Continuing last week’s study on inking techniques, we’ll focus on using line weight to add dimension and emphasis to drawings.
***AI representation of Line weight, depth, and emphasis as key words. Please see the explanation of this at the bottom of this Sketch Blog entry! ***
Why Line Weight Matters
Line weight variation helps convey depth, texture, and focus. Thicker lines can suggest objects in the foreground, while thinner lines indicate distance or subtle details. This can be important even when designing plan drawings in Landscape Architectural or Architectural maps as it is understood that differing line weights indicate levels of depth and importance in the drawing as we read it.
In cartooning the various line weights the artist chooses conveys both a sense of style we recognize and again to the concept of how near or far an object in the scene is to the viewer.
In order to learn how to apply these tips it is best to pull out that trusty sketchbook be it traditional or digital in form to repeatedly sketch out a few characters using the techniques suggested here:
Techniques to Try
- Pressure Control – Use a brush pen or digital pressure sensitivity to create thick-to-thin strokes effortlessly.
- Foreground vs. Background – Make foreground elements bolder and background elements lighter to create depth.
- Emphasizing Focal Points – Bold outlines can make a character or object stand out in a busy scene.
Exercise
Redraw an old sketch using intentional line weight variation. Compare it to the original and note the visual improvement.
*** I truly wish to give credit where it is due. I've used the artwork above as it suits the purpose for which I needed it. AI art saves me time in a busy week, but I never lose sight of where it has been culled from and wish to pay homage to the fantastic skills of the artists from which this material is derived.
When it comes to the context of today's sketch blog, and the application of AI as a tool - I would highly encourage my readers to restrict the use of AI art for reference and instruction, and not for the purposes of passing it off as art for sale unless you have purposefully spent a good deal of time making it your own! ***
