Tracey Costescu - Vancouver Portrait Artist: Using the Grid Method

Tracey Costescu - Vancouver Portrait Artist

My portfolio consists of highly realistic interpretations of the model. Although I focus on realism, my goal is not to imitate the reference material used but to obtain a truthful and accurate depiction of the subject. A strong likeness happens naturally during the drawing process. My portfolio mainly consists of custom commission graphite & charcoal and watercolor portraits drawn from my client's family photos of a favorite pet, baby, child or wedding portrait.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Using the Grid Method - Step by Step

I thought I would do a quick tutorial on how to use the grid method. I posted a very brief summary of the method awhile back but thoguht I would repost using images to hopefully make the process clearer.

	Print the reference image on one sheet of paper in black & white. Reinsert the paper into the printer and print the grid image on top of it.
	Print the grid image on a plain sheet of paper in black & white.
	Using an hb pencil, draw on the printed grid directly drawing one square at a time paying attention to where each line meets the edge of the square on the reference images grid. Once complete, turn drawing over and draw over the back of the paper roughly to create a transfer paper or use a wax free transfer paper.
	Take a fresh sheet of paper and place completed drawing face up onto the paper and trace over the lines you have drawn. The drawing is now transferred to clean sheet of paper and can be colored in or shaded as desired.

Labels: demo, grid method, tutorial

2 Comments:

Billie Crain said...: great tutorial, Tracey! when i first learned how to use a grid i thought i had found the Holy Grail. when an absolutely perfect likeness is called for, a grid is the way to go. i only wish i'd had a computer when i was using grids. if i ever need to use one now i'll know how to do it much easier. all the measuring and drawing them out was a pain.:(; 9:21 AM
Costescu said...: Thanks Billie, yes it can be a life saver and save alot of frustration can't it. You could even just draw the lines once and then photo copy (or print of my sheet if it is good enough) If not let me know & I can send you the original file.

I agree, I think that is another reason I did not use it in the beginning, I can't draw a straight line to save my life! And then all the erasing only to find a line that just won't life out, aagh :)

Of course grid drawing is no substitue for learning to draw especially from life but it is a nice tool to use when you need to be super accurate :); 9:31 AM