This is a multi step process.

First draw as best as you can a close rendering of an object such as a tool of some sort. I’ve taken pictures of various things, so you have an example but it’s your choice.

Material:

· Drawing paper,

· Pencil 2h, 2B, 4B, 6B ( Try Charcoal Vine too Compressed Charcoal Soft, Medium and Hard) You can also try colored pencil too. Although this may add more difficulty to the process.

· Erasers,

· Pencil Sharpener

· Blending Stump

· Paper Towel

· Chamois

The bigger the paper the more detail one can add. My first drawing I used a 18”X 24” Although I probably could have gotten away with a 16X20. Use what ever size you feel comfortable with. Try and capture any texture or any reflective properties that the tool may have. Use as much of the paper as you can.

Here is one that I did for my first drawing Click to view attachment You can use a ruler or calipers to make it as exact as possible, or just do it freehand. I did mine freehand to get better with my eye hand coordination. It’s up to you.

Now that you have an idea of all the shapes that were created, try now to make a small sketch of something different using the shapes that were discovered during the rendering. Make about 5 quick sketches. Spend about five minutes on these sketches. You just want to establish the idea. Does the object have some organic qualities? Just make it an abstract and connect the shapes to make something different. After drawing a few sketches, pick the one that seems to be the most interesting, and draw it with the same detail that you drew on your first drawing. Take your time, but only make a contour drawing of this image. Look at my example for the 2nd drawing. You can be as creative as you like. If the line is nearest the light source, make the line fine, if the line is hidden from the light make the line have more value or thicker to create dimension.

My example on 18X 24 Click to view attachment

Now make a different third drawing using shading to add value. Make five quick sketches of something interesting that would capture the uniqueness of the original drawing, but don't draw it exactly. Use parts of the tool, make them big, make them small, or Make the tool appear that it's inside its self. Exaggerate a piece of the tool Try and use all of the techniques that you have discovered during your development. Try and add dimension, by adding value/ shading to imaginary object. Add prospective. Draw lines or circles or similar shapes the blend into each other. Make it smaller on one end, and bigger on the other end; use as much of your drawing space as you can. Look at my example to see what I've done.

Here is my example. 16X20

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Tools to try with this Challenge
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These are just suggestions, You don't have to pick what I posted. It may be better to pick a tool that you can hold in your hand and really get the details that you are looking for. Pick something that you feel you would have fun with or it's just unique. Also pick something you feel you can draw.

Another spin, try and do this with an organic object; a leaf, a limb, a human figure, an animal.

If you have any comments or questions, please post.



Have fun!

Please share your completed work. I would like very much to see your ideas.

Excellent idea Gilbert. This will certainly stimulate the right side of the brain.
(although the left side of my brain forced me to read the instructions three times )

This was challenge I had to do when I was in my drawing class, and I've been toying with this idea for sometime now in presenting the idea to the drawing community. The only difference is that it was more focused on the tool aspect. I don't know if this was something that the teacher came up with, or if it's part of the core program back then.

I hope you enjoy the challenge. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Regards,
Gilbert

I think it could be made more challenging if the tool was drawn from life. I much prefer that my students don't get caught up in the trap of only working from photos. Yes, photos are useful, but drawing from a real object provides a whole new experience.

This sounds like tons of fun. I hope to find some time for it

I agree that drawing from real life is probably the way to go since one can touch it, feel it, and hold it up close. It offers one even greater choices; direction of light, perspective, and size. The photo can package everything real nicely though for someone beginning with this type of approach. The photos are also provided as suggestions for this challenge. If one has an item to hold in your hand, it’s a real bonus. I drew my example from real life. No picture to aid me. Looking through one's tool box is probably more appropriate. I can’t wait to see how your drawing turns out? Also don’t forget, try it with something organic too.



Cheers.

I squeezed this in my yesterday evening... I wish to find some time to do other parts

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Well I fought through this challenge - this was very much out of my comfort zone, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing it.
Used 2B pencil, and 9x12 paper. Decided not to blend anything.
Thank you Gilbert, this really did spark the creativity.
Great drawing Siks - looking forward to what's next.

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Nice work on the pliers. Now lets see what you can turn it into.

Regards,
Gilbert

This is awesome. You worked through the process, and figured out a rather unique piece of art. I'm thinking of trying the same challenge, but using something organic, or even a limb or a whole body.


Regards,
Gilbert

Look forward to seeing your work Gilbert.