9 WEEK MINI COURSE
Learn Art Skills - Lesson 9

ADDING DETAIL TO YOUR ART
 

black white printable version

Art Knowledge: Working with Detail
Detail is found in nature and in the subject matter around us. In order to do a good job adding detail you will need to be patient and systematic. Detail is found there in the subject or selection and we have to observe and study critically with the eye to see what details exist. Beginning art students tend to notice detail first and are overwhelmed or discouraged.
Detail is not the most important thing in a picture but is an enhancement like whipped cream on a sundae. Detail improves drawings and paintings when done with control. Do not try to scribble to suggest detail because scribbling in most cases neither suggests or describes. Target key features to be included as detail within the primary areas. Visually suggest details. We can suggest the details and textures of things without including or adding all of it.
STYLIZATION, STYLIZING: These terms refer to turning natural detail into pattern. Stylizing can be done with drawing and painting as well as crafted items like pottery, weaving and metal work. Native art is full of stylization. PATTERN is decorative and makes something that is plain more eye-appealing or fancy.
PATTERN; Pattern is a system of decoration using repeating shapes or strokes. Pattern involves grouping, or alternating pattern forms in some systematic order like OXXO OXXO, <O><O><O><O>, <<|||>><<|||>><<|||>> <<|||>><<|||>><<|||>>. See link to pattern on the art web sites at www.friendlyarts.net/Asdo or www.friendlyarts.net/Wheaton

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Add detail to a picture’s basic structure: Here are some outline guide pictures I have supplied for you. These give the selection’s primary break-up. (This is the essential division of the picture into spatial areas.) Detail can be done with pencil strokes, single colored marker, multi colors of marker, colored pen, etc.

   

One great method is to use the metallic gel pens on a dark- toned sheet of paper. (Poster/Construction paper)
The images selected here lend themselves well to adding detail. There are some realistic guide pictures to suggest the kinds of details you can add.
Working with detail requires making a lot of strokes (dozens, hundreds) one stroke at a time. So be patient and take your time.
         

Art Skills: Lesson 9
SKILLS RELATING TO DETAIL:
Detail requires observation skills we have to observe and study critically with the eye to see.
Detail can be added in a variety of ways. One is to use small shapes or marks in a single color. Another method is too use color variety to supply the detail elements.
3 beautiful pen drawings by Rembrandt. Rembrandt uses skillful strokes to bring out details like hair and shadowing. click to view larger images.

Below Vincent Van Gogh Drawing: Vincent uses descriptive strokes of the pen or pencil in his landscape drawings.

    

Below: Source picture with break up areas

    
The pictures below are imaginary and you can use your imagination in interpreting detail. Left: Showgirl with glittery costume, Middle: Mountain man in furs. Right: Tropical bird