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?

After making the iinitial sketch and coloring the major areas, step back and check if the illusion is working. Do this every once in a while just to make sure. Above is about an hour's work.

I discovered that wetting the art a bit helped close the deep crevices of the tiles. Bring a water spray bottle to do this.

This is a sad sight. The rain had no respect for my artwork. But who am I to complain about Mother Nature?

After half an hour, Nothing was left but a pool of colored sediments.

Down the drain it goes.

The glassy pavement made interesting reflections over my work.

Wouldn't it be cool if a shark were to suddenly jump out of the puddle?

Hope you enjoyed this lesson.