Drafting desk (or drafting table): An

adjustable worktable with a slanted top.

Drawing board: An unbendable, portable,
smooth surface used to support an artists
sketchbook or drawing paper.
ArtSpeak
ISBN 978-0-9878229-8-7
Copyright 2011 Drawspace Publishing and Brenda Hoddinott. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transferred, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
electronic, digital, mechanical, recording, photographing, photocopying, or otherwise, without the purchase of a licence from drawspace.com or the prior written consent of Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace Publishing.
Finding a suitable studio space in which to
create your art means learning a little about
drawing surfaces and lighting. Your special
place should be as relaxing, peaceful, and
free of distractions as possible.
Choosing a Comfortable
Chair and Drawing Surface
First of all, nd a comfortable chair and a
sloped surface on which to draw (Figure 1).
An adjustable sloped table or drafting desk
is a fantastic choice. Another option is to
prop up a drawing board (Figure 2 on Page
2) at an angle on a regular desk or table.
Inexpensive drawing boards in various
sizes can be found at almost any art store.
Art supply stores also carry large clips and
special tapes for afxing paper to a drawing
board. Masking tapes designed for painting
also work fairly well.
Setting up a
Creative Space
A few ideas and tips for putting together an
at-home art studio
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 7.3
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 68.6
Drawspace Curriculum 1.1.R10 3 Pages and 5 Illustrations
Figure 1
2
Drawspace Curriculum 1.1.R10
In Figure 3, a cartoon artist is
sketching on paper that is attached
to a homemade drawing board with
a clip. Take note that the artist has
propped up the drawing board at
an angle (rather than horizontal or
vertical).
The cartoon artist is using a binder
clip. Another type of clip used
by artists is called a bulldog clip
(Figure 4).
Tip!
Experiment with your tape on a small piece of
drawing paper to nd out if it can be safely removed.
For example, masking tape is not a good choice for
thin paper (it may rip the paper). Also, dont leave
any type of tape on your drawing paper for more
than a few hours. Tape sometimes bonds with even
high-quality paper and can tear off its surface when
removed.
Figure 4
Figure 2
ISBN 978-0-9878229-8-7
Copyright 2011 Drawspace Publishing and Brenda Hoddinott. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transferred, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
electronic, digital, mechanical, recording, photographing, photocopying, or otherwise, without the purchase of a licence from drawspace.com or the prior written consent of Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace Publishing.
A drawing board is easy to make (if youre handy
with a saw). Simply cut a piece of thin plywood,
Plexiglas, or other sturdy product to a size slightly
larger than your favorite drawing paper. All surfaces
and edges need to be sanded until they are very
smooth. If you wish, you can paint your drawing
board. A medium shade of gray is the best choice
because it offsets white drawing paper without
creating a visual distraction as you draw.
As an Aside
Figure 3
Drawspace Curriculum 1.1.R10
Figure 5
3
ISBN 978-0-9878229-8-7
Copyright 2011 Drawspace Publishing and Brenda Hoddinott. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transferred, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
electronic, digital, mechanical, recording, photographing, photocopying, or otherwise, without the purchase of a licence from drawspace.com or the prior written consent of Brenda Hoddinott and Drawspace Publishing.
Dont create large drawings on
a level surface (such as a table,
counter, or the oor). When you
draw on a level surface, the top
of your paper is farther away
from you than the bottom. As a
result, you can end up with all
sorts of problems trying to draw
accurate proportions.
If you are drawing a gure,
for example, the head may
end up too big for the body.
Unfortunately, you usually nd
this out the hard wayafter
your drawing is complete.
A sloped desk or drawing board
can help keep your proportions
in check.
Caution!
Choosing the Right Light for Drawing
Good lighting is important. Having the right light will prevent your eyes from becoming tired
or strained. A natural light source from a window is the best choice in the daytime, but keep
a good lamp handy for evenings and overcast days. (Arent you glad you dont have to
draw by candlelight like the great masters of the Renaissance?)
A exible-neck study lamp is designed to focus light directly on your drawing surface.
Choose an energy-efcient light bulb, such as an LED (which closely mimics natural
daylight).
In Figure 5, a cartoon artist uses a exible-neck lamp attached to his drafting desk to shed
light on his drawing.