Jo's Old Site

This lesson explans how to construct and use a viewfinder which is a tool used by artists to help them when they are composing a drawing. Another useful tool for compositions is called a grid and can be used with a viewfinder too. As a grid can help artist to put the subject exactly where they want. I also think that these tools helps artists to slow down and develop an eye for what they are trying to draw. A viewfinder frame is adjustable and can be made in various sizes and it allows artists to view a potential drawing from various viewpoints. As viewing a subject first before we draw them at different angles and distances can help us decide what we prefer.

And this is what makes the viewfinder invaluable when artists are planning a composition whether it is a portrait, figure, or a landscape and it can also be useful for any other subject we are trying to draw. Brenda also says that we can make a viewfinder out of matt board or acid free cardboard. And we also need a utility knife, a ruler, and two large paper clips. She also advises to stay with neutral colours, as viewfinders that are brightly coloured are too distracting when artists go to view something inside its perimeter. Then to make one out of cardboard we need to cut two identical L-shapes and put them together to make a frame by using the paper clips. Another thing that Brenda says about this pastime is that one of the good things about drawing is that we can change or modify our subjects and this is where a viewfinder comes in handy. She also gives details on how to use a grid if we are drawing from a photo.