Loomis Figure Drawing: What is Line?
According to Andrew Loomis, there are 10 common mistakes beginners make when drawing:
Pick out blacks and state them strongly for a base. Leave areas of white on the subject.
Do not surround light areas with heavy lines.
2. Lots of small fuzzy lines
Don’t pet lines, use confident long strokes.
Use sides of pencil for even tone and shading.
Learn the construction lines of the head and how they’re spaced.
Features should be placed accurately so the drawing is believable.
Areas that should be white and clean have smudges. These are rest areas for the eye and should in no way irritate.
Multiple mediums can look messy, stick to one medium for consistency. Pen or ink etc
If using tinted paper, work with a colour that is harmonious.
7. Avoid copying publicised photos
The lighting is already flood lit and directed. Use a lesser known image where more natural shadows and lights will cone into play. This helps learn the form better.
If doing a head drawing, plan attractive and and interesting shapes. Leave good, well balanced space around the form.
After establishing the darkest areas in black, add highlights in white. It takes practice to make execute this skill successfully.
Make sure the drawing has mood and emotion as well as the well drawn proportions and other fundamentals.