Click the flip book below to see all the stages of the artwork in full screen detail.
A sketchbook serves as a space for capturing ideas as they come, whether from observation or imagination. There’s something special about sketching people and scenes from everyday life while you’re out and about. Quick sketches tend to be a little rough around the edges—so how can you turn them into more refined drawings?
One of the simplest ways is by using thin layout paper to trace your sketch. This technique allows you to adjust and refine the composition while keeping the lively feel of the original sketch. Often, these quick sketches have more energy and character than a polished piece.
Using a light pad, you can then transfer this improved version from layout paper to your final drawing surface. While tracing might seem like cheating, it’s really a way to enhance your first inspiration. Many renowned artists have used sketches as a base for their finished works, tracing them onto walls, canvases, or paper.
The key is to maintain the spontaneity and looseness of the original sketch, even as you refine it.
