The Art of Thumbnail Sketching – Sketching a 1965 Pontiac GTO
I have a few videos that focus on smaller sketches that we call “thumbnail sketching.” Thumbnail means sketches that are small. I enjoy doing these sort of sketches because they do not rely on any certainty on what you are trying to accomplish. They are fun and informal way of communicating your ideas…whether it be for yourself or a client.
Todays demo will be sketching a classic car which will be a 1965 Pontiac GTO. Classic cars and in this one in particular allowed me to break its shape down to fundamental forms. So when you first decide to draw a car like this, you have to think or look at the cars shape in the most basic and fundamental way. If you look closely, you will see that it looks like a trapezoid from the side view. So I decided to start this thumbnail with a 3/4 view using a 3 dimensional trapezoid as it’s shape
If you really enjoy thumbnail sketching, you can catch a couple more videos on this.
Purpose of Exercise:
As mentioned in our other videos, the purpose of these thumbnail sketches is to explore several sketches before completing a final rendering, drawing, or painting. It helps you to explore the subject matter without any refinement. I would argue it is probably one of the most creative parts about designing or drawing. This is where you can explore a particular technique in a smaller size without making a complete commitment.
Thumbnail sketching is a terrific way to ideate and an essential part of being creative.
Step By Step:
1. Use 8.5 X 11 sheet of blank paper
2. Create some smaller borders or “boxes” throughout the page so you can create possibly 6 drawings on a page
3. Start looking at several photo references for you to draw from.
4. Explore different views of your subject. You can even add your perspective lines to help setup your view point for a drawing
5. Use a black fine top pen such as a Sharpie to create your thumbnails.
6. Enjoy the Process. Be sure to try and complete the next 5 pages of sketches.
Hope you enjoyed this video. Be sure to come back for the next video which will focus on a front 3/4 view of this car.
If you have any questions about this video, please comment below and let me know what you think. If you have any other suggestions for video topics, definitely contact me.
Just remember that I believe you can do this. Just focus, continue practicing and you will be amazed at what you can do.
Have a good one.
Arvind