SACE Stage 2 Geography

Field sketches and line drawings

Field sketches and line drawings are often used by geographers to show the significant features of a particular
landscape. If the drawing is made during fieldwork, it is called a field sketch. If it is drawn from a photograph
(which may have been taken during fieldwork), it is called a line drawing. Once finished, field sketches and line
drawings can be used to classify and explain spatial patterns and relationships. You could, for example,
identify the features of the biophysical and built environments, note the relationship between landform and
settlement patterns and transport networks, and identify the main biophysical processes shaping the
landscape.
Materials: Pencil (2B), eraser, paper, clipboard, viewfinder, black felt tip pen to finish off sketch (optional).
Make a viewfinder: A viewfinder is a tool that many artists use to set up the composition (the arrangement of
visual elements) of a painting or drawing before they begin their work. It allows us to see exactly what we
want to include in a field sketch and crop anything out that isnt
necessary to the final sketch.
To make a viewfinder, you simply take a piece of cardboard
(approximately A4 or A5 size) and cut a rectangle from the middle to
produce a cardboard frame. Four pieces of string are then stuck
equal measures apart, over the rectangular hole in the middle. This
allows the viewer to divide their sketching page up accordingly.
Steps for a successful field sketch:
1. Look carefully at the scene or photograph and select the area to be sketched.
2. Position your viewfinder to arrange an effective looking composition.
3. Rule a 2-3 cm border around your page (this will allow you to put annotations in these spaces after).
4. Faintly draw the string lines onto your paper (to help guide the rest of your drawing). This will help you
divide the scene or photograph you wish to sketch into three parts:

Background
Middle Distance
Foreground

5. Draw in the main features or lines of the scene you wish to sketch. This might include the horizon and
other prominent landform features.
6. Mark in other prominent features or lines, e.g. roads, railway lines, rivers, and power lines. These will
provide a reference point for the addition of detailed features.
7. Add detail if appropriate. Details might include buildings, trees and fences.
8. Give your sketch a heading, provide some indication of location and give the date of the observation.
9. Label the prominent features shown in the sketch. Some students find it useful to complete a written
summary of what the field sketch shows. This can be done by describing the background first, then the
middle distance and then the foreground.
10. If in doubt, remember this step by step sketching process:

Step 1: Draw in the horizon and the main features. Step 2: Draw in the outline of trees and rocks.

Step 3: Draw in the tree foliage and the waterfalls. Step 4: Begin rendering your drawing to show tone.

Step 5: Erase any extra lines and finish the drawing.
Step 6: Put a title on your sketch, mark the
North point, and annotate and label the
prominent features.