The Colored Pencil Course: Transferring Images
Lesson Description
Lesson Eight of The Colored Pencil Course focuses on the important skill of transferring a reference photo or preliminary sketch onto a drawing support. Accurate placement of elements is essential for realistic colored pencil work, and this lesson teaches two reliable methods for achieving precision: the grid method and graphite transfer. By mastering these techniques, students can ensure that proportions, angles, and details are faithfully represented, providing a strong foundation for successful and accurate colored pencil drawings.
The Importance of Accuracy in Colored Pencil Drawing
Matt begins the lesson by emphasizing why accuracy is crucial in colored pencil work. Unlike quick sketches, colored pencil drawings involve many layers and careful blending, making it more difficult to correct mistakes later. Accurate placement of the main elements saves time, reduces frustration, and ensures that the final composition maintains correct proportions and perspective. Whether drawing a still life, portrait, or any detailed subject, transferring an image accurately can significantly improve the overall quality and realism of the finished piece.
The Grid Method
The first method introduced is the grid method, a classic and reliable technique for transferring images. Matt explains how to overlay a grid of evenly spaced squares on the reference photo or drawing and a corresponding grid on the drawing paper. Each square acts as a guide for the portion of the image contained within it, allowing students to replicate shapes and lines with precision. Matt demonstrates how breaking down complex forms into smaller, manageable sections makes it easier to capture correct proportions, even for challenging subjects. The grid method encourages careful observation and builds confidence in translating an image accurately onto the support.
Graphite Transfer Method
The second technique covered in this lesson is graphite transfer, which involves tracing an image onto a support using graphite as a medium for transfer. Matt shows students how to coat the back of a reference photo or drawing with graphite, then place it on the drawing paper and trace over the main lines and shapes. This process leaves a faint graphite outline on the paper that can be refined and completed with colored pencils. The graphite transfer method is especially useful for capturing intricate details and achieving precise positioning without the need for a grid, offering an efficient alternative for many types of subjects.
Step-by-Step Demonstration
Matt provides a detailed demonstration of both methods in action. Using a simple reference image, he shows how to apply a grid, map the key elements, and replicate the shapes square by square. He also demonstrates graphite transfer, highlighting techniques for maintaining clean outlines and avoiding smudging. Students see how either method can be adapted depending on the complexity of the subject and their personal preference. Matt stresses that both approaches require patience and careful observation to ensure accuracy, reinforcing the importance of taking time during this initial stage of a drawing.
Practical Applications
Students are encouraged to experiment with both the grid and graphite transfer methods on their own reference images. By practicing these techniques, they gain confidence in starting new drawings with precision and control. Matt explains that using these transfer methods does not diminish creativity but rather supports it, as the accurate foundation allows more time and energy to focus on color, layering, and refining the final artwork. The lesson emphasizes that mastering these techniques is a key step toward achieving professional-level results in colored pencil drawing.
By the end of Lesson Eight, students understand the value of accurate image transfer in colored pencil work and are equipped with two reliable methods: the grid method and graphite transfer. Both techniques help maintain correct proportions, preserve important details, and provide a strong foundation for subsequent layering and coloring. With these skills, students can approach complex subjects with confidence, ensuring their drawings are not only visually appealing but also technically precise. This lesson sets the stage for more advanced projects where accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
Lesson Materials
Bristol paper, graphite or transfer paper, hard lead pencil (2H), HB pencil, masking or painter's tape, ruler, photo reference.
Lesson Resources
Download eBook
Reference Image
Course Curriculum
Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.
I tend to use the grid technique for drawings and one of the things I did was print out a 8×10 grid on a laser printer and darkened the lines. This will show through, faintly, with many drawing papers and allows you to use the grid without drawing it on your project. Similarly, since I’m an avid photographer, I often grid my references in Photoshop and then use my iPad to display my reference photo.
Thought it might help some. 🙂
Great idea
matt,
i don’t understand…
1.what is the “download page” for?
2.it’s the same material as on the main page/video…right?
thanks,raquel
Hi Raquel,
The download page is to download the video file to your computer. The video is included on this page as well.
matt,
1.have you used “Isometric Paper”-alvin ? (for drawing 3-dimensional objects,etc)
2.do you know what iam talking about,i found it at local art store..
3.i also bought the canson graph & layout pad…..i do not know how to use either this or isometric….is there a
that someday you could do a “live video” on just the “how-dos” for these 2 resources & the use of “View-Catcher”-the
color-wheel company ?? (the view finder with enlarging size adjustments}
4.i have not been able to find saral transfer paper or the pencil eraser with little-brush on it…please advise.
5.i know of artist who use the “projector” to enlarge…what is your opinion on this….is it easier than graph/gird ?
does it all depend on how sm/lg the work…? the masters didn’t use any of this….what is your opinion ?
i hope iam not alone in these mathmatically issues in drawing/painting…i want to be confident/independant & avoid
needless frustration/discouragement….
thanks a whole lot,
raquel
Matt, how do I get an image onto photoshop in order to do things to it, and make a grid? Also, can I enlarge a photo in photoshop?
Also, where do I see your answer?
Hi Marjorie,
You may check out this lesson on creating a grid with Photoshop…https://thevirtualinstructor.com/members/basic-photoshop-for-artists-creating-a-grid/
You can certainly enlarge a photo in Photoshop. The only issue will be that the pixels will be visible and your enlarged image will show this.
p.s.
6.have you ever done an indepth “live-episode” (thur) on the subject of enlarging/graph,etc….would you
strongly consider !!
thanks again,
raquel
Matt, what are your thoughts on transferring using the
LUCIDA camera. I have been playing with it for drawing subject.
Hi Norma,
I’ve never used one before, so it’s hard to make a judgment on its use. It sounds as though the effect is similar to a camera obscura which some speculate was used by artists such as Johannes Vermeer, Leonardo da Vinci, and others.
Hi Matt. For this module. Would like to ask whether you are using Bristol Paper Vellum or smooth? Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Debbie,
It’s the vellum surface.
Matt, I am a newbie on your site. I am having a problem with the videos pausing for long periods and the audio skipping occasionally too. I have a Mac..is there a way to stop this from happening?
Thanks. I am enjoying what I am able to see but frustrated with all the pauses.
Patricia
I have found when I transfer drawings for colored pencil with graphite paper it leaves the pencil lines which show through the colored pencil. I use a light table to transfer my drawing or photo. I place my paper over the drawing ( use dark lines for the drawing so it will show through the thick paper). I trace the lines with the colored pencil lightly, it then will work into the finished drawing with no pencil showing through.
I use to think grids and tracing images was cheating. Now, I’m realizing it’s a helpful tool. It helps me to focus on proportions and spatial relationships. Also, outlines are just that, it takes values to make a work of art come to life.
Hi Matt.
My name is Steven. I’m 13 years old and just wondering,
you kinda did a complex picture for this colored pencil demonstration.
Should I start with a simple picture?
Thanks