In this tutorial, you'll learn how to do a large 3D anamorphic drawing. The theme and message I want to express is "choose peace, not violence", so I decided to oppose a dove and a revolver as the main subject of the artwork. What we want is to have some sketches large enough to pose with them and become part of the whole composition.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll understand my work flow from the first studies through to the final work. I'm also going to teach you all kinds of graphic tricks to help you work faster and draw difficult shapes such as guns and hands.
1. Work on the Concept
The image used for this tutorial is part of my "
Pencil Vs Camera" series, a creative concept that is evolving constantly. It started in 2010 with minimalist sketches and photos. In 2011, I started making colored sketches on black paper and in 2013-2014 I decided to do the large drawings we're talking about now.
Step 1
Be
inspired and inspiring. Think of an idea or a strong message you really wish to express in the creation you're about to do. It's not the easiest part, but if you want your artwork to be seen as unique and attractive by others, you should really try to express something big. Personally, I think nice ideas come through living intense moments. But if you lack inspiration, you can
travel, go to exhibitions, watch films, read books, or try new things. Ideas will come to you eventually.
Step 2
Discover and save your
ideas. Wherever you go, take a notebook or a sketchbook with you. Each time you have an idea or feel inspired, put it down on paper. Whether in words or sketches, just keep some traces of your ideas. They might be useful later on. When you're back home, use your sketches and words to outline the message you're trying to convey. Do some quick studies to develop the direction you'll go with your idea. Also think about the creative tools and
materials you'll need, the amount of work it will require, and other logistics.
2. Use References When Needed
The composition we want to do has several elements that are not easy to draw, including the hand and the gun. Using your own knowledge may not be sufficient for a fully accurate representation of these objects. You might then consider using
references. It is better to use your own references to make sure the final work is 100% original. You'll then be able to build a completely new image that will help you do the giant sketch later.
Step 1
Gather all the images you need, either using your personal references (pictures of objects you have at home for instance), or creating images to use. I my case, I had made tons of gun sketches recently, seen in different perspectives from different angles. These were
personal studies, so I had a lot of material to work with.
Step 2
Drawing a gun from scratch can be difficult if you're not used to it. You must really think first about the angle you want the gun to be seen from, and do a quick sketch using basic geometric shapes such as simple cylinders, cubes, spheres and cuboids.
