Why drawing bigger can help you add more detail to your colored pencil artwork
Have you ever struggled to capture all of the details you want in your artwork?
I certainly have!
One of my favorite ways to make adding more detail easier is to draw bigger.
In this post, I will explain why drawing on a larger scale can be so helpful and share some tips for getting started.
Why drawing Bigger works
Nature’s intricate beauty is truly captivating, and when I study a reference image, I find myself wanting to capture every tiny detail. However, attempting to fit too much detail into a small space can lead to a cluttered and messy drawing. Maintaining proper proportions becomes challenging as well. Enlarging the drawing offers a solution, allowing for more space to incorporate all the desired details.
For example, I drew this tulip on a 20×20 inch piece of Legion Rising Museum Mountboard. The flower itself measures about 13 inches across. I was able to add so much more detail than I would have been able to on a standard 8×10 inch piece of paper.
Plus, drawing bigger allows your artwork to have more impact- it is easier to see and appreciate from a distance.
Plan to spend more time on your drawing
If you are not accustomed to drawing on a larger scale, it can take some getting used to. You won’t be able to complete a drawing in an evening or likely even two.
The biggest drawback to working on a bigger drawing is the amount of time it takes to complete the drawing. This tulip took around 25 hours to draw. I could have drawn a tulip half this size in half this time. However, I wouldn’t have been as excited about the finished drawing.
Final thoughts
While drawing on a larger scalse can take more time and effort, I believe it is worth it for the added detail and impact it can give your artwork. Give it a try and see if it works for you!
And, if you want to learn more about my process, you can find me on Patreon by clicking here.