Sight Size from the Archives

[Jesse C. Draper]

Steven,

Thank you so much for your post. Yesterday I was trying to teach this principle to some of my students, but I don't think I was getting through to them. I feel it is one of the more difficult concepts to teach. Your last post gave me some very good ideas on how to explain the Sight Size method to them. I've heard of marking a model's position with tape, but never the artist. What a good little trick. Thank you so much for all your good advice.

[Debra Norton]

Steven Sweeney wrote:

In any event, I'd be glad to write up a description of the sight-size set-up for you if you'd like. It would get rather lengthy, so I won't post it here for now. (A first for me!!)

Steven, I would be interested in that too, as I'm sure many others would be.

Debra

[Geri Comicz]

Steven,

This is wonderful!!! Thank you. Geri

[Nathaniel Miller]

In any event, I'd be glad to write up a description of the sight-size set-up for you if you'd like. It would get rather lengthy, so I won't post it here for now. (A first for me!!)

I've been looking all over the internet and libraries, etc. for months and found only a short, sketchy description in an online studio manual, and a mention or two on a website, so it's kind of exciting for me to read your offer to explain it.

I'd greatly appreciate it if you could do the write-up when you have time. If it's too lengthy to post, you can paste it into an email and send it to me at [email protected] (or attach it as a file if it's easier for you). Again, many thanks.

When I suggest that you copy, I do want you to reproduce the tones and shapes and not be a slave to re-creating the drawing line-for-line. I am suggesting that you trace for proper proportion, anatomy, etc.

Thank you for clarifying those points. It's good news as that's what I'd been doing, but really just for fun before, not seriously. I'll get on with the actual drawing now that I have a few good books of large O.M. reproductions.

Many thanks to Karin, Steven, Virgil, etc. for your generosity. I've got no way to return the favor unless you need help with math homework or solving theoretical physics problems.....if it ever happens don't hesitate to send me an email!

Nathan

[Nathaniel Miller]

I've actually done a couple of sight-size drawings now, using your instructions, Steven, with good results (simple subjects.....display of fruit, crumpled paper bag and such). I think the constant flipping between the subject and drawing really trains your eye. It seems like I got better at it even after the first drawing.

So now I'm doing sight-size drawings, old master copies (finishing a copy of an Ingres drawing now), and drawings from life in my sketchbook when time permits (also reading/working through those books I mentioned earlier to learn anatomy, etc.).
My drawing wasn't too horrible before, so after a few months of this, I hope to see some good progress.

Thanks again for allowing me to shamelessly mooch advice and instruction!

Nathan

[Nathaniel Miller]

I got that figured out when the paper bag was wider on the paper than in life, but the measurements were accurate......I had the easel tilted to the right a little (the right side was a tiny bit further back). So I realized the same would be true in all directions.

I'm assuming it's normal to erase nearly twice the amount of charcoal you end up leaving on the paper (at first at least)? And for a drawing of a crumpled paper bag to take upwards of 12 hours of work?

I hope so.

Nathan