Page 100 - sarah-simblet_sketch-book-for-the-artist

OBJECTS AND INSTRUMENTS100 How to Draw Ellipses
W E VISUALIZE CYLINDRICAL VESSELS, such as bowls and cups, of seeing. Cubism, for example, (see p.90) takes a different
as essentially circular, since this is how we experience them view, describing many sides of an object simultaneously.
in everyday use. However, when seen at an angle, circles
change into ellipses, and these narrow or widen depending Ellipse are best d r a w n quickly, smoothly, a n d in o n e
on the height of our view. To make a cylindrical object appear bold stroke, even if y o u r hand w o b b l e s a little at first. A
real in our pictorial space, we use ellipses to give a sense of wobbling but confident ellipse will still be more convincing
perspective. Be aware, though, that this is only one w a y than a slow, hesitant one that has edged its way nervously
around the vessel's rim.

COMMON ERRORS

W h e n drawing cylindrical objects in perspective, for example plates or bowls on a table,
there are three common errors people stumble upon. I have drawn these for you here.

The first common error is to draw two pointed The second common error is to tilt the upper third common error is to draw upper and
ellipses, giving the cylinder four corners, like a and lower ellipses at different angles, suggesting lover ellipses with different-sized apertures, as if
disposable plastic cup that has been crushed that the vessel is lopsided. I have exaggerated the table surface slopes upward beneath the
in your hand. this error here. vessel, while its upper rim remains level.

WHERE TO START

In the air above a spacious sheet of scrap paper; spin your hand in a relaxed
circle. Watch the tip of your pen and see it draw an ellipse in the air Keep this
movement going while gently lowering the pen onto the paper like the needle of
a record player closing on the disc (only it is your lowering hand that spins, not
the paper!) As the pen touches down, keep it spinning. Don't worry if it is uneven—
just try again; you will achieve steadiness with practice. Cover a sheet of paper
with spinning, springlike forms like those I have drawn below.