Structure in Drawing

Understanding Structure

One of the foundational skills in drawing from life is identifying the underlying structure of the subject. This process involves breaking down complex objects into their simplest forms, then gradually refining those shapes to match what you observe. Learning to see and draw the structure is essential for capturing the essence of any object and ensuring a solid foundation for further details and shading.

To demonstrate this approach, let’s use a pear as our example. A pear, while relatively simple, offers enough complexity to challenge your ability to discern its structure. Unlike round fruits like apples or oranges, the pear’s form is more nuanced, with subtle variations that require close observation. However, any object can be used for this exercise.

Setting Up the Subject

This lighting setup simplifies the process, as fewer light sources make it easier to identify the planes and the shifts in the object's surface. Multiple light sources would complicate the task, making it harder to determine the direction of the planes.

Step 1: Finding the Simple Shapes

The first task in drawing any object is to identify the simplest shapes you can observe. In the case of the pear, you might notice that it resembles a series of circles or ellipses. These basic shapes are not necessarily drawn but used as a visual guide to help you break down the object. Understanding these foundational shapes allows you to focus on the overall proportions before delving into details.

Step 2: Capturing the Outlining Edges

Once you’ve identified the simple shapes, the next step is to draw the outlining edges of the object. Use straight lines initially to define the general shape of the pear. While the edges of the pear may not be entirely straight, starting with straight lines helps to clarify the structure. You can always refine the curves later as you refine the drawing.

Step 3: Identifying Planes and Plane Changes

With the general shape in place, it’s time to think about the object in three dimensions. To do this, we look for the surface planes—essentially, the flat surfaces that make up the form of the object. The pear, like any object, has areas where the surface changes direction, creating what we call plane changes. These shifts indicate the volume and help define the object's form. Identifying these planes is crucial to creating the illusion of depth in your drawing.

Where two or more planes meet, the form starts to take shape. By paying attention to how the planes intersect and the angles they create, you gain a clearer understanding of how the object is structured in space. This understanding guides you as you continue to refine the drawing and prepare for shading.

Step 4: Marking the Shadows

At this stage, it’s helpful to mark where the shadows fall on the object. While not strictly necessary for identifying the structure, indicating the light and dark areas of the form can aid in the later stages of rendering. This step provides a guide for where you will apply shading, helping to clarify the form before you begin adding value to the drawing.

Finding the underlying structure of any subject is an essential part of drawing. It provides a framework that supports consistent, accurate drawings and prepares you for adding details and shading. While today’s lesson focuses on structure, understanding this concept will also inform how you render the form in future lessons. The ability to see the basic shapes, planes, and shadows in an object ensures that your drawing has a strong foundation, setting you up for success as you develop your skills further.