I have never really used the Grid method for drawing and the reason why is way different, then you may think.
So is drawing using a Grid cheating? No, it is not. Nothing in art is really cheating, there are just tools you are free to use. But it is also not good to rely on drawing with the grid method because you are relying on the grid instead of your eyes. So when you are trying to draw from your Imagination and you are used to the grid method, then you will have a hard time.
Why the grid method is not good for practicing drawing.
When you want to practice drawing then the grid method is actually really bad for you. Drawing with this method won´t really help you improve. The reason being is because while you are drawing with the grid method you are focused on the grid and not on the subject itself.
This means you will never quite understand how this subject is positioned in a three-dimensional space. But understanding exactly that is crucial to improve. Because if you learn how perspective works and how lights and shadows behave instead of just copying it with the help of a grid, then you will be able to draw it from your imagination eventually with enough practice.
Using a Grid will only lead to an exact copy of the thing you want to draw. It is very similar to tracing in a way. So you will end up with an accurate drawing that will look good but that is really all that you will end up with. You won´t learn anything by using the grid method.
Also, the grid method will fail you once the forms of the drawing get more integrate and complex. When you try to draw a rose with this method, for example, you will struggle to get all the fine detail in the middle of the rose right.
What kinds of methods are good when practicing?
There are a ton of methods out there for learning how to draw a specific subject or object. Generally, every method, that lets you deconstruct the object, that you want to draw, are good for practicing. Mainly because you have to understand the object in order to deconstruct it properly.
The best-known method is probably the geometric forms method. Where you deconstruct an object to its most basic geometric forms. And then you add more and more integrity and smaller forms until the object is build up.
This specific method will help you understand the object and the three-dimensional plane it’s on. And eventually, you will be able to construct any form you want from your imagination. With enough exercising that is.
For drawing the human figure there are a lot of methods as well. One would be the Lumes method. For example, the famous Lumes head shows how you can deconstruct a human head with simple geometric forms accurately. And then based on these forms you can add details to draw the human head from any angle and from your imagination. Something you won´t be able to do with the Grid method.
When should I use the Grid method?
That being said there are instances where you can use the Grid method and it is actually useful.
For example, if you have to draw an extremely accurate copy of an object or subject. The Grid method is insanely good at copying exactly the thing you want. But it is harder to do from life so you will mostly use it from pictures.
But at the same time, all you are doing is making an exact copy of the picture. So you could easily just use a copy machine instead. Way faster and the same result. And if you want to add something to the painting, then just copy the picture and add whatever you want to add to the picture with whiteout and pen. Or use photoshop right away.
Should I use a perspective Grid?
Yes, you should. A Perspective Grid is way different than the Grid Method. A Perspective Grid is basically a guideline to help you follow the perspective lines. This will help you in creating the illusion of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface.
You aren´t copying anything line by line like with the grid method but you are establishing the planes and perspective of your drawing.
Pros use perspective grids often, especially when they are drawing objects, that have to be accurately placed in perspective in order to look believable. For example when drawing Citys, cars, or other objects that have little organic shapes.
Why most Professionals don´t use the Grid Method
The biggest reason why most Professionals don´t use the Grid method is because you just create a copy of the object and with this, the image will most of the time just look stiff and dead. It won´t have any of the artists “Soul” in it. I know it sounds weird but I will explain what I mean a bit more detailed.
By not using the Grid method and just constructing the object or subject the artist will put his own thumbprint on the painting. If he or she wants it or not.
Every artist will deconstruct an object slightly different and will create the Illusion of a three-dimensional object slightly different. And so when you let a thousand artists draw the same object the object will largely look the same but it will have little differences that will distinct every single drawing from one another.
And so you will develop your own style over time subconsciously. And that won´t happen if you just copy the object with the Grid method. That only happens if you really pay attention to the object and if you really understand the object. And so the paintings will start to look alive.
Hi, I am a passionate maker and professional prop maker for the entertainment industry. I use my woodworking, programming, electronics, and illustration know-how to create interactive props and puzzles for Escape Games and marketing agencies. And I share my knowledge and my experience on this blog with you so that you can become a maker yourself.
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Well I think that if you take a picture and then copy it using the grid drawing it still has a piece of the artist in it. But other than that 5 stars.
You are absolutely right. But if you want to properly learn how to draw and paint from your imagination then using the grid method might do more harm than good.
Hi Pamela,
I think you misunderstand my take on using a grid when drawing. I am totally with your here. You can use a Grid and it has ben used since the renaisance by famous artists. I just think that a lot of beginners tend to rely too much on using grids, and I am not talking about perspective grids here, which will eventually make it hard for them to learn how to draw from their imagination or even how to sketch a quick idea. This is why I always recommend drawing something without grids so that you never get too reliant on that. It is much more effective to learn how to render light, how perspective works, and to learn the human anatomy. Learning all that will improve your drawing abilities so much more than using grids (Again, not talking about perspective grids. Those are fine).
Hello Valentin, I appreciate your insight into the different drawing techniques and your reasons for staying away from the grid technique. I am a portrait artist, one of those who whole heartedly believes the use of grids, projectors, and tracing is just a big cheat. I absolutely despise using any of those assists because I do expect myself to be able to render with accuracy. From start to finish, I work with, I fight with, and make up with my art. That is what people pay for, a piece of my brain poured out onto a piece of paper. Using those techniques takes out half the work that I consider to be integral to the making of great art. As a child, others regarded me as “the artist” not because I was good at tracing, or gridding, or using projectors but because I could DRAW very well. Today as an adult, when a child stops by my booth and says, “woah, you drew all of this?!” I can look him or her in the eyes and say, “yes, I did.” 😉
Hi Melissa,
thank you for your insight. It’s much appreciated!