To explain ideas in pictures we just need to be able to draw images that represent physical things and abstract concepts. In order to do this we need to write or draw the following:
It is a myth that in order to recognise a picture all the details need to be present, in fact the reverse is often true. Paradoxically, often less is more. You would be amazed at how little you need to draw in order to create a recognisable image. This is because of the brain’s astonishing ability to make meaning. In terms of perception the brain is very good at interpreting very limited visual information and making sense of it. This is why just a few lines will do the trick.
Therefore there is a huge benefit in economy of line when drawing. The fewer lines you have, the easier it is for you to draw. It is actually quite possible to draw recognisable pictures with just a few strokes. This means that, even with no previous experience, you can soon be drawing great pictures. When you find a sketch easy to do, you can quickly make it automatic by repeating it just a few times.
So let’s get drawing
This is a practical section in which we look at how to build up your ability to draw and think in pictures.
We sketched our character Spike earlier on and you may well remember the sequence in which we drew him. In this case we are going to use him as an example of how easy it is to draw a range of different expressions conveying different emotions.
First have a go at drawing Spike again and see if you can remember the sequence of lines.
Draw Spike several times to get the learning into the muscle.
You might notice the lines do not always turn out exactly the same and that is just fine. We are not aiming for perfection, we are simply trying to sketch an image that is good enough to convey an idea. It is natural not to get everything exactly perfect to start with and, with practice, you will become more consistent.
You have already learnt how to draw thousands of characters
Yes, you might want to read that again because actually…
The secret is in the sequence
Whilst you may think that you have learned to draw just Spike, the fact is that you have learnt a strategy that will enable you to draw endless different characters with all kinds of expressions and emotions.
It really is that simple
The same sequence you learned for drawing Spike can be used to draw lots of other expressions and also different characters.
Stick to the sequence – but just make slight variations to your lines
All you need to do is use the same sequence but then make variations to your lines, for example a downward line for the mouth would make him look unhappy. Drawing different hair would create a different character altogether.
First we will give Spike some different expressions.
Use the same sequence of lines again but this time notice that we are changing the expression.
Just draw a downward mouth to make Spike look unhappy.
Just a circle shaded in for the mouth for a shocked expression.
Just a dot for the mouth makes him look puzzled.
The same sequence can be used to create lots of other characters with different emotions. We will draw some examples later.
Now let us see how easy it is to draw action.
Here we look at drawing stick figures. When we want to draw people, stick figures work just as well as trying to draw more complex full figures. Remember that when we are drawing for communicating it is not about the finished result. Rather it is about drawing pictures that can be recognised and easily recalled. The brain will find it just as easy to remember a stick figure as it will a much more realistic representation of a person. Furthermore, stick figures are an excellent way to show action and any sort of movement.
Just draw the figures below and create some variations of your own.
We will now learn how to draw simple pictures that are good enough to convey the idea we want to get across to others. Remember this is not about being able to do fantastic drawings. We just need to be able to draw images that will help us to explain ideas.
You can create thousands of pictures from basic shapes
In this exercise you will get used to building up pictures.
All you have to do is look at the shapes below and draw them on your piece of paper. Then what I would like you to do is to look at each shape in turn and think about what it could be. By adding more lines or shapes, you can turn it into something that we would recognise. I have drawn examples below. Have a go at those and see if you can draw something different.
These simple shapes can be transformed.
How did you get on? Inevitably some drawings will be better than others. The key thing is to be able to make recognisable pictures.
To draw something – just think of the first shape you need
Some pictures are composed of a number of simple shapes put together. When we think of drawing in this way it makes it much easier to attempt to draw a picture that previously we may not have tried.
In this exercise we learn how easy it is to draw a range of different characters and thereby immediately expand your drawing repertoire.
Notice how we can build up the drawing with lines in the same sequence as when we drew Spike. Then we just begin to create some variations to make totally new characters.
Drawing from the front is really simple. In fact pictures such as these are often good enough to use rather than adding other features such as hair and clothes.
The pictures below are quick and easy to draw so really useful to have up your sleeve when using pictures to communicate ideas.
It is not all about pictures. By using simple lines and shapes we can communicate ideas really well. All you need is to be able to draw a range such as those below. You can create all kinds of models and diagrams with your lines and shapes. You can combine them with the pictures and symbols to get your ideas across in imaginative and engaging ways. They can just be drawn freehand and fairly quickly.
See below how easy it is to combine our basic shapes and lines to create pictures to express ideas. Even a quickly drawn sketch can convey lots of useful information in an easy-to-understand way.
People can literally see what you mean with a quick sketch
Teams can sketch ideas together to express their thoughts
Even doodling when you have an idle few minutes can help to build up your drawing ability. You will be amazed how quickly many of the drawings become automatic for you. It only takes several practices for you to get the skills into the ‘muscle’.
To reinforce and develop your drawing skills, have a go at the following. See if you are able to do each one without looking at previous pictures. If you do need help, though, you can always check back – that is what the pictures are there for.