Freehand Sketching For Architects 1

Freehand Sketching Freehand sketching is a method of making a drawing without the use of instruments. Most designers use sketches to“think through”an idea before making the final drawing. Freehand sketching requires only a pencil and plain or grid paper.

Freehand Sketching Cross-section paper may be used for freehand sketching.

Sketching Technique When sketching, hold the pencil with a grip firm enough to control the strokes. Your arm and hand should have a free and easy movement. As you sketch, rotate the pencil slightly between the strokes to retain the point longer. Initial lines should be sharp and light.

Sketching Technique Apply light pressure to avoid making grooves in the paper. Keep your eye on the point where the line will end; use a series of short strokes to reach that point. When all the lines are sketched, go back and darken the lines. Strive for neatness and good technique.

Sketching Technique When sketching, grip your the pencil farther back than you normally would.

Sketching Horizontal Lines There are four basic steps.

Sketching Vertical Lines There are four basic steps.

Sketching Inclined Lines Locate the end points of the line. Position arm for trial movement. Sketch several short, light lines. Focus on end point. Darken the line.

Sketching an Angle First, sketch a right angle (90°). Subdivide the right angle to get the angle you desire.

Sketching Circles and Arcs There are several methods of sketching circles and arcs: Centerline method. Enclosing square method. Hand-pivot method. Free-circle method. All are sufficiently accurate, so use the best method for a particular situation.

Centerline Method Locate centerlines. Mark off radius. Position arm. Sketch the circle in short sweeps. Darken the circle.

Enclosing Square Method Locate centerlines. Sketch a box equal to the diameter. Sketch arcs where the centerlines cross the box line. Sketch the circle.

Hand-Pivot Method First, position the pencil and small finger. Then, rotate the paper to sketch the circle.

Sketching Ellipses The rectangular method for sketching ellipses is similar to the enclosing square method for circles.

Proportion in Sketching Proportion is the size relationship of one part to another or to the whole object. Keep the same width, height, and depth in proportion. Unit method. Pencil-sight method.

Proportion in Sketching Gauge proportions using the pencil-sight method.