The “Floating Line” -394

This video talks about strategies used in the beginning phase of a Boston School type drawing or painting. Also talks more about measuring.
In Response to
Sketchartist
QUESTION: (Re #160 line related concepts) A question about floating lines; is there any kind of measuring going on when drawing these lines? Or are they just "felt" and placed by judging with the eyes alone? I understand perfectly what you're saying about floating lines but I find it difficult to get correct proportions if I don't take measurements.
Sketchartist

[@daviddraime592]

Wonderful talk, from beginning to end. My favorite part is, in the middle of the most articulate and cogent description of process, out of the blue, you look down at your coffee mug and say, “this chocolate coffee is really good!!” I laughed out loud. Sweet moment. 😊

[@PaulIngbretson]

Laughing with you, David. I had stolen it from my wife's dark chololate breakfast stash. Never had it before.

[@partingmist8550]

"He kinda got in my ear with it and said 'the cure for measuring is more measuring'" I love that , one of my favorite stories of yours Paul. 'This to this and that to that' , the felt or seen is measuring indeed.

[@PaulIngbretson]

:)

[@threetenticlesforward]

Establishing points has improved my free hand drawing with charcoals greatly after watching the other video

[@olasvahn751]

You really nailed it with this one Paul! This is all one needs to start the journey.

[@PaulIngbretson]

It's pretty 'real'!

[@olasvahn751]

Yes, very real! Searching leads to findings and ultimately REALisation, to lend the word from the GOAT - Cezanne. Degas knew this ;).

[@stephenjamison6124]

Another entertaining and informative chat, thank you

[@PaulIngbretson]

My pleasure, Stephen...and well wishes again!

[@stephenjamison6124]

@@PaulIngbretson thank you Paul, I appreciate your best wishes

[@jazw4649]

Fantastic Paul and Mr Producer congrats on 16,000 subscribers! ❤

[@PaulIngbretson]

Thanks for being there, jazw

[@jazw4649]

@@PaulIngbretson I always enjoy your talks

[@BirutaHansen]

Very interesting!

[@banzy3]

When I was a child I had a small snooker table, and I've often conceived measuring in art, as something akin to what a snooker player does. You set your hand and cue to a point on the table and then imagine the line the white ball follows, to the ball you're aiming for, and the pocket you want it to land in. You're also visualising ahead to where the cue ball will finish, and in your mind's eye, working out the angle at which the ball will bounce, so you can strategically line up for the next shot. It struck me that drawing is a little like this, and that the ability to cognitively measure lines and angles is paramount and gets a little easier the more you practice. I've also wondered if artists are better at cutting cakes ! You'd think the subdivision of a cake into equal parts should be easier for somebody with good drawing skills. I'm just rambling on a tangent now (no pun intended), but it's one of those things that sometimes crosses my mind. :)

[@PaulIngbretson]

I like it, Banzy. Useful idea.

[@nancydurham7999]

So clear. I've learned so much from

[@PaulIngbretson]

Great to hear!

[@gabrielgripp516]

love this one Paul

[@PaulIngbretson]

I'm pleased, gabriel.

[@querenstewart9944]

Hi Paul thanks again enjoyed this one Sheila

[@studioJNM]

Wonderfully explained!

[@PaulIngbretson]

Glad you think so!

[@kidnewton]

Thank you for that education. As you spoke you touched upon 'abstraction' and the 'the greater whole' of the painting. Assuming you get the measuring correct, how does one interpret what they see and create an abstraction out of it. In other words, just copying a photo or real life isn't 'art' until you create the beauty of the abstraction.

[@paullee4442]

Wonderful discussion as always! I have a couple of questions that come from your comments. I am wondering if your approach differs from setting up in the studio vs. plein aire? Do the use of view finders or some strategy like that factor in (besides for composition)? For instance, exits would not be readily apparent unless you have a very clear composition in mind even in the set up and use of view finder. I could imagine that selection of the "rectangle" aka the canvas is immensely important in this way of working including the importance of sight-size location of the setup. Thanks again for your video!

[@PaulIngbretson]

I think I'll take time to discuss composition, viewfinder and these points soon online. Thanks Paul

[@bobgoodnoe4583]

Um … wow.

[@PaulIngbretson]

Good?