How do you get from photo to canvas?

Mike Dodson · 04-21-2004, 10:17 AM

Mike,

I use a measuring tool that is called proportional dividers. You simply check your reference with one end of the dividers and make your mark on your canvas or paper using the opposite. The center screw can be adjusted to what ever ratio you desire. Attached is a commercial set. I use a set that I made. I typically mark a vertical and horizontal line across the center of my reference and then do the same on my canvas. I then measure everything from the center of the two "cross-hairs" and transfer the measurements over. You just simply use the opposite end of the dividers that you are measuring with to make your mark on the canvas. The accuracy is dead on.

Mike McCarty · 04-21-2004, 11:35 AM

I can see benefit to this cross hair method.

Also, I can see that your method could give you a true "distance," but, how does it give you direction?

It's true I have to take two measurements for each point but this gives me both distance and direction to a specific point. Triangulation, I think it would be called.

Kimberly Dow · 04-22-2004, 01:03 AM

I only have one thing to add to this discussion:

Beware of WalMart yardsticks. I measured with one for a couple of paintings and could not figure out why they seemed a bit off. I ended up making adjustments free-hand. Turns out the yardstick was off almost a quarter inch.

I try to always draw free-hand first. Then I figure in my head how much I enlarged the photo and make measurements with a little pink ruler my daughter gave me. High-tech I am not.

Allan Rahbek · 04-22-2004, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Dodson

Mike,

I use a measuring tool that is called proportional dividers. You simply check your reference with one end of the dividers and make your mark on your canvas or paper using the opposite. The center screw can be adjusted to what ever ratio you desire. Attached is a commercial set. I use a set that I made. I typically mark a vertical and horizontal line across the center of my reference and then do the same on my canvas. I then measure everything from the center of the two "cross-hairs" and transfer the measurements over. You just simply use the opposite end of the dividers that you are measuring with to make your mark on the canvas. The accuracy is dead on.

Hi Mike.

I believe this is "The Tool".

I am working on one too. Since you have made one yourself I would like to ask what size you think is the optimal. The length of the legs ????
I have measured on my model, and think that about 15" is close to what I need.

Allan

Geary Wootten · 04-22-2004, 04:51 PM

Curious question, in the middle of all of this wonderful information on tranferring images, why is it that no matter what "tool" we use, even when it's not strictly "tracing" anything (which, I know is a WHOLE other debate) do people STILL think that it's "cheating"?

I mean, I just heard from two friends that were over in my studio today who said that "even taking measurements is cheating - not that it's bad - it's still not FREEHAND." OK., dumb statement, sure...but WHY, WHY, WHY does this exist in our society at all?!!

Were there THAT many kids who got their knuckles rapped, or at least, embarrassed in front of the whole class for putting a piece of paper in front of a picture to trace the image on? I mean, REALLY? We all know, that you can take 24 people, any age, and give them tracing paper, a picture and pencils/paint, and you will end up with 20 - 23 pieces that will be barely recognizable as the original image. Am I right about it?!

Gear

Allan Rahbek · 04-22-2004, 05:44 PM

Hi Gear,

I admit ! I cheat !!

I use all my knowledge whenever I can. But for most of the times it is not enough.

When I am out in nature, making watercolors I measure with my brush and thumb, and in happy moments I can measure using only my eyes, simply by staring for a long time and then seeing the figure on my paper in reversed colors, but in the right, sight size, scale. Is that cheating?

When I do a complicated likeness from a small photo, I take measures to get the right proportions. OK I cheat, but only for a start.

I have never finished a painting only by cheating. I always have to get into the scene and live by the figure, understand it and feel it, before I can do anything of interest.

If cheating is all, I wonder why so few come up with results !

Gear, this is not meant for you, but you inspired me to do this conclusion.

Thanks Allan.

Mike Dodson · 04-22-2004, 06:04 PM

Allan,

12"-15" sounds like a pretty optimal size to me. Mine are 8" and works great for taking an 8 x 10 up to a 16 x 20. As I mentioned earlier, I use center line cross hairs for reference so I don't need, say for example, a full 10" to draw a full size head. 5" on the large end would be enough. The 8" set I have will open comfortably to 10-3/8" on the largest end. I'll try to post a picture of the set I made tonight to give you an idea. I made mine out of hardwood dowels.

Geary Wootten · 04-22-2004, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan Rahbek

If cheating is all, I wonder why so few come up with results !!!!!!!

Gear, this is not meant for you, but you inspired me to do this conclusion.

Thanks Allan.

No, no, no....no worries Alan. LOL.....I am TOTALLY feelin ya man. Keep it up, dude!

If Michelangelo had to use pounce patterns.....then dang it......I'm gonna use pouce patterns!

-geeDub