The reflections can make this project a little bit challenging
The outline shape of the subject must be accurate: the curves must be even, smooth, and symmetric
GOOD REFERENCE PHOTO EXAMPLE
The shape can easily be broken down into one or two simple shape(s)
White smooth surface makes the cast shadow easy to see
The subject has one uniform color so it is easy to identify highlights, mid tones and shadows
The subject is organic matter so it is a little more forgiving of imperfections. i.e., you can miss some details and it will still look like an orange
The texture of the subject will be challenging to render, so this is best suited for someone looking for a challenge and willing to put extra time in drawing
THE SUBJECT'S SHAPE IS TOO COMPLICATED
The shape consists of multiple different components. They are fine if you want a challenge, but you might spend a much longer time sketching out the shape
THE SUBJECT HAS A SIMPLE SHAPE BUT BUSY DESIGN
A subject with a busy pattern or lots of texts can take away from the study of shadows and highlights. If you are new to drawing with graphite pencils, start with a subject with no patterns/graphics/letters.
UNSUITABLE BACKGROUND
A dark background can make it very hard to see the outline of the subject and its cast shadow, especially when the subject is also dark colored
A fuzzy texture can make it very hard to see the cast shadow
A busy surface and poor lighting can result in no definite cast shadow
Showing a busy background can make it challenging to identify shadows, mid tones, and highlights when working on the project
UNSUITABLE SHOTS
Holding the subject instead of setting it down on a flat surface
Taking a shot against backlight can make the subject very dark
A busy background will make it very distracting and difficult to focus on the subject
Direct sunlight can be interesting, but not if the surrounding object casts shadow on the subject
A busy pattern on the surface could be distracting when working on the cast shadow
Taking a photo using 0.5X zoom can distort the subject excessively. Try taking the photo using 1X zoom.
Taking a picture of the reference image on a monitor can result in image distortion, pixelation of the subject image, and a less than accurate depiction of the subject
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about the reference photo for your next workshop, please contact me. I would be happy to discuss your reference photo pick.