In a previous lesson we discussed the general approach to using drapery as a descriptive element: the underlying form is the actual subject of the drawing, rather than the drapery itself. The next step is having a clear-cut procedure for approaching the drawing as a whole and an analysis of the individual folds. First, we make a simple diagrammatic placement of the pattern created by the figure and the major folds. This is generally referred to as the “lay-in” of the drawing. It can be a very simple gesture type drawing or a very careful academic study, depending on the time you have and your intent.
Drawing Drapery Lay-In
The drawing above is an example of a relatively careful but quick beginning. The considerations of the simple 3D forms discussed in the last lesson are a strong element in the drawing. It is important to control your values, keeping your lay-in light, giving you an opportunity to build your drawing. This drawing is considerably darker than I usually begin. There is no attempt to copy the folds in this drawing.
By Glenn Vilppu
This article was taken from the Drawing Drapery Manual.
