Essay, college assignment.

1. NAME: KIMBERLEY EE SZE ANN
ID: 0315319
MODULE: ENGLISH 1 (ENGL0105)
SESSION: APRIL, 2013

2. Steps involved
in producing
an attractive
sketch
Identify
materials
sketchpad
size based on
suitability (A4 or A3)
medium
pencils
easy to erase
many different
grades
ink
cannot be
erased
charcoal messy
Choose a
subject
something you
have a personal
attachment to
motivated to
produce an
attractive
sketch
something
simple
no need to be
over ambitious
Sketch
do not be
intimidated
by a blank
sheet of paper
loosen up and
be inspired
use your eyes
make an
acurrate
sketch
do not be
discouraged
keep sketching
Steps to produce an attractive sketch

3. Steps to Produce an Attractive Sketch
Sketches are often used in many forms of idea expression. However, in relation to art, a sketch usually refers to a quick drawing of
something we observe in our surroundings. Although simple, a sketch is able to capture the essentials of a subject without appearing labored
or overworked [1]. Moreover, sketches are easy to produce; the steps required to produce an attractive sketch are simply identifying the
required materials, choosing a subject, and sketching.
Firstly, to produce an attractive sketch it is appropriate to identify the required materials. These may vary, depending on convenience and
suitability. For example, if you want to produce a sketch while on the move it is probably better to purchase a smaller sketchpad around A4
size instead of A3. There was once I tried sketching at a train station but because I was using a large sketchpad I kept attracting unwanted
attention and was unable to sketch at all. As for the medium, pencils are often used in sketching. However, you can use ink or charcoal as
well [1]. I myself prefer to use pencil for my sketches as it is easy to erase any mistakes and also less messy than charcoal. Also, with
pencils, it is easy to add varying tones to sketches as they come in many different grades, ranging from 9H to 9B [2]. Before you begin
sketching, it is probably a good idea to play around with different materials before settling on one that you have a preference for.

4. Moving on, the second step in producing an attractive sketch is to choose a subject. This can be easy but also difficult at the same time. The
reason being, there is simply so much around us, your subject could be anything. It could be the mug sitting beside you on your coffee table
or even the view of the scenery from your balcony. However, if you have problems choosing a subject it is probably a good idea to try
sketching something you have a personal attachment to [5]. I often find that when I’m sketching something I love, such as my pet dog, I have
greater motive to produce an attractive sketch. Also, another good piece of advice is not to be over ambitious. If you have problems sketching
a moving subject, then still life is a better choice [5]. Choose something simple, such as a vase or a pebble [5]. Make sure to observe your
subject from different angles and viewpoints, this will help you to better understand your subject and also enable you to add perspective to
your sketch
Lastly, the most important step is to begin sketching. For this final step, it is important not to allow yourself to be intimidated by the blank
sheet of paper staring up at you. Loosen up and allow yourself to be inspired by your surroundings. When focusing on a subject make sure to
use your eyes [4], be sure that what you are drawing is what you actually see and not what you presume is correct. To produce an accurate
sketch you have to really observe what you are attempting to draw. Sometimes, when I am sketching, I tend to allow my mind to take over
from my eyes and in the end, when I look back at my sketch; it appears nothing like the real thing. Still, I think the most important thing to
remember when you are sketching is not to be discouraged by the end result. Remember, a poor drawing is not and should not be the last.
Vincent Van Gogh once said,‘In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great
discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing [6].’

5. To me sketching is a simple yet effective way of self-expression, it is a personal way of capturing images, as in sketches we are truly viewing
the world through the artist’s eye. Furthermore, sketching is also an invaluable tool that helps to develop a person’s observational skills and
sometimes even relieve stress. Therefore, it is in my opinion that everyone should try their hand at sketching as it only requires three simple
steps to produce an attractive sketch that is, identifying the required materials, choosing a subject, and sketching.

6. References
1. Glossary, H. (n.d.). Sketch - What Is A Sketch?. [online] Retrieved from: http://drawsketch.about.com/od/drawingglossary/g/sketch.htm
[Accessed: 27 May 2013].
2. Pencils.com (2013). Graphite Grading Scales Explained - Pencils.com. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.pencils.com/blog/hb-
graphite-grading-scale/ [Accessed: 27 May 2013].
3. Drawinghowtodraw.com (n.d.). How to Choose Subject Matters to Draw : Finding Inspiration for Your Drawings, Illustrations, Cartoons,
Paintings. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.drawinghowtodraw.com/drawing-lessons/art-design-principles/choose-what-subjects-to-
draw.html [Accessed: 30 May 2013].
4. Drawsketch.about.com (n.d.). Learn to Draw at Drawing - Sketching. [online] Retrieved from:
http://drawsketch.about.com/library/blintro2.htm [Accessed: 30 May 2013].
5. wikiHow (n.d.). How to Become a Better Artist. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Better-Artist [Accessed: 30
May 2013].
6. BrainyQuote (n.d.). Drawing Quotes at BrainyQuote. [online] Retrieved from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/drawing.html [Accessed: 30 May 2013].