CombiningFormsIntroductionRegardless of how complicated objects seem, you can reduce them to acombination of the four basic forms. Train yourself to see all objects in theirbasic forms. Practice combining basic forms to create complex objects.CombiningformsBasic forms combine to create complex objects. For example, a close look ata foot reveals a series of cylinders (toes), a wedge or modified cube(forefoot), and a sphere (heel). By drawing basic forms proportionally, youcan draw a human foot.Figure 3-18 shows a foot reduced to basic forms.Figure 3-18.—A human foot reduced to basicforms.ThumbnailsBefore drawing, imagine the best descriptive view for your illustration.Draw several small sketches or thumbnails to determine the best view. Drawgeneral shapes or masses without details. Establish correct proportions forlarger objects first, then proportion smaller objects. When you have a veryrough outline of the best possible view, you are ready to enlarge the sketchand begin drawing.Enlarging theOnce you select the best view of the object, transfer the mass and proportionssketchto paper for the finished drawing. Indicate areas of mass without detail.Make sure proportions are correct. Keep the drawing clean and free ofunnecessary lines.Continued on next page3-16
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