Sketch Impressive Landscapes Using A Single Pencil
By: Michael Dale
When sketching landscapes it can be difficult for an artist to create an impression of distance. It can be annoying when you have completed a drawing, only to realize that the distant mountain range appears to have advanced, looking like small hills.
Detail of foreground items should look like they stand out from the background and middle-ground. A technique for this is to minimize the degree of detail in the middle-distance. And, for distance, you lessen detail even further… often, a single line is enough to represent distant hills and horizon.
Another technique that gives the impression of distance is to use narrow subdued lines for the background. When gradually stronger and darker line-work is used for the middle-distance and foreground detail… the weaker background drawing falls back.
The simplest method is to use a variety of pencils that range from hard to soft. The hard lead pencils are useful for distance and fine-work. Softer pencils allow darker, more intense drawing that is more suitable for foreground detail.
Another way to create a similar result can be achieved using a single pencil. With plenty of practice, improved drawing skill and control you can easily manage to draw a variety of line-weights and line thickness.
Numerous effects can be achieved by using a single pencil, applying more or less pressure to get the tonal variety as you draw.
To help you understand the results try the exercise below…
Draw a simple square, around 2″ X 2″ (25mm X 25mm)
The target is to fill the square with shading that is lighter in one corner and darker in the opposite corner…
* Using a light touch, start at the top corner
* As your pencil moves away from the start point, gradually increase the pressure
* You should create the heaviest line weight at the opposite corner of the square
If you are careful, the shading will slowly change from light to dark across the square shape. If it isn’t a smooth transition, you can retouch areas that don’t satisfy you.
Continuing to practice this method of smooth shading will give you the high skill levels required to draw anything you desire… distance and foreground detail will not concern you.
Michael Dale is the author of 1- Color Is Best (the quick and easy way to learn to paint watercolor) and 3- Colors Are All You Need (mix any color you want fast using only 3 colors). Go to Paint-And-Draw.com to find out more.
You can also find a drawing and painting course edited by Michael Dale at DrawingFoundations.com
About the Author
Michael started painting seriously when he was 16 years old and still at school.
At that time there were only a few artists who specialized in Steam Trains (like all boys he wanted to be a train driver). The best train painters were David Shepherd and Terence Cuneo… he wanted to paint like them.
It took many years to achieve this artistic ambition. What was amazing was that there was a whole lot more to learning to paint than just steam engines. There is a whole lot of other stuff that needs to be done to make each painting interesting and lifelike.
In the process of learning to paint with oils Michael realized that he had to understand landscape painting. Around the world trains cross through countryside that changes by the mile… from open fields to dark hills… from deserts to mountain ranges. The weather changes colors and texture. There are people and animals that need to be painted.
There was so much more to learn…
As time went by Michael discovered he could draw and paint many different subjects. It has been a great adventure that allowed him to draw with charcoal, pencil and inks. Also, there have been the thrills of painting in oils, watercolor, acrylics and pastels.
Michael wants to share his painting and drawing knowledge with you and introduce you to other great artists who are enthusiastic about Art… Artists who are keen to help you become the artist you want to be.
(ArticlesBase SC #835242)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Sketch Impressive Landscapes Using A Single Pencil