Mikhail Biryukov

Sketches by Christopher Robinson.

There are preliminary decisions you must make before you even begin sketching. The sketch is essentially an abstract representation of the subject, and so there are usually several ways to depict the subject (for example, a tree can be a shape or a line, depending on how much detail you wish to add to the tree later).

In all choices regarding how to sketch there is really just one cardinal rule: KEEP IT SIMPLE. No matter what your level of skill is, the sketch must not be an overly complex work. It in itself is not a complete work. It is merely the ‘key points’ of a work yet to be completed.

What are these key points? There is no right answer. What makes us artists is that they can differ from person to person. These key points are those parts of your subject you find special and beautiful. They are those parts that made you want to draw the subject in the first place.
For instance, if you spot a tree, and you want to capture the tree at that given moment, the choices you make about just what to jot down are the ‘key points’. You look at the tree and decide what makes it special to you. You keep the sketch simple and draw only those parts of it that you find captivating. Then you can add the details later if you want. The important bits are stored in the sketch for you, frozen in time until you finish the piece.

Create a relationship with your subject. Create a plan on how you will approach your drawing.

How will the subject you are sketching be placed on the composition? Emphasize on the important aspects of the sketch. Think in shapes, lines, and form. Once again, only emphasize on details if necessary.

Always look at the sun or the light that is shinning on your subject. What direction is the light hitting the subject you are drawing. I like to draw a picture of a little sun with an arrow pointing in the direction it is shinning next to my sketch. I also write the time of day next to it.

Keep it simple, Use 3 to 5 tones in your sketch with your pencil while sketching your subject.
Find the lightest light and darkest dark of the subject you are viewing.
Your strongest tonal contrast (lightest light or darkest dark) should appear at the center of interest.

A great sketch will look best if the center of interest (the most interesting part of the picture) is not directly in the center of the composition, but a bit to the left or right of the center of the composition you are working on.