- 1). Select a photograph to serves as the inspiration for your drawing.
- 2). Measure the length and width of the photograph.
- 3). Determine the size of your drawing. If you wish to make a drawing that is the exact same size as the photograph, measure an area on the paper that has the same dimensions as the photo. If you wish to make a larger drawing, measure an area that is in direct proportion to the photograph size. For instance, an 8 X 10 photograph may translate to a 16 X 20 or 24 X 30 drawing.
- 4). Add vertical lines to your photograph, starting at the left side. Space these lines at a distance that makes sense for the size of the image. For instance, do not make lines that are two inches apart for a photo that is only five inches long. Smaller images may require lines that are one half inch apart, while larger images work well with lines spaced every inch or two. Use your ruler to keep these lines straight and even.
- 5). Add horizontal lines to your photograph. Space these lines at the same distance that you used for your vertical lines to create a grid of perfect squares.
- 6). Add vertical lines to your drawing paper. Make these lines light since you do not want them to show through your finished image. Make these lines in direct proportion to the lines on your photograph.
- 7). Place light horizontal lines on your drawing, using your ruler as a guide. Make these lines in direct proportion to the lines on the photograph. This completes your grid.
- 8). Write letters in alphabetical order down the left side of the photo and your paper, starting at the top. Add numbers to the bottom of the photograph and your drawing paper. Start at the left and move to the right with numbers in ascending order. Draw these numbers and letters lightly on your drawing paper. This creates a map to help you plot your drawing.
- 9). Use the grid as a guide to plot the features of your drawing. Whether you draw a portrait, a landscape or any other subject, the grid allows you to determine the placement of lines, figures and features in your work.
- 10
Shade in your drawing, using the grid as a guide. Find the location of shadows in the squares of your photograph, and shade in corresponding areas on your paper. - 11
Erase visible lines from the grid when you complete your drawing.
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