The Power of Simple Lines
A complex object is just the result of combining many simple elements. With a few basic gestures, you can sketch an endless variety of things. During my recent sketching session at Starbucks, I realized that 80% of my drawings are built using only three types of lines:
- the straight line
- the C-curve
- the S-curve
Why These Three Lines: Straight, C, and S Curves?
These lines form the foundation of all my drawings.
For example, I sketched a sneaker using less than 20 lines!
The same method works great for drawing people, or any products of your choice creating simple yet dynamic shapes.
Practice Makes Perfect
The variations of C- and S-curves are endless. I’ll soon share tutorials to help you master these curves from different angles. The key is consistent practice until these movements become natural and instinctive.
Start Simple and Speed Up
Begin by drawing objects in side view to make it easier.
With practice, you’ll double your drawing speed and improve quality by focusing on fundamentals. Step-by-step practice is the way to gain confidence and ease in drawing.
Final Thought
Don’t be afraid to start with simple lines.
Drawing is about enthusiasm, steady progress, and enjoying the process.
Keep practicing these basics, and your sketches will transform before your eyes.
See you for the next TIP of the day!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
More Basic Sketching Tutorials
I want to be a fashion design
Chou-Tac,
This method has worked for me quite well when I teach drawing to 9+ year old students.
I have added a circle to this and call it CSIO technique.
It helps tremendously in children moving from drawing multiple short line segments, TO, fluid strokes while drawing.
Here, they can add details later, once they get the proportions right.
I am glad to learn that it’s practised and taught by you as well
I find all your stuff that you share. Please keep up the great stuff.
Hello Chetan,
I am glad we have common techniques to teach sketching.
I always been convinced that sketching can be taught to kids as well :)
Thank you for sharing your experience !
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
I want to be a fashion design