Drawing Boards
A drawing board is a flat and rigid board used to prevent distortion during the drawing process, used for any kind of drawing, writing or impromptu sketching on a large sheet of paper. A few extra pieces of paper on your drawing board under the top sheet will give a softer feel to the hand when drawing and help the drawing tool glide onto the paper.
What you will find on this page
What you will find on this page
Why Use It?
A Drawing board will keep you from introducing incorrect proportions, if you prop it up so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight. Drawing flat on a table while seated may work fine for a sketchbook or smaller drawings however as the size of your drawing increases you will inadvertently introduce incorrect proportions when drawing from life.
When using a drawing board your can prop up your drawing so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight. Using any other angle risks introducing incorrect proportions into your artwork.
The reason being is that the top of your drawing will be physically farther from your eyes. This skews the image and you will draw proportions larger towards the top of the paper (because they are farther away and look smaller).
When you draw on a soft or uneven surface you create groves or depressions in the paper, which will show up later as 'ghost lines' when adding shading or values later on. A drawing board will prevent this by providing a firm surface to keep the paper smooth while you work.
You can also use the drawing board to easily prop up your drawing so you can look at it from far away and get a fresh perspective on your work.
Preferred Brand
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Keep Proportions Correct! |
The reason being is that the top of your drawing will be physically farther from your eyes. This skews the image and you will draw proportions larger towards the top of the paper (because they are farther away and look smaller).
When you draw on a soft or uneven surface you create groves or depressions in the paper, which will show up later as 'ghost lines' when adding shading or values later on. A drawing board will prevent this by providing a firm surface to keep the paper smooth while you work.
You can also use the drawing board to easily prop up your drawing so you can look at it from far away and get a fresh perspective on your work.
How to Use It?
When sitting down at a table the board should be in your lap and propped up against the table. If using an easel the board should be placed on the easel and perpendicular to the ground or as close as possible. Drawing paper can be taped to the board with artist's tape or drafting tape so that it can be easily removed.
What Size?
Be sure to use a drawing board that is slightly larger than your paper. This will prevent you from drawing over the edges and crumbling the paper. You can also store your extra paper or drawings on the board and they will be nicely protected during transport.- Any commercial drawing board will do depending on the size
- OR a Masonite Panel, cut to size
- OR a Piece Foam Core, cut or purchase to size
Attaching Your Paper
If you drawing board is slightly larger than your paper you can use "bulldog" clips to attach the paper ot the board. If you board is significantly
Attach Paper to Board
Attach Paper to Board
- Bulldog Clips
- OR 1 roll of "Artist’s Tape"
- OR large rubber band
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