Drawing Techniques 3 - Angles & Negative Shapes

In this tutorial, I’ll show you two really useful ways to improve the accuracy of your drawing: looking at angles and observing negative shapes. Using a simple arrangement of spoons and a small cylindrical object, I’ll demonstrate how I use an imaginary clock face to help judge the direction of lines and angles. We’ll also look at how objects change when viewed from different positions, including distorted shapes, ellipses and perspective. I’ll then introduce negative shapes – the spaces between and around objects – and show you how these can help you spot when something in your drawing isn’t quite in the right position or proportion. The aim isn’t to create a perfect finished drawing, but to practise looking carefully, drawing loosely and gradually developing your observational skills. We’ll also begin to introduce a little simple shading as we move towards using pencil to create light, shade and form.