Using a ruler

[Jeremiah White]

Lately, I've been trying to work on more architecture and man made structure drawings. One thing I've been wondering about is if you all use rulers to achieve straight lines and aid perspective. Do you also know if most of the "old masters" used rulers in the same fashion. I don't like working with things that could be considered a crutch but would something like that be a necessary crutch?

[Marvin Mattelson]

One man's crutch is another man's training wheels. The old masters used whatever was necessary to achieve their desired ends. They often had to get by using limited means because of limitations in available tools and materials. Regardless of what the purists think, they didn't intentionally set out to do things the hard way. The end not only justifies the means, it ultimately needs to stand on its own.

[Michele Rushworth]

It's absolutely ok to use a ruler. Many artists (myself included) also use plumb lines, levels, calipers, etc.

[Jeremiah White]

Marvin, that does make a lot of sense. I often assumed that the old masters would have tried to make work easier for themselves given any technology they had at the time but I was never really sure. I do recall seeing a watercolor that Sargent did of a building in Venice last summer and it did have straight lines in graphite left over.

Michele, I was considering using a plumb line but haven't gotten the chance to yet. I've never used a caliper before but that does sound like something that would help me in certain cases. I shall get one the next time I'm out.

I do feel more confident in using such tools now and your points on why it would be acceptable eases me further.

Thanks!

[Juan Martinez]

Jeremiah

I agree with Marvin and Michelle.

Another thing to keep in mind is that those who designed and built the architecture used rulers in their own plans and drawings, so why shouldn't the artist depicting those structures, as well? After all, a straight edge is the easiest way to a straight line just as black paint is the easiest colour to use for making a black.

Juan

[Jeremiah White]

Juan, I've never really pondered that but you're right. Rulers and measurements are used all the time by the people building these structures so to go without one to draw would be pointless in many aspects.

Thanks!