To Trace or Not to Trace?
If you have taken any of my Skillshare classes, you will know that I always provide a line-drawing template and reference photo of the subject that we are painting for the class project.
Some people may prefer to draw what they’re going to paint through observing a visual reference. While some might just want to focus on practicing painting techniques or to simply enjoy a relaxing creative activity.
For the latter group, line-drawing templates are a big time-saver that allows them to quickly get into what they enjoy doing the most.
But you might ask: Am I ‘cheating’ if I trace my drawing from a photo?
My personal thought and short answer is: No.
Before I go on to share my personal view and experience on when to and not to trace, let me first make this clear: If you want to develop yourself as an artist, drawing is definitely a skill that you want to hone.
You don’t necessarily need to be able to draw super realistically, unless your goal is to create, well, realistic illustrations. But you would want to be able to draw, so that your personal artistic style can shine through your pencil lines.
Why and when I trace
To save time
As I mostly paint realistic botanical illustrations, I need the drawings of my subject matter to be as accurate as possible. It would take up so much of my time if I were to sketch and draw from scratch. Especially so if the subject matter is complex.
I certainly won’t trace if my painting subject is an apple or an orange. But if I’m going to paint a peony or chrysanthemum with many petals and irregular petal arrangement, I would go straight to using a light pad to save myself confusion and time.
When creating a composition
Sometimes I create an illustration composition combining different components from several visual references. I trace a bunch of components that I like using the Procreate app in my iPad Pro. I can then easily move the components around to form the final composition.
To quickly create ready-to-print templates
When I have a series of watercolor pieces that I want to produce, tracing helps to quickly churn out drawings that are ready to be painted. It allows me to get into the painting part as soon as possible.
There are times that I don’t trace, which is when…
I want my work to have a more doodle style, or to look stylized rather than a realistic representation.
I’m practicing my drawing skills, obviously.
I’m exploring composition ideas in a sketchbook.
I simply want to relax and loosen up my mind.
********************
In short, I’d say that it’s reasonable to trace the drawing for your painting when:
Your main goal is to practice painting techniques.
You have limited creative time.
You’re still learning to draw but the subject is complex.
You simply don’t like to draw and just want to dive right into painting because that’s what you enjoy!
(☝🏻 If this is you, you would want to sign up for my subscribers-only template and resource library here.)
So, do you trace or do you prefer to draw? Share your thoughts with me in the comment!
Note: If you trace your drawings, make sure you only use visual references or photos that belong to you, or you have the permission to use them.
