Pencil
NADAV YACOBI, also known as SpectreIV, shares how to use and experiment with automatic drawing to develop an image
For me, experimenting with automatic drawing exercises started my long journey with the artwork that I create today. From 10-minute warm-ups doodling in my sketchbook, it quickly turned into my main artistic practice.
But what if I decide to stick with these doodles for an hour or more, and continue to develop them? This is how I approach my projects, big and small. It makes the process fun and fresh in every step, until there’s nothing more to add and the flow becomes gradually slower as I work on the fine details.
Drawing is fun and relaxing for me, and by doing that I learned to enjoy the process, the speed, and the rhythm. I care about finishing a drawing just to see which story and journey I’ll make next, and in this article, I’ll share my process.
My intention for this drawing is to have an image of a character with a face. I have a target in my mind when creating the first marks, as it helps to move in a character direction when starting with free, abstract shapes.
The tools are also a big part of my artistic process and a journey in their own right. I encourage everyone to test out different papers and pencils, because in traditional art the feeling of the tools might make a change in your process. From soft to hard materials, or textured or smooth paper, they can impact your working style. I like drawing paper as it has some tooth. That way the graphite can build up and create darker tones. It also has a slight texture that looks pleasing, and can help you out a little with the rendering.
1 First marks on paper
The key point here is to draw freely and have fun! Start by laying down initial marks and creating abstract shapes, thinking of them as marks rather than lines. This can also be a warm-up in a sketchbook before bigger works, as it’s calming and meditative.
2 Explore your marks and shapes
Slowly build more marks on your paper while still exploring. Some marks will be more intentional, while some will be more for composition and layout. You may find a raw feeling and story in your work, which could be left as it is.
3 Create and refine specific shapes for focal points
As denser areas build up, try to find a recognisable shape to lean on. Gradually these shapes will become clearer and turned into a focal point. This is the
