Creating a good drawing requires attention to detail and an understanding of how components work together in a drawing. Back reference drawing is an approach to drawing that can help to ensure accuracy and consistent proportions throughout an artwork. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do back reference drawing.
What is Back Reference Drawing?
Back reference drawing involves taking multiple perspectives of the same object or figure to ensure that proportions and angles are accurate. This can be achieved by creating a simple drawing from a photograph or real-life model, and then creating a detailed drawing from various angles, using the first drawing as a reference.
Materials Needed
– Pencil
– Paper
– Eraser
– Ruler
Step-by-Step Guide to Back Reference Drawing
Step 1: Break Down the Object or Figure
Look at the object or figure you want to draw and break it down into simple shapes. You can start by creating basic geometric shapes like triangles, circles, and squares that closely resemble the object.
Step 2: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Sketch the basic shapes lightly over the paper with a pencil. This step creates a rough outline of the object with basic shapes like tubes, spheres, blocks, circles, and more.
Step 3: Identify the Proportions
Using a ruler, assess and measure the dimensions of the different parts of the object or figure. A good way to do this is to observe the proportions of one part to another. This helps you to have a better understanding of how everything is connected.
Step 4: Create a Rough Drawing
Create a rough drawing or a sketch of the object or figure from a single viewpoint. This serves as a reference, which helps you to create a more accurate and detailed drawing from other angles.
Step 5: Choose Other Angles to Draw From
Once you have created a rough drawing from one angle, choose another angle to create a more detailed drawing from. This can be achieved by using a mirror or rotating an object around to get better views of sections you want to draw.
Step 6: Use Back Reference Drawing Techniques
Using the rough drawing created from the first angle, check the angles and proportions of the new angle and draw. This ensures that the proportions and angles of the new drawing are consistent with the first.
Step 7: Add Details
Once you have the proportions and angles correct, you can begin adding details to each drawing as you work. Consider adding finer details, like textures, shadows, and highlights, to make your drawings look more realistic.
Step 8: Reassess the Details
Once you have drawn in all the details, reassess the overall drawing you’ve created so far. You can do this by standing a little further back from the drawing and looking at it from different angles.
Step 9: Erase Excess Lines
Erase any excess lines and smudges with an eraser to prepare your final drawing.
Step 10: Shade the Drawing
Shading gives the drawing depth and can make it look more realistic. Use an eraser to lighten areas and a pencil to darken them.
FAQs
1. Can Back Reference Drawing be done on faces?
Yes. Back Reference Drawing can be done on faces to ensure that the facial features are in proper proportion.
2. Do I need to be an artist to do Back Reference Drawing?
No. Anyone can learn Back Reference Drawing with a bit of patience and observance.
3. How many basic shapes should I use?
The number of basic shapes you use will depend on the object you are drawing. They could be as few as two or as many as ten.
4. Is it necessary to have a ruler?
Yes. A ruler helps you obtain accurate measurements.
5. Is Back Reference Drawing only for pencil art?
No. Back Reference Drawing can be used for different mediums of art, including digital painting, sculpture, and others.
6. Do I need to create a detailed Rough Drawing?
No. Rough drawing is just a basic sketch of the object or figure. Do not worry about the details when sketching rough.