2 minute read
SKETCHER DEMO
SKETCHER DEMO
A sketch in three layers
SAN JOSE SKETCHER SUHITA SHIRODKAR BREAKS IT DOWN FOR US AT HER LOCAL CAFÉ.
1. The Foreground: With an orange marker, I sketch everything on the counter. I add in the lamps hanging overhead as they are on the same plane as the counter. I’m sketching simple, recognizable shapes without much detail. 2. The Middle-ground: I switch to a black pen and sketch in the staff at work. I’m paying special attention to where I can see through the foreground layer to this middle layer.
Here’s a technique I play with when I want to sketch a layered scene, but not get overwhelmed by it. I break the scene down into simplified layers of foreground, middle-ground and background, and tackle those layers one at a time, often using different colors or media.
It’s a pretty versatile technique that you can apply to almost any scene. And while I use all dry media here, you can use almost any media: wet, dry, or a combination of both. Here, I’m sketching at my neighborhood coffee shop in San Jose, California, recording the staff going about their usual routines.
I’m dividing the scene before me into three layers. The foreground consists of the coffee shop counter and everything it holds. The people working behind the counter form the middle-ground and everything behind them is the background.
3. The Background: Switching to a grey pen this time, I draw in the paraphernalia that I see beyond the people. I now have a three-layered sketch. (A little too neatly segregated for my taste, at this point). 4. The final step: This is the fun part. I add details across all the layers using all three tools, bringing cohesion to the sketch and then use colored pencil to add depth, detail and focus to selective bits of it. I can add as little or as much as I want!
SUHITA’S MATERIALS:
YOU COULD DO THIS WITH JUST ABOUT ANY MEDIUM, BUT HERE IS WHAT I USED:
• ACRYLIC MARKERS • FOUNTAIN PEN • WHITE CHINA MARKER • COLORED PENCILS SUHITA’S TIPS:
• GATHER UP SOME TOOLS YOU RARELY USE FOR RESULTS THAT SURPRISE YOU • TRY A VERSION WITH TRANSPARENT MEDIA FOR AN INTERESTING EFFECT • HAVE FUN WITH THE PROCESS, MIX IT UP AND MAKE IT YOUR OWN.
If you play with this process, share your work on social media and tag me, I’d love to see it!
