Two more quick car sketches – trying to define an artistic style

Drawing cars is tough! It’s a lot more difficult than I remember it being, and being the perfectionist that I am makes it feel like like I’m a failure of some sort. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the biggest thing I’m struggling with right now is line quality. To me, nice line quality in a car sketch is essential to capture the mood and emotion in the design. I keep thinking back to my days at CCS (College for Creative Studies) and trying desperately to remember what my professors taught me about thick and thin lines. “Turn the corner” is one quote that has been burned into my brain by my freshman year viscom (Visual Communications) professor. Basically, that means that the outside lines – or boundary – on a product should be heavier than the interior lines. Then, it’s important to keep the focal point in mind, making the weight of the lines heaviest in that spot.

Hand drawn sketch of a two door sports car

The other thing I’m struggling with is my style. Not only the style and design of the car itself, but the style of my drawings. I really want to work this out ASAP. For example, how do I treat cuts and holes in the car body? With a solid gray/black fill, or with freehand hatch marks? How about the tires?

I feel like I’m getting close, but at the same time, I’ve got a long way to go before I’m truly comfortable drawing cars again. I still have a sense of fear right before sitting down to draw a car, and that’s not right. I know that my style will develop in time, and the only way I’m going to get there is to practice practice practice.