The Seven Magic Words of Drawing

Foreshortening

• Distorting objects or parts of an object to create the illusion that one edge is actually closer to your eye.

Shading• Adding darkness

to a surface that is opposite of a real or imaginary light source adds depth to your drawing. Shading is the key to a successful drawing.

Size

• Generally objects drawn larger will look closer, except when overlapping. This can easily be accomplished with the use of perspective.

Overlapping

• Objects drawn in front of others will make the front objects appear closer. This is a form of perspective too.

Contour Lines

• Lines wrapped around the contour of an object adds volume and shape.

Density• Images drawn

darker, and with more detail, will appear closer than images drawn lighter and with less detail. This adds “atmosphere” to the drawing.

Surface

• Drawing textures such as wood grain, brick, and others will create interest and depth.