WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENTS

Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Practice: Mark Making

Fig. 1 Make a series of lines with your 3B pencil. Fig. 2 Start by keeping the point relatively close Fig. 3 Then move on to making points and lines
together. across the page from each other.

You are going to warm up by making a series of varying lines on your sketch pad This will improve your hand-eye coordi-
(curved, straight, with varying line weight). Then, you will connect a series of points nation, as well as warm you up.
across the page with an 18 x 24 inch sketchpad or any large sketch pad. Continue doing
so until you can get 80% accuracy.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad

Assignment 2
Practice: Shading

Fig. 4 Fill the ruled notebook with flat tones. Staying Fig. 5 Do a variety of hatch marks on your rule note- Fig. 6 Bring out your sketch pad and do a combina-
in the ruled lines for some. book. Varying the angle and direction of the marks. tion of the two marks.

You are going to fill up four (4) pages of your ruled notebook with flat tones. Practice Don't skip this exercise, the skills you
moving the pencil in different directions and changing the angle of the strokes. Then gain from this will be instrumental for all
fill up five (5) pages of your ruled notebook with hatch marks. After that, fill up four the assignmetns in this program.
pages of your 18 x 24 inch sketchpad paper with both hatch-marks and flat tones.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, ruled notebook, sketch pad

New Masters Academy 1

Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 3
Practice: Finding Angles from Observation

Fig. 7 Line up your knitting needle with an angle. Fig. 8 Transfer those points onto your paper, point Fig. 9 Then connect the dots and repeat with a
by point. different angle.

You are going to set your sketchpad up in your room at a vantage point where you can The more accurate you are with this now,
clearly see the furniture. Now we get to use our knitting needles. Line them up with the better you will judge angles as time
a part of a table or couch how Iliya showed you, keeping the knitting needles at a 90 goes on.
degree angle to your paper, transfer that angle to the sketchpad. Practice taking angles
between two points, such as between chair legs. Transfer 15 different angles in this
manner.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles

Assignment 4
Practice: Transferring Angles from Photos

Fig. 10 Using your knitting needles find and angle Fig. 11 Move that angle over to your paper as steady Fig. 12 Mark the points and connect them.
on your picture you would like to transfer over. as possible.

You are going to place one of the photo references provided by NMA or an image of If you can print out the reference image
your choice next to your big sketchpad. If you have space, take three steps back or lean and place it next to your sketchbook, that
as far back as possible and use your knitting needles to find a line or two points on the will make this assignment easier.
reference. Then, keep the knitting needles at a 90 degree angle to your paper, transfer
them onto your sketchpad. Transfer 15 different angles in this way. If you run out of lines
to transfer over, use another photo.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles

New Masters Academy 2

Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 5
Practice: Comparative Measurements

Fig. 13 Start by measuring the shorter measurement. Fig. 14 See how many times that goes into the larger Fig. 15 Create a line segment that demonstrates how
side. many segments go into each other.

You will be using your pencil or knitting needle to calculate proportional ratios on Sorry to make you work with fractions
objects you have at home. Always start with the shorter measurement and see how but doing so will greatly improve your
many times it fits into the longer one. Write down the ratios. For example, a glass might accuracy.
be two times taller than it is wide. Then you will, draw a line segment representing
your initial measurement and draw another line that is proportionally larger according
to the established ratio. Practice dividing your initial segment to get more precise
measurements. Continue this assignment until you feel comfortable taking proportional
measurements and you can achieve reasonable accuracy.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles

New Masters Academy 3

WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENTS
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Draw: Building a Cube from Observation

Fig. 1 Use your knitting needles to find the angles of Fig. 2 Draw the vertical corresponding lines. Fig. 3 Fine the top angles of the cube.
the cube.

You are going to need to find something in your home that will stand in for a Take your time to measure and remea-
rectangular solid. A shoe box, a shipping box, even a big book will do just fine. Placing sure to make sure your lines are right.
it in front of you, use your knitting needles to transfer all of the edges, and their
corresponding angles. First, draw five (5) different objects that represent a rectangular
solid. A shoe box, a shipping box, or a book will do just fine. Place the objects in front
of you. Then, use knitting needles to transfer all of the edges and their corresponding
angles to your drawing paper. You can rotate the objects left and right to get different
angles for these drawings. Next, tilt the box up and down or change your point of view;
construct three (3) more drawings. You should have the total of eight (8) drawings at the
end of this assignment.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, Sketch pad, Knitting needles, eraser

Assignment 2
Drawing Cubes in Perspective

Fig. 4 Establish your two vanishing points. Then, Fig. 5 After making one cube, make another cube in Fig. 6 Draw cubes from different angles in space.
decide where in space the cube will sit. a new spot on the paper.

In this assignment, you will draw ten (10) boxes that share the same vanishing point This exercise will give you the foundation
and horizon line, using the approach demonstrated. Make some boxes long and others to find the perspective of any object
short. Next, draw 30 more boxes from all different angles without the help of your from observation.
perspective lines, always keeping in mind the edge that is closest to you.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, eraser

New Masters Academy 1

Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 3
Combine Observation and Construction

Fig. 7 Find the angles of the cube closest to you. Fig. 8 Use the angles and points to begin construct- Fig. 9 Rotate the box and draw more from different
ing your cube. angles.

You will need to gather your shoe boxes, shipping boxes, and books out again. This Make your first measurements as correct
time you'll be combining the observational and constructive approaches. Lay your as possible.
rectangular solids on a table and begin by measuring angles and points in the order
demonstrated. Then complete the drawing based on your understanding of the
structure of the box. Practice this on five (5) different boxes or rotate the box and draw it
from different angles five (5) times.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles, eraser

Assignment 4
Draw: Constructing a Ellipse from a Square

Fig. 10 Draw a square, divide into 16 equal parts, plot, Fig. 11 Do the same but in perspective. Square, Fig. 12 Fill up four (4) big pages with freehand
and inscribe a circle in it. divide, plot and inscribe. ellipses.

In this assignment, draw a square and inscribe a circle into the square. Do so by Have fun, even when doing something
dividing that square into 16 equal parts and plotting the necessary. Then do the same as technical as this.
with a square plane in perspective. First, create five (5) drawings that inscribe a circle
within a square and five (5) drawings of the same shapes in perspective. Begin with
creating a square, dividing it into 16 equal parts, and plotting if necessary. For the
second part of this assignment, fill four sketchbook pages with freehand ellipses. Try to
create shallower and deeper ellipses at different tilts.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, eraser

New Masters Academy 2

Fundamentals of Observation Drawing

Assignment 5
Draw: Constructing Cylinders

Fig. 13 Construct a box and inscribe an ellipse inside Fig. 14 Turn the cylinder on its side and use the same Fig. 15 Finish the cylinder by inscribing another
of it using the techniques you learned earlier in this techniques you used to make a cube in space to set ellipse on the other side of the cube.
lesson. up the structure for the cylinder.

Choose one of the photo references provided by NMA or find a cylindrical form in Take your time to get the perspective of
your house. A can of soup, a simple mug, or even a roll of toilet paper will work. Stand the box right, this will allow you to have
the cylinder upright and measure its width to height, proportional relationship. Then a better cylinder within it.
inscribe the cylinder into a rectangular solid based on those proportions. Do five (5) of
these. Next, lay the cylinder on its side and repeat the entire assignment.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles, eraser

Assignment 6
Draw: Cylinders and Cones

Fig. 16 Draw a variety of cylinders on the page. Fig. 17 When constructing a cone, don't forget about Fig. 18 Keep drawing and moving the cone around
the construction lines . in a variety of positions.

You will draw ten (10) cylinders and ten (10) cones in various positions without reference, Try harder and harder positions. The
only using your understanding of their forms. For a bonus, try truncating a few cones more you can get comfortable drawing
and cylinders. shapes in awkward angles, the stronger
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, eraser a draftsperson you will become.

New Masters Academy 3

WEEK 3 ASSIGNMENTS
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Practice: Light and Shadow of a Cylinder

Fig. 1 Construct the cylindrical solid and establish Fig. 2 Using the point you established as the light Fig. 3 Once you have established where the shad-
where the light source is. source. Draw lines going down in perspective to the ows will be through construction, begin shading in
cylindric you created. those areas.

Use one of the photos references provided by NMA or create a setup with controlled Pay attention to the direction of the light
lighting in your house for a cylindrical solid. Try to minimize the ambient light in the if you are drawing from life.
room. Draw a cylinder, making sure to establish only the shadows and to distinguish
between the four main components: terminator line, core shadow, reflected light, and
cast shadow. Afterwards, place the cylinder on its side and try again.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, blending stump, eraser

Assignment 2
Practice: Light and Shadow of a Cube

Fig. 4 Construct the cube and establish where the Fig. 5 Shade in the shadow plane and establish the Fig. 6 Apply halftones and highlights to the cube.
shadow plane is. cast shadow.

Again, use one of the photo references provided by NMA or create a setup with As you are rendering, refer back to each
controlled lighting in your house for a rectangular solid. Draw the box. Establish only the side of the cube to check the value
shadow side and distinguish between the four main components: terminator line, core relationships between them.
shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow. Light it from a different side and try again.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, blending stump, eraser

New Masters Academy 1

Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 3
Draw: Prism Sequence Project

Fig. 7 Construct the Hexagonal prism and add the Fig. 8 Apply the half tones & highlights. Fig. 9 Construct the nonagonal prism and add the
shadows. shadows in place.

Fig. 10 Apply the half tones and establish the light Fig. 11 Construct the final cylinder and apply the Fig. 12 Bring all three prisms to completion .
plane. shadows.

Using the photo references provided by NMA, construct a hexagonal prism, a Draw one prism at a time. Taking your
nonagonal prism, and a cylinder. Apply the shadows to all shapes. Then, add shade the time to follow the steps piece by piece.
half tones, making sure you have a clear value range from the shadows to the lights.. Make sure towards the end that every
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, blending stump, eraser plane blends into each other smoothly.

New Masters Academy 2

WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENTS
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Draw: Spherical Objects - Soccer Ball

Fig. 1 Construct the soccer ball and place in the Fig. 2 Begin to shade in the areas in shadow. Fig. 3 Apply the halftones and work to establish
terminator line. value relationships in the drawing.

Using the photo references provided by NMA, construct a soccer ball and establish the Utilize your knitting needles when con-
terminator line. After that, apply the shadows, then the halftones. Make sure to establish structing the soccer ball.
a clear value range in the shadows that are separate from the lights.
Materials: Graphite 3b pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles, erasers

Assignment 2
Draw: Spherical Object - Sphere

Fig. 4 Construct the structure of the sphere and Fig. 5 Add the halftone and highlights. Fig. 6 Bring both drawing to a complete finish.
establish the terminator line. Begin to shade in the
shadow side and cast shadow.

Using the photo provided by NMA, construct the sphere and establish the terminator Once you have established the half-
line. Apply shading to the shadow areas, then begin to apply the halftones. Make sure tones, you can blend with your blending
to establish a clear value range in the shadows and areas of light in the sphere. stumps or fingers to make a smooth
Materials: Graphite 3b pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles, erasers transition between each step.

New Masters Academy 1

WEEK 5 ASSIGNMENT
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Draw: Geometric Still Life (Blocking in & Shadows)

Fig. 1 Start by constructing the shapes with line. Fig. 2 Establish the terminator line for each object, Fig. 3 You may darken the area near the terminator
then begin shading in the shadow masses. line to begin to establish the illusion of reflective
light.

Using the photo references provided by NMA, you will begin working on a still life of Remember to sharpen your pencils with
geometric solids, making sure to work through the two (2) main steps discussed in the blade and sandpaper to be able to
order. Begin with construction, and then render your shadows. Stop after establishing all fill in such a large area effectively.
the shadow masses; halftones and highlights will be covered next week.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, sketch pad, knitting needles, erasers

New Masters Academy 1

WEEK 6 ASSIGNMENTS
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Finish: Geometric Still Life Drawing

Fig. 1 Starting off from where you left last week, Fig. 2 Render in a tone for the background and Fig. 3 Stop when you feel you have established a
begin to apply half tones on to your still life establish the table strong sense of value relationships and sense of
form

Using the photos provided, you will be taking your drawings to a finish. While working Keep in mind the relationship each shad-
on the still life in geometric solids, making sure to work through the three main steps. ow and light source has to each other.
You should have the construction and shadows in place, so now begin adding the half
tones and establishing good value relationships.
Materials: Graphite 3B, sketch pad, blending stumps

Assignment 2
Stretching Paper (optional)

Fig. 4 Unroll paper and cut to a few inches bigger Fig. 5 Crease the paper around the edges, being Fig. 6 Staple the extra paper in the back of the panel
than your board. Apply a bit of water to the paper on careful not to tear the paper. Then staple along the and let the paper dry for next week
both sides to saturate it edges and corners

In this optional assignment, you will stretch the paper that is on your supply list for *Not required to complete the course,
the final drawing of this course. You will begin by unrolling the paper and cutting it a but would be a great way to get the
few inches bigger than you board. Apply a bit of water to the paper on both sides to experience of stretching paper.
saturate it. Crease the edge of the paper along the panel and begin stapling it to the
board. Table the extra paper to the back of the panel and set it aside for next week.
Materials: Roll of paper, water, panel, staple gun, staples

New Masters Academy 1

WEEK 7 ASSIGNMENT
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1
Draw: Planes of the Head

Fig. 1 Start my constructing the planes of the head. Fig. 2 Begin to add value to the shadow areas. Fig. 3 Keep going until you have established all the
shadow areas of the head.

You will be working on the stretched paper that you have prepared last week (if Remember to use only a 3B pencil,
applicable). Using the photo of John Asaro's sculpture as reference, draw the planes create the value with the pressure and
of the head; make sure to work through the steps in order. For this session, begin with building up of layers
construction and apply your shadows. You will be applying half tones and finishing the
drawing next week.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, paper (stretched or a sketch pad), blending stumps, knitting needles

New Masters Academy 1

WEEK 8 ASSIGNMENT
Fundamentals of Observational Drawing

Assignment 1:
Finish: The Planes of a Head Drawing

Fig. 1 Start where you left off last week. Fig. 2 Begin building up halftones on all the planes Fig. 3 Keep going at it until you feel comfortable
creating values that relate to each other. with your rendering.

You will continue the drawing from the last session on stretched paper (if applicable). You want to have a drawing that has a
Using the reference of John Asaro's sculpture provided by NMA, finish your drawing good understanding of construction and
of the head. Make sure you have worked through construction and applying shadows light & shadow.
before moving to the halftones. Begin adding the halftones and move towards creating
a solid understanding of value relationships.
Materials: Graphite 3B pencil, paper (stretched or sketchpad), blending stumps

New Masters Academy 1