Online Class: Drawing with the Grid Method

Sunday | April 19th | 10am-12pm

This online course will focus on the Grid Method, a classic technique used to accurately transfer a reference image into a proportional drawing. Students create a grid over their reference photo and a matching grid on their drawing paper, allowing them to focus on one small section at a time. This method helps maintain proper proportion and placement while building confidence.

The grid method is ideal for:

• Beginners learning accurate drawing skills

• Detailed or complex images

• Large-scale drawings

• Artists wanting to improve proportion and realism

Students will be provided with high-contrast reference images (photos with strong highlights and deep shadows), which work best for this technique. Students are also welcome to use their own high-contrast image if they prefer.

If bringing your own image - Recommended subjects- 

• a single object with dramatic lighting (coffee mug, boots, fruit, tools) 

• fabric with folds and shadows

• leaves with bold light and shadow 

Technical tip-

• convert your image to black and white for easier value study- increase the contrast

• print your photo if possible

• Avoid- very busy backgrounds, multiple tiny figures, low-resolution images, pixelated images

Materials Needed

Students will provide their own materials:

• Set of graphite drawing pencils (range from hard H to soft B grades)

• Drawing paper (sketch paper is fine; Bristol is recommended for transferring the final drawing)

• Eraser

• Fine point eraser (optional)

• Blending stump (optional)

• Cotton buds or tissue (for blending)

You will receive a link to the online course from the instructor Michelle Nagel before the scheduled class.