Which Way Is Up?

My mom used to say sometimes she didn't know which way was up!  Usually that was when she had too many projects going and too little time to get them all done.

I am here to tell you that being able to tell up from down is a key thought in painting and drawing.  It affects everything you do!  Even once you can see what is on top and what is on bottom, knowing how to show that can be rather tricky.  In the coming posts, we are going to work on being able to tell in a line drawing what is on top and what is on bottom.  Of course, there are many things that can set between the two!  I am going to give you an exercise that you can work on in pencil and then we will take that same design to a painting project to show how to get a three dimensional look there as well.

Don't be afraid to scan your results and e-mail them to me.  I promise you that my critiques are kind.  I won't tell anyone, "Oh that's terrible!"  That isn't my way and what does that help you accomplish?  We are here to build.  So, print off the free "UP and DOWN" exercise pattern and show me what you know.  I will show you some examples of my thoughts on the project and we will compare notes!