Salinas Sketchers: Weeks 7-10: Form, Contours, Tonal Value, Positive/Negative Space, Perspective

The Salinas Sketchers learned to create study sketches showing the roundness and contours of pumpkins, squash, shells and other objects, as they concentrated on drawing accurate proportions. Everyone explored using large format paper and charcoal and studied texture, light, and shadows.

Above left is Christian's study sketch of a pumpkin, and above right is his large charcoal drawing.

Upper left is Desiree's sketch of a shell. Upper right is H's large-format charcoal drawing of a shell, and lower left is his conte crayon drawing of a lantern. Lower right is Ignacio's contour sketch of a pumpkin.

Above left is Ricky's contour study of an aloe plant. Above left is H.'s finished aloe drawing showing gray tonal values of lighter and darker green.

Above left and right shows Deontay's contour edge study and his final drawing of an egret while learning about positive and negative space.

Above left is Ignacio's study of a rocking chair while drawing the negative space around the chair. Above right is Christian's sketch of the proportions of a dragonfly.

Shown above is Ignacio's study of a sketch by the artist Vincent Van Gogh.

Click 'Read more' below to view everyone's drawings and Rob's comments...

Gina

Your line work shows increased confidence in showing contour edges and textures, especially the shell and corn. Keep practicing drawing basic lines and shapes for things; then finishing with darker contour lines.

Desiree

Your work has shown a BIG improvement during the past weeks. The contours and textures of the shell look very realistic. The form and tones of the lion and aloe plant are very well drawn. I know drawing the buildings in perspective was a challenge but you pulled of a nice sketch! :-)

Dangelo

Your progress has been steady in your sketching skills and eye for accurate proportions. REALLY like the studies of the pumpkins and the tonal values of the aloe plant. And you pulled together a tight perspective drawing, too.

Ricky

You've developed an artistic style of drawing with bold, confident lines. I really like how you loosened up your line work in the positive/negative egret drawing to show contours and textures, and the study sketches of the pumpkins. Nice details on the antique iron. And very clean perspective drawings.

Christian

Your drawings have improved rapidly, Christian! The looser, more expressive lines of your study sketches and the large-format charcoal drawing of the pumpkins show a new direction for you pursue in your drawing. The sketch of the dragonfly shows your eye for accurate proportions is improving in a big way, too. Keep it going!

Jesus

The fish drawing shows your control of thick and thin lines as well as seeing accurate proportions. The contour edges of the egret are very well drawn.

Deontay

Excellent work in using positive and negative space to draw the form of the egret! The lighter and darker tones of the bird's body show your improved confidence in controlling your pencil.

Marcelo

Your ability to look at things and draw there proportions accurately has improved steadily during the past several weeks, as shown in your pumpkin studies and the egret. Great job in drawing the buildings in 2-point perspective!

Ignacio

These study sketches of the pumpkin, shell, and antique iron are a big step for you in drawing from observation, Ignacio! The curved contours look very realistic. Cool sketch of the Vincent Van Gogh landscape drawing. Keep it going, man!

Wow! your line work and eye for accurate proportions are progressing wonderfully! Excellent use of light and dark tones to show values of green of the aloe plant. Hope to see you explore more large-scale charcoal drawings.