Wink and Squint: Building Your Sketch Muscles

This workshop focuses on how to capture the scene in front of you in your sketchbook with less intimidation and less fear of making mistakes. First, we learn how to measure the relative proportions of an object—specifically, the relationship between height and width. Based on this ratio, we draw a rectangle, then place the object inside it so that it fits correctly. This is a fundamental process for drawing an object with accurate proportions. Next, we find the relative proportions of other objects in relation to this first rectangle, allowing the whole scene to come together naturally. We use highlighter pens and black pens. Instead of starting with detailed line drawings and coloring them later, we begin by drawing bold, simple blocks and then add details with a pen. This approach helps us avoid copying local colors and instead focus on capturing correct proportions, perspective, and a sense of space.