Using a Drawing Grid

When sketching a more complex composition, it can be helpful to draw a very light pencil grid to help get your proportions correct. I've developed a free tool to help you generate a grid on a square photo reference.

design_services Measure your paper or canvas

Taking a ruler, measure the size of the area you want to work on as a square. Divide your square side by 5. For example, if it is 10x10 you can draw your grid in 2in sections since we are working with a 5x5 grid on the reference. Using an h pencil or even a watercolor pencil that will disapear when you add water, very lightly mark out your 5 x 5 grid. It is important to accurately measure and mark since these will be your guides and allow for a more realistic representation.

grid_on Generate a grid over your image

I've developed a free tool that will draw a thin red outline of a 5 x 5 grid over your square photo reference. This works best to view on a desktop vs mobile. Upload here and the result will be emailed to you so you can come back to it later. Make sure your photo or image is in .jpg format and cropped to square. You could even zoom in on an area that is more complicated.

visibility Use your observational skills

You will now be able to compare where objects appear on your paper or canvase in comparision to the squares you have lightly drawn on your work. Use your comparision and observational skills to evaluate where objects intersect with the grid and with each other. Want some tips on this? Take my basic drawing flex course any time or check out which courses I have coming up next.

draw Erase!

I like to use a gum eraser to pull up the marks without leaving any other mess. Now you can continue with your artwork knowing you have your proportions correct. One less thing to worry about!

@ Tag me

I would love to see what you come up with on Instagram, tag @aplomb_gallery in your post and I will share to my story!