Observational Sketching

Book excerpt: Learn to draw by sketching what surrounds you everyday. In Observational Sketching, author Mariko Higaki—an ISDA Gold Award–winning industrial designer based in Japan—teaches you how to practice and learn to sketch by using well-established observational techniques. Perspective, proportion, lines, shapes, shading, and many other techniques can be learned through everyday practice and observation of the items you come in contact with everyday, from a backpack to your sunglasses. This book addresses how to approach sketching a range of shapes and materials and how to disassemble each object to accurately capture its unique design elements. Inspiration and examples from the author and other well-known artists accompany a variety of projects that you can try right away and skill-building projects that will strengthen your talent. Find within: An introduction to observational sketching The basic concepts and tools used in observational sketching Observation techniques Illustrated step-by-step instructions for creating observational sketches of 20 common objects, from a alarm clock to a wooden stool Hone your artistic skills with this daily sketching practice. Whether you are an urban sketcher or an industrial designer, this books should be part of your reference collection.