TIP 74 To draw a bottle, start with the symmetry axis

Let’s draw a modern tea pot that actually looks like a bottle. From the side view, the body is symmetrical. The difficulty here is to draw the sides curves symmetrical. To do that. I recommend to start by drawing the symmetry axis first. 

This exercise could be a bit clumsy at start. If you are right handed, the left curve may end a bit flat. Vice versa if you are left handed. It’s simply because of our own restriction of body movement.

I love these korean pen – Monami

Usually I would say: turn the paper and you will draw much easier your curves. However here, if you turn your paper, your brain might be disconnected of the symmetry axis of reference. So, keep your paper and your symmetry axis vertical, and practice drawing both sides of the tea bottle curves. I bet that it will be a bit irritating at start, but your hand will learn new movements !

The trick is to anticipate each angle before tracing your curves. If your lines are not correct, redraw on top of it to readjust them. Remember to use the Ghost Drawing !

Note that for quick sketches, both curves don’t have to be 100% symmetrical. But you need to have fluid lines. Follow your feel to make nice curves. Your brain need to think: Sleek and pure. You’ll be surprised to see how your lines will be influenced by these kind of thinking. (especially for products made of glass, metal, porcelain…) By practicing you’ll get naturally more and more accurate. This trick works for a glass, a pen, a pipe, a flower pot, a hat… If you master this trick, you can already draw a lot of things already! (side view only)

If you want to practice your lines with some sketching exercices for beginners, I invite you to sign up and I will send you the Designer Starter Kit that you can see below.

See you for the next Tip of the day !