Freehand SketchingFreehand SketchingFor Architects

1

Freehand SketchingFreehand SketchingFreehand sketching is a method of

making a drawing without the use of instruments.◦Most designers use sketches to“think

through”an idea before making the final drawing.

◦Freehand sketching requires only a pencil and plain or grid paper.

Freehand SketchingFreehand Sketching

Cross-section paper may be used for freehand sketching.

Sketching TechniqueSketching Technique

When sketching, hold the pencil with a grip firm enough to control the strokes.

Your arm and hand should have a free and easy movement.

As you sketch, rotate the pencil slightly between the strokes to retain the point longer.

Initial lines should be sharp and light.

Sketching TechniqueSketching Technique

Apply light pressure to avoid making grooves in the paper.

Keep your eye on the point where the line will end; use a series of short strokes to reach that point.

When all the lines are sketched, go back and darken the lines.

Strive for neatness and good technique.

Sketching TechniqueSketching Technique

• When sketching, grip your the pencil farther back than you normally would.

Sketching Horizontal LinesSketching Horizontal Lines

• There are four basic steps.

Sketching Vertical LinesSketching Vertical Lines

There are four basic steps.

Sketching Inclined LinesSketching Inclined LinesLocate the end points

of the line.Position arm for trial

movement.Sketch several short,

light lines.Focus on end point.Darken the line.

Sketching an AngleSketching an Angle

First, sketch a right angle (90°).

Subdivide the right angle to get the angle you desire.

Sketching Circles and ArcsSketching Circles and ArcsThere are several methods of sketching

circles and arcs:◦Centerline method.◦Enclosing square method.◦Hand-pivot method.◦Free-circle method.

All are sufficiently accurate, so use the best method for a particular situation.

Centerline MethodCenterline Method

Locate centerlines.Mark off radius.Position arm.Sketch the circle in short sweeps.Darken the circle.

Enclosing Square MethodEnclosing Square Method

Locate centerlines.Sketch a box equal to the diameter.Sketch arcs where the centerlines cross the

box line.Sketch the circle.

Hand-Pivot MethodHand-Pivot Method

First, position the pencil and small finger. Then, rotate the paper to sketch the circle.

Sketching EllipsesSketching Ellipses

The rectangular method for sketching ellipses is similar to the enclosing square method for circles.

Proportion in SketchingProportion in SketchingProportion is the size relationship of one

part to another or to the whole object.Keep the same width, height, and depth

in proportion.◦Unit method.◦Pencil-sight method.

Proportion in SketchingProportion in Sketching

Gauge proportions using the pencil-sight method.