Hybrid Drawing: Print Composite Method
This drawing example is from a recent visualization project in which I was asked to construct 3D SketchUp computer models and create hybrid “hand drawn” renderings for five new transit stations in Los Angeles. The drawing technique I chose is what I call “Print Composite Method” in which the final artwork is a combination of both a computer model image and a hand drawing. Here is a step by step of this effective visual process.
Step 1. Build a SketchUp Model. My client gave me a base SketchUp model of the entire transit neighborhood showing block buildings without any detail. I then constructed the specific street scene adding new architectural building facades, street paving patterns and place making elements such as people, cars and landscaping.
Step 2. Establish the Ideal Perspective View. Working closely with my client, we selected a slightly elevated perspective view that best represented the transit block development. Once the scene was approved, I rearranged model elements to fine tune the composition and finally exported a high resolution jpg of the SketchUp model.
Step 3. Print Composite Drawing. I printed the model view on 12”x18” heavy weight coated bond paper using a large format ink jet printer. Instead of printing the model view with full color intensity, I “lightened” the jpg by 50% in order to eventually add back color with markers and colored pencils. Using a fine point gel pen, I drew directly onto the print tracing the building edges and outlining all of the entourage elements. I applied light colored markers and colored pencils to the artwork to establish the final hand crafted look of the rendering.
Detail of the SketchUp Model. The success of any SketchUp model is the careful attention to architectural detail and component placement. Notice how all of the people and bicyclists are positioned. I made tree components semi-transparent in order to reveal more distant detail. Cars are all white and the model is populated with furniture, plants, and lighting. I also positioned the sun angle to create dramatic shadows on surfaces.
Detail of the Final Artwork. I applied a light colored marker to the buildings and surfaces, followed by colored pencil detail in the architecture and paving. Bright accent colored pencils were effective on clothing, awnings and flower beds. I also traced upper building edges and windows with a white colored pencil. Best of all, I completely illustrated the entire scene using the gel pen — hiding almost all evidence of the computer model and transforming the scene into hand drawn original artwork!
