The document is a 628-word process essay by a student named Sonia Manxcia describing her process of sketching the Eiffel Tower. She began by researching famous buildings and choosing the Eiffel Tower. After clearing her work area, she laid out drawing tools and started with a rough sketch using a soft pencil. With grids, she corrected proportions and added structure with a harder pencil. Finally, she added details, shades, and landscape, smoothing shades with her finger for a softer look. The whole process took 3 hours.

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILD ENVIRONMENT
NAME: SONIA MANCXIA A/P BALAGURU
STUDENT ID NO: 0317751
WORD COUNT: 628
ENGLISH 1 (ELG 30505)
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1: PROCESS ESSAY
LECTURER: CASSANDRA WIJESURIA
SUBMISSION DATE: 2ND
MAY 2014

2. Early this week, I was given a task on sketching an attractive sketch. As an
architecture student, I did some research on buildings from different continents to pick
the best of the best. This might sound slightly cliché but what amazes an architect more
than buildings? After some time, I decided on the Eiffel Tower as I was highly impressed
by the structure and the beauty of it. It astonishes me how such beautiful structure can
blend in just so perfectly in a city like that. I have visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris a few
times, so I was thinking: Why not bring it back to my own sketchbook?
After the subject was chosen, I planned out my sketch carefully and
systematically. I wanted it to have the European feel in it. But first, I had to clear my
messy study table as there were other assignments going on. I laid out all my drawing
essentials for the sketch. These include drawing pencils of different grades, ranging
from 2B to 2H which provides diverse effects when sketching. A soft eraser is also
significant to prevent the paper from tearing when it is erased. Not to forget a brush to
clear the dust after erasing. I do not want my sketch to get all messy and dirty which will
be very distracting.
To get started, I did a rough sketch to get things in place. For this, I used a soft
lead pencil such as a 2B pencil. I ensured that my Eiffel Tower was aligned to the
horizon that I drew. It will look very awkward if it ended up looking like the leaning tower
of Pisa. I followed the picture closely to avoid any mistakes. I had to deal with some
frustration as the proportions went wrong. Then I thought of a brilliant idea which
worked out pretty well. That is, to use grids. With the help of grids, I repositioned the
Eiffel Tower and it turned out to be great. After a few amendments, it finally turned out
right. So, I proceeded to the structure or outline of it. A harder lead pencil is ideal for this

3. step. This is because this type of pencil keeps its sharp edge for a longer period and
produces very fine lines. It took me quite some time to make the sketch correct but I
finally got the hang of it.
After the whole outline was produced, the details were gradually added into the
building. This is when the tower comes to life. This process requires a lot of patience as
the details were rather tiny. I had to erase with care to prevent the pencil sketch from
smearing which will be very tragic if it really happens. After all the details were done, the
shades are added by using soft lead pencils to make it look 3-dimensional. Shades of
various intensities were used to present shadows. This process enhances the sketch to
look realistic and also artistic at the same time. As for the background of the sketch, I
have added some landscape. The trees were drawn in a rather casual manner so that
the subject will stand out. For the final touch, I used my finger to make the shades
smoother and more natural than before. By using this method, it gave a softer and
relaxed feel to the sketch.
The whole sketching process took me around 3 hours to complete. I must say
that it is not an easy task as it was my first attempt in drawing the Eiffel Tower.
Throughout this process, I’ve learnt that it is important to get the right tools for the right
purpose. With the right tools, the sketch was easier to complete. Despite of all the
obstacles and hard work, I finally achieved satisfaction.