Lesson 3: Overview

This week we are taking a different approach. Up to now we have been working with shapes and volumes. We have been drawing what we see. The approach this week is to study and discover the underlying structure of the building and the architectural design and to base our drawings on our understanding of the building.

Concepts this week include:

1. A structured way of working – the seven-step process.
2. The power of guidelines - alignment, centerlines, horizontal ledges, and adjustments for thicknesses.
3. Some measuring tips for getting better proportions - look for squares, use a basic unit of measure, and measure between guidelines.

We learned a seven step workflow. Not every step is need, but we always work in this order.

1. Overall volumes/shapes
2. Proportions
3. Main structure and stories
4. Rhythm of windows and other elements
5. Window frames
6. Openings and windows
7. Details (decoration) and texture

We also learned how to use guidelines, make adjustments for thicknesses, and how to measure lengths and angles.

Indoor Exercises:

Exercise 1: We did an analytical diagram of the structure of Notre Dame in Paris from a supplied photo reference. Then we did a more detailed sketch drawing on what we discovered in the initial diagram.

Exercise2: We did the same using a reference photo of Capitoline Hill in Rome.

Outdoor Exercise:

Our assignment was to sketch a local building that has at least two stories and a number of bays. I chose to draw the Adolf Block in downtown Salem.

Jim