Here are a few random thoughts on drawing windows (it is not how to draw perfect perspective since this page contains a very bad example of perspective...unless I am drawing a very curiously angled window!?! )
I have been meaning to do this for a while- but seeing Kate Johnson's wonderful post on painting windows here has prompted me. On the top left corner is a very quick Australian version (double hung federation green window in a Sydney sandstone wall) and the doodles illustrate some things that I have been thinking about lately.
These are obviously drawn from an architectural point of view... I just couldn't help drawing a plan could I? One of my earliest memories of being a junior architect in the office was being told how to draw a window properly in elevation(front view) - draw the frame and then the sashes etc etc...and that certainly has helped me understand what I am looking at when I am am sketching on location.
To draw windows convincingly, one needs to consider the relationship between the window and the face of the wall - is it set back a long way (deep reveals) or is it flush or proud of the wall. Also where is the glass in relation to the frame? When you look a a wall from an angle do you see more of the window or more of the reveal?
What is the relationship between horizontal and vertical members.
Hope my scribbles make some sense....
This is terrific, Liz, thank you for posting! You mention things I hadn't thought of, that will really make windows look right.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I love your understanding of buildings. Roz
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. It makes a difference. Will be making my notes on this and adding it to my Notebook. I'm glad "Windows" were discussed in length. Are there other similar objects; like doors, or awnings, shutters, etc. (exterior or interior) that can be elaborated on for those of us that are beginners (like me). It's nice to know that there are people, such as yourself and Cathy, that are willing to help others. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Liz, your notes are very helpful. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz.
ReplyDeleteDuring our last USkPortugal meeting, in Campo de Ourique, a Lisboa neighbourhood, I kept a page of my sketchbook for drawing windows.
Sure it is a different approach. I was espwcialy looking for the variety of glass partitions (I don´t know how to name it in english).
http://bonecosdebolso1.blogspot.pt/2012/03/janelas-de-campo-dourique.html
Thanks Liz - great words. Windows are always overhelming. There are often so many of them in a building and also so much detail to get caught up with.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Liz. It is too easy to slip into cliche how to draw windows: just shadow and unfinished for the light part. I find it really attractive how you analyze it from Architectural point of view, illustrating that it is more to it. Makes you think how it looks on the other side, from inside.
ReplyDelete