Activity 1.3 Concept Sketching
In this activity you will sketch a variety of objects in your engineering notebook. The goal is to produce hand-drawn representations of real objects that closely resemble the actual objects and that appear three-dimensional. In this activity, you will focus on obtaining the correct shape and proportions of each object from a single “straight-on” or orthographic view and add shading to produce a more realistic three-dimensional effect. You will start with simple forms and progress to more complicated products. Some examples of student-produced sketches are provided.
Above you can see various sketches of household items that use shading and proportion to look more realistic.
Explain the concept of proportion. How does the concept of proportion relate to creating a realistic sketch?
Proportion is how big one item or part of an item is in comparison to another. Proportion allows the human eye to perceive an object and determine whether or not the item is realistic. If one part of an item is unnaturally large, it is disproportionate and is perceived as unreal. For instance if a mouse next to a computer is bigger than the monitor, it would be perceived as unrealistic.
Why would the ability to create realistic sketches make a person a more competent designer?
If one had the ability to create a realistic sketch, they would better suit the needs of not only themselves but also those around them. Should they not be able to realistically draw something they are going to make, they will have a hard time building it and describing to others how to build it.
Give an example of a visual or graphic representation of information that has more impact than an explanation of the information in text.
A three dimensional model would better tell you how to build a car or machine as opposed to a textual representation. One has better chances of creating a machine by seeing it than reading about it.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing to know/do in order to create a realistic sketch of the object?
The most important thing to know before accurately drawing an object is its proportions. You should measure or obtain proportions from an object before you attempt to draw it. Knowing how big one part is in comparison to the other is key to drawing it. (Refer to question 2)
Conclusion
1. Explain the concept of proportion. How does the concept of proportion relate to creating a realistic sketch?
2. Why would the ability to create realistic sketches make a person a more competent designer?
3. Give an example of a visual or graphic representation of information that has more impact than an explanation of the information in text.
4. In your opinion, what is the most important thing to know/do in order to create a realistic sketch of an object?
Explain the concept of proportion. How does the concept of proportion relate to creating a realistic sketch?
Proportion is how big one item or part of an item is in comparison to another. Proportion allows the human eye to perceive an object and determine whether or not the item is realistic. If one part of an item is unnaturally large, it is disproportionate and is perceived as unreal. For instance if a mouse next to a computer is bigger than the monitor, it would be perceived as unrealistic.
Why would the ability to create realistic sketches make a person a more competent designer?
If one had the ability to create a realistic sketch, they would better suit the needs of not only themselves but also those around them. Should they not be able to realistically draw something they are going to make, they will have a hard time building it and describing to others how to build it.
Give an example of a visual or graphic representation of information that has more impact than an explanation of the information in text.
A three dimensional model would better tell you how to build a car or machine as opposed to a textual representation. One has better chances of creating a machine by seeing it than reading about it.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing to know/do in order to create a realistic sketch of the object?
The most important thing to know before accurately drawing an object is its proportions. You should measure or obtain proportions from an object before you attempt to draw it. Knowing how big one part is in comparison to the other is key to drawing it. (Refer to question 2)
Conclusion
1. Explain the concept of proportion. How does the concept of proportion relate to creating a realistic sketch?
2. Why would the ability to create realistic sketches make a person a more competent designer?
3. Give an example of a visual or graphic representation of information that has more impact than an explanation of the information in text.
4. In your opinion, what is the most important thing to know/do in order to create a realistic sketch of an object?