Gettin’ Sketchy – Drawing an Elephant with Pencil – Season 4 Episode 7

This episode aired live on YouTube on July 14, 2021.

Grab your sketchbook and a soft pencil and let’s get ready to sketch an elephant.

In this timed drawing exercise, we’ll tackle drawing an elephant walking towards the viewer. This angle presents a few challenges. We can see that the animal is foreshortened and there is some awkward overlapping of the front leg and trunk. But these challenges are easily met through careful observation and visual comparisons. The real challenge here is the time constraint of just 45 minutes.

See also: Foreshortening

Here’s a look at the completed drawing…

Laying Out the Drawing

Typically, I like to construct a drawing by stacking shapes. I look at the overall shape of the subject and visually break this shape down into simpler shapes. These shapes are loosely sketched with many lines as I try to find the larger shape. This approach, commonly referred to as “construction”, allows me to work faster and with better accuracy.

See also: Drawing Basics – Construction

However, for some subjects and compositions, I prefer to work through the layout process by making pure observational comparisons. Usually, this is not a conscious decision, it just happens. In other words, I just “go with the flow” and do what feels natural.

This is the approach I took with the drawing of the elephant.

The drawing begins with a few simple measurements. First, a light line is drawn from the top of the head to the bottom of the elephant. This initial line helps to ensure that the drawing will fit within the picture plane.

From there, I drew a line for the width of the head, including the ears. I used the height of the elephant to measure this line against. So with just a couple of lines, I knew the height and width of my drawing.

Using these two lines as a starting point, I began building each section of the elephant from the top down, continually making visual comparisons.

Shading the Drawing of an Elephant

Shading is the process of developing the value within the drawing. Value, one of the seven elements of art, refers to the darkness or lightness of color. In nearly every situation, our goal should be to develop a full range of value within the scene. This means we should strive to include the darkest darks and the lightest lights.

Since the paper is white, we rely on the paper to influence the lighter values, while using our pencil to develop the dark tones.

As the value develops through shading, the texture is also addressed. Texture in a drawing is often developed through value. The relationships of the values inform the viewer of how light behaves on the surface. The relationships of values result in the illusion of texture in a drawing. There are other influences as well. The drawing medium and the surface texture of the paper also plays a role in the creating convincing texture.

In this case, our sketch subject – the elephant – features a textured skin so the value and the texture are developed concurrently. Due to the time constraint, the shading and texture are developed rather quickly.

Since speed was important, loose directional strokes were made during the shading process. By adjusting the amount of pressure placed on the pencil, middle and darker values were developed quickly. This approach is great for sketching, but for longer drawings, a slower approach may be better.

Below, you’ll find another graphite pencil drawing of an elephant that I created for a Live Lesson series. In this lesson series, we worked on Stonehenge drawing paper (a higher quality paper that is 100% cotton). Instead of just one pencil, several different grades of graphite were used.

See also: Artists Graphite Pencils Explained

A slow, methodical approach to shading was taken. But just like our quick sketch here, the pressure placed on the pencil was adjusted in order to develop the textures and range of value.

See also: Pencil Shading Techniques

In contrast, this drawing took around 20 hours to complete…

Watch the full lesson series of the drawing here…Graphite Pencil Drawing of an Elephant Live Lesson Series

So it’s important to note here that the level that you develop a drawing often happens during the stage in which you are developing the value. When more time is spent developing the value and texture, the result is usually a more realistic drawing. However, even with a quick sketch, we can still communicate the subject as long as there is a full range of value developed.

Materials Used For Drawing the Elephant

On the surface, the materials used in this sketch of an elephant are relatively simple. We only use a single pencil and white drawing paper. However, the specific paper and the pencil are important. In this case, the paper is 80 lb. white drawing paper that features a weak to medium tooth (texture). The pencil used is the Matte pencil by Blackwing. This pencil is soft like a 3B pencil but is not quite as shiny as traditional graphite, making it more closely related to a carbon pencil.

The Blackwing pencils are also smoother in feel compared to other brands of graphite pencils. This makes the marks made with this pencil a little more gratifying since the pencil seems to glide over the surface.

See also: Blackwing Pencil Review

Photo Reference

The photo reference for this drawing exercise comes from Pixabay.com. The image was slightly altered to include a white background. The values were enhanced and the contrast was adjusted. A cast shadow was added on the ground to the left using Photoshop.

Here’s a look at the photo reference…

Drawing an Elephant with Pencil – Timed Drawing Exercise – Conclusion

Any drawing that we undertake will present challenges. The more challenges that we face, the more that we grow. Although this elephant sketch was completed in just 45 minutes, we were able to exercise the same “artistic muscles” we use when we create a longer, more developed drawing. Sketching is important and should be practiced often. Setting a time constraint gives us a starting and ending point. It gives us a window of practice so we’re not overwhelmed.

Gettin’ Sketchy – Drawing Everyday Objects – Door Knob and Keys – Season 4 Episode 6

This episode aired live on YouTube on July 7, 2021.

In this drawing lesson, Ashley creates a drawing of a couple of objects that are part of our everyday lives – a door knob and a set of keys. Everyday objects like this are great for sketching. Sometimes all we have to do is look around us to find sources of inspiration. And while these objects may not seem like exciting objects, they are still filled with challenges that will help us improve our drawing skills.

Here’s a look at the completed drawing…

It’s Easier Than You Think

It’s easy for beginners to look at certain potential drawing subjects and get overwhelmed. It’s only natural to assume that highly reflective subjects like metal or glass will present difficult challenges. Objects that are precise or detail-oriented can also deter some budding artists. Most of these folks will simply look for other subjects to explore rather than tackle this challenge.

But this is a mistake. Challenges force us to grow. When we challenge ourselves with “difficult” subjects we often surprise ourselves with the results. But when we avoid subjects that present challenges, we stagnate and our artistic growth is stunted.

The simple subjects of this drawing – the door knob and keys – could be considered “difficult” due to the precision of the keys and the reflective surface of the door knob. However in this demonstration, Ashley shows us that even difficult subjects can be simplified and communicated in a drawing in a short period of time.

The Secret to Drawing Reflective Surfaces

Value is one of the seven elements of art. Most artists agree that value is also the most important element of art. The values and the positioning of the values inform the viewer of the light within the scene, the form of the subjects, and the surface textures of the subjects.

Surfaces that are not reflective typically feature gradual changes in values from dark to light. But reflective surfaces, like shiny metal or glass, are different. Instead of gradations of value, reflective surfaces often feature extreme changes in value. Often, we see a dark value positioned right next to a light value. It’s the strong contrast in value and the extreme change in value that leads to the illusion of a reflective surface in our drawings.

All we need to do is pay close attention to the shapes of these contrasting values and try to replicate them in our drawing. If we get the shapes and values close to what is observed, the result is the illusion of reflection.

Materials Used For This Drawing Exercise

In this lesson, Ashley uses simple drawing tools to complete the sketch. A common HB pencil is used for the initial contour line drawing and some basic shading. Once the contour sketch is in place, Ashley pushes the range of value with a General’s Layout pencil. This pencil is similar to a 4B pencil so the marks are quite a bit darker.

See also: Artists Graphite Pencils Explained

The drawing is completed on basic white drawing paper that you’ll find in any sketchbook. There is a texture to the paper, but the tooth is relatively weak.

Photo Reference

Ashley took the photo that is used for reference. The color was removed, making the values and value relationships easier to discern.

Here’s a look at the photo reference…

Looking for other ideas to sketch? Check out 101 Drawing Ideas for Your Sketchbook

Drawing a Door Knob and Keys Exercise – Conclusion

Drawing is a skill that anyone can learn and develop. But like any other skill, drawing requires practice. The more that you practice, the more improvement you will see in your drawing skills. Don’t dismiss the everyday objects around us a potential subjects. Even objects that seem “boring” can be made exciting with a strong composition.

Challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to draw subjects that may seem difficult on the surface. Often, these “difficult subjects” lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and more growth.

Gettin’ Sketchy – Drawing Nuts and Bolts with a Ball Point Pen – Season 4 Episode 4

This episode aired live on YouTube on June 23, 2021.

Sometimes the best subjects for sketching are simply lying around us. Subjects such as tools or hardware provide us with drawing challenges that force us to look closely and problem solve. Nuts and bolts certainly fall into this category. These small fasteners feature complex details enveloped in basic shapes and forms.

In this sketching exercise, Ashley creates a drawing of a simple nut and bolt on white drawing paper with a basic ball point pen. This quick sketch is a great example of how inexpensive tools like a ball point pen can be used to create a developed sketch.

Here’s a look at the completed drawing…

Constructing the Sketch

We have a natural tendency to look for the lines when we begin a drawing. While we can clearly develop a drawing in this manner, there is a better, quicker, and more accurate way to approach drawing. When we start with the lines, we often run into proportional issues and produce less accurate drawings.

Instead of starting with the lines, we should consider looking for a different element of art – the shapes. We can build a drawing by stacking and combining shapes before shifting focus to the lines. This leads to greater accuracy in our drawings and also increases our speed.

This approach to drawing is often called construction and can be applied to any subject.

See also: Drawing Basics – Construction

Construction works by breaking complex objects down into basic shapes like circles, ellipses, rectangles, triangles, etc. These basic shapes are lightly drawn first, creating a framework for future marks.

As the drawing develops and the spacial relationships of the subjects are solidified within the picture plane, the details and the contour lines can be added confidently.

Ashley uses construction in this drawing exercise to place the subjects and then to develop the drawing.

He begins with the ellipse found on the nut and then builds a structure outward from there. Another clear example of how construction is utilized is how he uses a rectangle to define the overall shape of the bolt before “carving” out the threads.

With this approach, Ashley is able to concentrate on the larger shapes and then gradually develop the details and smaller shapes within the larger ones. This allows him to work quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

Shading with a Ball Point Pen

Ashley first constructs the drawing with a graphite pencil. He begins with a pencil so that any mistakes can be correctly easily before committing with ink.

Once he is confident in the structure he’s created with the pencil sketch, he begins layering the ball point pen applications.

The ball point pen is quite unique when used as an art making tool. Unlike traditional drawing pens, a ball point pen can be used to create different values and intensities based on the amount of pressure placed on the pen.

Traditional pens used for drawing require the artist to work the concentration of marks in combination with the white of the paper to produce different values. While ball point pens can be used in this same manner, they also allow the artist to vary the pressure to produce grays like we can with a pencil.

See also: Basic Pen and Ink Techniques

This means that a ball point pen falls somewhere in between a graphite pencil and a traditional drawing pen. This allows the artist work the drawing as a traditional pen and ink drawing and/or as graphite drawing. While this sounds quite exciting, one obvious drawback is the lack of permanence of the medium.

When exposed to light over time, ball point ink will fade. Many artists that have embraced the ball point pen as a serious art making medium look for archival or acid-free inks but there is still no guarantee that these inks will last.

Materials for this Exercise

You likely already have the materials used in this drawing exercise. Basic white drawing paper, like you may find in a typical sketchbook, is used along with a HB graphite pencil and an inexpensive ball point pen.

Photo Reference

A reference image was used for this lesson. The reference image was photographed by Ashley after carefully positioning the objects into a pleasing composition.

Here’s a look at the photo reference…

Nuts and Bolts – Timed Drawing Exercise – Conclusion

The most basic subjects often make some of the best subjects when it comes to sketching practice. And while a couple of fasteners like a nut and bolt may seem like an odd subject, there are plenty of challenges there. Subjects like these are also great for larger, finished artworks as well.

Ultimately, when you practice – you improve. The subject that you choose to sketch is largely unimportant. Every subject presents challenges and forces you to problem solve, take chances, and exploit the medium. The more that you draw, and face these challenges, the faster you will improve.

Gettin’ Sketchy – Ladybug with Watercolor and Pen and Ink – Season 4 Episode 3

This episode aired live on YouTube on June 16, 2021.

In this timed drawing exercise, we spend 45 minutes creating a line and wash work of a ladybug. This one is a real challenge to complete in the allotted time due to the mediums used. Thankfully, the ladybug is fairly simple and easy to draw with basic shapes.

Here’s a look at the completed drawing…

Line and Wash – Combining Pen and Ink with Watercolor

Certain combinations of art media work exceptionally well together. Pen and ink and watercolor is one such combination. This combination of media is often referred to as “line and wash”.

Combined mediums that work well with one another usually compliment each other. Often, one medium makes up for the weaknesses for the other.

Obviously, another factor to consider is the chemical and physical makeup of the two mediums combined. If the mediums do not “play well” together, then they will not work.

Pen and ink and watercolor “play well” together both physically and chemically. But they also make up for the weaknesses of the other, making this combination of media a popular choice for many artists – especially those interested in plein air activities like “urban sketching”.

Pen and ink is a rigid and often precise drawing medium. Typically, line is the vehicle for developing the drawing. Line is used to communicate the contours, or outlines, but also the values, textures, and form.

Through the methods of hatching and cross hatching, line can be used to create a gradation of value with pen and ink. However, this process is challenging and a true gradation of tone cannot be achieved using just line.

Watercolor, on the other hand, if fluid and loose. While it can be controlled, it’s at its best when it’s allowed to flow.

Unlike pen and ink, watercolor excels at gradations of value, producing smooth transitions from light to dark. Watercolor also brings color to the work.

In a line and wash work, pen and ink and watercolor work together to create a complete piece. The pen and ink produces a rigid and precise drawing, while the watercolor brings color and smooth gradations of color and value.

The Order to Apply Pen and Ink with Watercolor

Pen and ink and watercolor can be applied in any order. Some artists prefer to apply the pen and ink first and follow with watercolor washes. Others prefer to apply the watercolor first and then refine the art with pen and ink.

The order in which the mediums are applied is less important than the balance between the two mediums. For example, a pen and ink drawing that is fully developed is likely to appear dark after watercolor washes are applied. To avoid this, the pen and ink drawing should be slightly underdeveloped so that the watercolor applications can be allowed to influence some of the values.

Materials for this Exercise

One appealing characteristic of line and wash is the cleanliness and compact nature of the medium. Drawing pens are inexpensive. Watercolor travels well and cleans up easily. Watercolor paper is also easy to find and is available in small travel “sketchbooks”. For this sketch, Staedtler drawing pens and Winsor and Newton watercolors are used on Canson Heritage 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper.

Cold press watercolor paper is completely acceptable for line and wash images. However, hot press papers provide a smooth surface which favors the pen and ink applications.

(The following links are affiliate links which means I make small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.)

• Staedtler Drawing Pens
• Winsor and Newton Travel Watercolor Set
• Canson Heritage 140 lb. Hot Press Watercolor Paper

Photo Reference

The reference image for this drawing exercise comes from Pixabay.com. The original image was edited. The image was cropped and the color was enhanced in Photoshop in order to bring out more reds.

Here’s a look at the photo reference…

Ladybug with Watercolor and Pen and Ink Exercise – Conclusion

Line and wash is an excellent combination of media for both finished works and quick sketches. Pen and ink and watercolor work well with one another due to the fact that they compliment each other so well. The pen and ink provides the details, edges, and some of the value and texture while the watercolor provides the color and gradations of value and tone.

Keep in mind that the lesson presented here is an exercise. And just like with physical exercise that makes you stronger, any drawing exercise – even one that lasts only 45 minutes – will make you stronger as an artist. Practice is important and is a key part of developing your artistic skills.

Gettin’ Sketchy – Unplugged – Season 4 Episode 2

This episode aired live on YouTube on June 9, 2021.

In this episode of Gettin’ Sketchy, Ashley creates a drawing of an electrical cord and plug. This may seem like an unlikely subject for drawing but it forces us to focus on composition and precise execution. Complex details are absent, but interesting relationships of simple shapes and forms are there – making this an interesting and challenging subject for sketching.

Here’s a look at the completed drawing…

Considering Composition

Composition in art refers to the way the elements within the picture plane are arranged. Composition affects how our viewers interact with our art and influences our success or failure. Unfortunately, the importance of composition is often overlooked by beginners.

Creating a strong composition may seem like “guesswork” to the inexperienced artist. Fortunately, composition can be learned and the more that you practice it – the more it will improve.

See also: Composition in Art

In this work, the composition is the “star of the show”. The subject may be a mundane object, but the composition is interesting. There is a nice balance between the positive and negative space, a variety of shapes and forms, and a feeling unity created by repetition. There’s also a nice sense of space developed through overlapping and placement. The meandering cord also pulls the viewer’s eye through the sketch.

This successful composition is no accident. Ashley carefully considered the composition before making any marks. He took several different photos of the subject, experimenting with slightly different arrangements. This is important to note. Successful compositions often emerge through experimentation. This is one reason why thumbnail sketching is so important.

See also: Improve Your Drawing Skills in 6 Days

Materials Used For Unplugged Drawing Exercise

The materials used in this drawing are simple and easily accessible to most. Ashley uses two graphite pencils and standard white drawing paper. A harder, HB pencil is used for the initial sketch. A General’s Layout pencil is used to shade the drawing once the initial contours are established. This pencil is a darker pencil, somewhat equivalent to a 4B pencil.

See also: Artists Graphite Pencils Explained

Photo Reference

The reference image for this drawing exercise was developed by Ashley. As we have already established, the success of the sketch starts with the composition of the photo.

Here’s a look at the photo reference…

Drawing Exercise Unplugged – Conclusion

We often assume that the subject is the most important element in our artworks. While the subject is clearly important, it doesn’t carry as much weight as we may assume. Even everyday, “boring” subjects can be interesting for sketching or more refined drawings and paintings. Composition is clearly important in any artworks that we create. But its importance and its presence is more noticeable when the subject is subtle.

Gettin’ Sketchy – How to Draw a Sloth with Charcoal – Season 4 Episode 1

This episode aired live on YouTube on June 2, 2021.

Gettin’ Sketchy is broadcast live on YouTube. In each episode, we try to create a drawing within a timed period – usually 45 minutes. While 45 minutes isn’t really enough time to create a “finished” drawing, it’s enough time to create a looser sketch. Depending on the medium used, some drawings appear more finished than others. Gettin’ Sketchy is about having fun, practicing drawing skills, and providing tidbits of drawing instruction.

While the focus of Gettin’ Sketchy is about speed, it’s only fitting that we draw a very slow animal. In this lesson, we’ll draw a sloth with charcoal.

Here’s a look at the completed image…

Drawing with Charcoal

Charcoal comes in several different forms, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this lesson, vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, and white charcoal are used on gray toned paper. Since the vine charcoal is loose and easily erased, it is used first to create somewhat of an underpainting.

Compressed versions of charcoal follow after the vine charcoal to define and refine the details of the sloth. Compressed charcoal is more difficult to erase than vine charcoal, but it is much darker and less powdery.

With charcoal especially, a kneaded eraser is a valuable tool. In this case, the eraser is used to remove charcoal material to create grays and to keep the drawing tidy throughout the process.

As is the case with any medium you work with, the surface plays an important role. It is the foundation of your work and even for a simple sketch, the paper should be considered. In this lesson, toned Canson Ingres paper is used. This paper features a moderate tooth with a laid pattern. It is very similar to traditional charcoal paper.

See also: All About Drawing Papers

The toned surface allows us to push values as the drawing develops. Since the paper is gray, we can begin with medium grays and gradually extend the value range by adding both lights and darks. This is an advantage that we don’t have when we work on white paper but it also means that we must use a medium that can produce light values as well as dark ones. In this case, the white charcoal serves to develop the lighter tones.

See also: 6 Reasons to Draw on Toned Paper

Here are a few lessons and lesson series that provide more information on charcoal and its usage. Some of these lessons require membership…

• How to Draw a Raven with Charcoal
• The Secrets to Drawing – Charcoal (Membership Required)
• Charcoal Drawing Techniques
• How to Draw an Ostrich with Charcoal – Lesson Series (Membership Required)
• Landscape Drawing with Charcoal – Lesson Series (Membership Required)

Photo Reference

A reference photo was used to develop the drawing of a sloth. The original image featured the entire body of the sloth. Since I wanted to focus on only the head and claws, the original image was cropped. The original image comes from Pixabay.com

Here’s a look at the photo reference…

How the Drawing Develops

The approach I take to create a drawing changes slightly or dramatically depending on the medium chosen and the subject. However, in most cases, I like to define the overall shapes of the subject and gradually refine the contours before moving on to the finer details.

This often means that I will start from the outer contours (or outlines) of the subject and work my way in. This approach to drawing is often called “construction”.

See also: Drawing Basics – Construction

This is not the approach I took with this subject. Instead, I began with the eyes and nose and worked outward. I choose to work in this manner because I noted a clear relationship between the locations of these features and I knew that this area would become the focal point of the drawing.

This is a unique example of taking a different approach to laying out a drawing, but still getting similar results. In this case, I noticed that the eyes of the sloth are on a similar “line” as the nose, with the mouth just below it. This was an easy and natural place to begin making marks and more importantly, making comparisons.

We know that drawing is about observation. And close observation requires making comparisons. As we work through a drawing, we make comparisons to portions of the drawing we have already established. But we must begin somewhere and have some visual information place in order to make these comparisons. In this way, the starting point for this drawing begins within the outer contours and the comparisons expand outward from there.

Drawing a Sloth with Charcoal – Conclusion

When we draw any subject, we improve. Often the most challenging subjects present the most opportunities for growth and development. But no matter how difficult the subject may be or the challenges presented by the medium, the most important factor for improvement is action. Practice is key to improving your drawing skills. The more that you draw and the more that you challenge yourself with the subjects that you chose, the faster your drawing skills will develop. Even sketching for just 45 minutes forces you to work the same observational “muscles” that you use to create longer, more finished drawings. Even if your life is very busy and you wish to improve your drawing skills, then time to practice for just 45 minutes should be easy to find.