Silhouette Studies or Negative Space Drawing - Sketchbook Inspiration

Monthly Sketchbook Inspiration

This month there are 2 takes on the same idea!

Silhouette Studies

Draw simple, bold silhouettes of various subjects like people, animals, or objects, focusing on capturing the essence of the form without any internal details.

Negative Space Drawing

Instead of focusing on the object itself, draw the negative space around it. This can help you see shapes more accurately and improve your overall composition.

Skill Development: Improves understanding of shape, negative space, and visual clarity.

Time: 20-30 minutes for a series of silhouettes.

Below are a selection of sketches that show different approaches to this idea; line drawing, shadows, tones, cut and collaged shapes and working in pencil with continuous lines.

4 sketchbook images in black and white

4 thumbnail sketches in collage and coloured pencil

sketchbook open on a desk with a magazine

4 pencil continuous line drawings

painting, abstract, showing light, mid and dark tones painted in blac and white

4 small coloured abstract collages

Take a look at this book for more inspiration: Notan by Dorr Bothwell and Marlys Mayfield

Not sure where to start?

Why not try this free video tutorial - Pastel Negative

Click to view the lesson

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“Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who can’t attain it in anything.” 

~Eugene Delacroix

You are welcome to share what you have been inspired to create on the Student Chatroom. "I love to see your work and I know it encourages others." Tricia

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