D R AW I N G P R O G R A M

Fundamentals Phase I:
Introduction

OVERVIEW
This phase will introduce you to the building blocks of all drawing and painting which would be geo-
metric shapes. However, before we venture into this, we will need to go over some essential concepts.
This first section will be about proper posture, sharpening the pencil, and your materials. Keep in
mind you will be doing hundreds, if not thousands, of drawings over the course of your educational
career. So, take these lessons to heart. Always have a few well-sharpened pencils, the proper paper,
and other materials in great working order–ready to go.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 1
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
)XQGDPHQWDOV3KDVH,
,QWURGXFWLRQ

M ATERIALS
‡&RQWp%RURWKHU:DWWVDSSURYHG
FKDUFRDOSHQFLO
‡6PRRWK1HZVSULQWRURWKHU³VPRRWK´
FKDUFRDOIULHQGO\SDSHU
‡6LQJOHHGJHUD]RUEODGH
‡6DQGLQJSDSHUSDGRUVDQGSDSHU
‡.QHDGHGHUDVHU

- TIP -
:KHQHPEDUNLQJRQWKLVILUVW
SKDVHRIOHDUQLQJWRGUDZLQWKH
:DWWVPHWKRGPDNHVXUHDQG
UHIHUWRWKHYLGHRVDQGKDQGRXWV
RQSHQFLOVKDUSHQLQJDQGSRVWXUH SETTING UP
,WLVLPSHUDWLYH\RXLQJUDLQJRRG
ZRUNLQJKDELWVULJKWRXWRIWKH ‡3ULQWKDQGRXWVRUXVHL3DGRUOLNH
FKXWH,WLVQRWXQFRPPRQIRU ‡*HWFRPIRUWDEOH
VWXGHQWVWRWDNHWKHEHWWHUSDUW ‡'RRYDOORQJOLQHH[HUFLVHV
RIWKHLUILUVWVHPHVWHUPDVWHULQJ ‡6HWLQWHQWLRQIRFXV
VKDUSHQLQJWKHSHQFLO ‡7DNHVHYHUDOGHHSEUHDWKV
‡6HWXSUHIHUHQFHDQGEHJLQ

  *RRGOXFNDQGKDYHIXQ

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 2
1
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Fundamentals Phase I:
Introduction

ASSIGNMENT: INTRODUCTION TO THE WATTS TECHNIQUE

These assignments are intended to give you a fundamental working understanding of various
methods and procedures encompassed in learning to draw in the Watts method.

Part 1: Watch the videos that coincide with the topics noted in Part 2. Make sure to then cross-
reference the handouts. They will not only reiterate what was contained in the videos
but also provide important supplemental information.

Part 2: Start with the following exercises:

1) Materials–These items are going to be used in the majority of drawing phases through-
out this entire program. We will also go over how to sharpen the charcoal pencil properly
in the Watts method as well as how to construct a reference holder.

2) Proper posture/hand positions–Next, move on to the essentials of how to manipulate

this oddly-sharpened implement, how to shade, practice proper warm-up exercises, and
other important information regarding the technique.

3) Basic forms (spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders)–We will use our well-sharpened pencil
to now begin learning the essential building blocks to the head and figure as well as
countless other areas you will ultimately confront. See additional assignment page in
corresponding lesson.

4) Negative shapes/basic perspective–Here you will begin to get used to looking at com-
plex shapes whether on the figure or elsewhere as a series of negative and positive shapes.
You will also learn how to estimate freehand objects in proper perspective.

5) Contour lines–You will focus on the use of containment lines and topographic lines
to assist in understanding the ebbs and flows of complex form, such as the anatomical
nuances of the human body.

6) Light and shadow–The exercise will be to draw a still-life object separating out the
light and dark shapes.

Note: These videos were the first shot. Some of the handouts are grouped into categories that
don’t perfectly align with each video description. Take the time to really look over these hand-
outs. It will make sense as you get into this phase. Subsequent phases are designed to match
and flow accordingly.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 3
1