Drafting desk (or drafting table): An adjustable worktable with a slanted top.Drawing board: An unbendable, portable, smooth surface used to support an artist’s sketchbook or drawing paper.

ArtSpeak

ISBN 978-0-9878229-8-7Copyright © 2011 Drawspace Publishing and Brenda Hoddinott. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transferred, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including

electronic, digital, mechanical, recording, photographing, photocopying, or otherwise, without the purchase of a licence from drawspace.com or the prior written consent of Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace Publishing.

Finding a suitable studio space in which to create your art means learning a little about drawing surfaces and lighting. Your special place should be as relaxing, peaceful, and free of distractions as possible.

Choosing a Comfortable Chair and Drawing SurfaceFirst of all, fi nd a comfortable chair and a sloped surface on which to draw (Figure 1).

An adjustable sloped table or drafting desk is a fantastic choice. Another option is to prop up a drawing board (Figure 2 on Page 2) at an angle on a regular desk or table.

Inexpensive drawing boards in various sizes can be found at almost any art store. Art supply stores also carry large clips and special tapes for affi xing paper to a drawing board. Masking tapes designed for painting also work fairly well.

Setting up a Creative Space

A few ideas and tips for putting together an at-home art studio

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 7.3Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 68.6Drawspace Curriculum 1.1.R10 – 3 Pages and 5 Illustrations

Figure 1

2 Drawspace Curriculum 1.1.R10

In Figure 3, a cartoon artist is sketching on paper that is attached to a homemade drawing board with a clip. Take note that the artist has propped up the drawing board at an angle (rather than horizontal or vertical).

The cartoon artist is using a binder clip. Another type of clip used by artists is called a bulldog clip (Figure 4).

Tip!

Experiment with your tape on a small piece of drawing paper to fi nd out if it can be safely removed. For example, masking tape is not a good choice for thin paper (it may rip the paper). Also, don’t leave any type of tape on your drawing paper for more than a few hours. Tape sometimes bonds with even high-quality paper and can tear off its surface when removed.

Figure 4

Figure 2

ISBN 978-0-9878229-8-7Copyright © 2011 Drawspace Publishing and Brenda Hoddinott. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transferred, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including

electronic, digital, mechanical, recording, photographing, photocopying, or otherwise, without the purchase of a licence from drawspace.com or the prior written consent of Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace Publishing.

A drawing board is easy to make (if you’re handy with a saw). Simply cut a piece of thin plywood, Plexiglas, or other sturdy product to a size slightly larger than your favorite drawing paper. All surfaces and edges need to be sanded until they are very smooth. If you wish, you can paint your drawing board. A medium shade of gray is the best choice because it offsets white drawing paper without creating a visual distraction as you draw.

As an Aside

Figure 3

Drawspace Curriculum 1.1.R10

Figure 5

3

ISBN 978-0-9878229-8-7Copyright © 2011 Drawspace Publishing and Brenda Hoddinott. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transferred, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including

electronic, digital, mechanical, recording, photographing, photocopying, or otherwise, without the purchase of a licence from drawspace.com or the prior written consent of Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace Publishing.

Don’t create large drawings on a level surface (such as a table, counter, or the fl oor). When you draw on a level surface, the top of your paper is farther away from you than the bottom. As a result, you can end up with all sorts of problems trying to draw accurate proportions. If you are drawing a fi gure, for example, the head may end up too big for the body. Unfortunately, you usually fi nd this out the hard way—after your drawing is complete. A sloped desk or drawing board can help keep your proportions in check.

Caution!

Choosing the Right Light for DrawingGood lighting is important. Having the right light will prevent your eyes from becoming tired or strained. A natural light source from a window is the best choice in the daytime, but keep a good lamp handy for evenings and overcast days. (Aren’t you glad you don’t have to draw by candlelight like the great masters of the Renaissance?)

A fl exible-neck study lamp is designed to focus light directly on your drawing surface. Choose an energy-effi cient light bulb, such as an LED (which closely mimics natural daylight).

In Figure 5, a cartoon artist uses a fl exible-neck lamp attached to his drafting desk to shed light on his drawing.