12. Shape Basics - Simplifying Reality with Straight Lines

The following lessons are all meant to help you simplify the complexity of the world around you, so that you can find the rough shapes and proportions of things - by forcing every shape to be composed of straight lines. Straight lines are easier to draw, to measure, and to see. By breaking shapes into straight lines, you will begin to see things not as objects, but as abstract shapes. Here's an example:

There's no one right way to "straighten" curving shapes, You can break it up into as many straight lines as you want. So, there is a level of creativity in this exercise. It is still, primarily, a lesson in seeing.

NOTE: This is a form of abstraction - your drawings will look and feel more abstract. That's okay. 

LEVEL 1 ASSIGNMENT - Draw a Piece of Fruit with Straight Lines

THE SET UP: Besides pencil and paper, you will need a piece of fruit and a lamp (or single light source) for clear 1-directional lighting.

In this exercise, you will simplify what you see in three ways. No matter how many curves the object has, you will break it up into straight contour lines - without using a ruler! You will also use straight lines for the different planes and shadows of the fruit. In addition, you will limit your drawing to 5 different values, 2 for shadows, and 3 for the light side of the subject. Furthermore, all edges should be equally firm. The resulting work will feel rather flat - for this assignment, that's okay.

NOTE: Proportions matter! Try to get your drawing to match the shape of the piece of fruit as precisely as possible. Try your best.

PRO TIP 1: Look for asymmetry. One side shouldn't necessarily mirror the other. Asymmetry often gives a shape character - it's more unique and recognizable.

PRO TIP 2: Look for the central axis of the object - is it vertical or on a diagonal?

LEVEL 2 ASSIGNMENT - Draw a Still Life with Straight Lines

THE SET UP: Besides pencil and paper, you will need several glasses, bowls, and-or pieces of fruit, and a lamp (or single light source) for clear 1-directional lighting.

LEVEL 3 ASSIGNMENT - Draw a Person's Portrait with Straight Lines

THE SET UP: Besides pencil and paper, you can use the references provided below (coming soon!) to draw a portrait. Break up the contours into straight lines, just as with the still life objects above.

PRO TIP 3: Try to keep your shadow lines simple - look for the big shapes and how they connect, not all the little details.