Lessons on 3D Chalk Drawing
The planning stage is the most crucial.
Do an internet search for 3D drawings and draw inspiration from
other people. Don't be too ambitious. Make it easy since this will
be your first piece and you need to familiarize yourself with the
materials --- the chalk, the pavement, the bending and stretching,
the amount of time to render a given area, the available chalk colors
(not a whole range is out there). You can make this a group project
where a head artist would do the outlines and the "minions"
color assigned areas. Be mindful of not stepping on the art area
--- so rather than jump from area to area, try to start on the top
left or top right and move your way down.
Take a photo of the area and make a note of where the "sweet
spot" is for the photo --- the best angle to take the shot.
See that frame? No need to design beyond that area in the camera
because if the photographer were to move back to take the whole
artwork, he won't be on the "sweet spot" and so the illustion
won't work.
I discovered that I needed to do a lot of rubbing because of the
uneven surface of the tiles, I couldn't completely color an area
so I had to do a lot of rubbing. The smoother the surface, the easier
to color and the less chalk consumption. Bring a brush or a very
soft cloth if you don't want to use your hands. I made a pleasant
surprise ---- when it started to rain, I noticed that the drizzle
helped spread the colors evenly. So next time I will bring a spray
bottle to sprinkle an area.
You need to visit/check out the area. Notice where the shadows
will fall during the time of day when people will be viewing it.
Try to avoid tree or building shadows because that would completely
ruin the illusion that you want to create.
What I didn't consider was the freak weather. This is an outdoors
project so you are left at the mercy of the elements. If you will
need to leave the artwork overnight, you might want to cordon off
the area. I noticed people unaware of their surrounding walking
right on top of this.
If your "canvass" is made of square tiles, that will
help you measure your dimensions. Otherwise you will need to bring
a T Square to get your squares right. Realize also that these tiles
will not be 100% perfectly cut. Installers often cut off subtle
edges to compensate for the shifting landscape.
If you have a projector, you might want to try projecting and tracing
the artwork. This will save you a lot of time measuring.
On the day itslef, be sure to bring sun glasses, a hat and lots
of water. Wear sun screen. If you have knee or back problems, you
might want to try a different profession --- just kidding. Get a
stool so you can sit down. You might want to wear gloves. You don't
want to contaminate your cell phone or door handles with chalk marks.
Knee pads are good too. Of course bring chalk in as many colors
as possible. Bring long rulers, tape 2 together if one just isn't
long enough. Bring a tape measure. If you have access to one of
those chalk markers, that'll be really helpful.
It is not crucial but it will help if you sweep the pavement first.
Make sure someone else has the responsibility to clean up after
you're done. You already did the hard work, no sense in doing clean
up duties, right? ---- You already cooked the mean, do you still
have to do the dishes?
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