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Scaling tool for drawing
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Posted
I’m sure I’ve seen a picture of a tool for scaling up, when drawing from life, in the last month or so. But I can’t seem to find it now. I thought it was in The Artist magazine. I thought that looks interesting I will read about that later, but it seems to have vanished. The tool was a bit like a wooden pair of scissors, with pointy bits instead of finger holes. I think you could adjust the fulcrum, to choose what ratio you want. Has anyone else seen this? What is it called? Where can you get one?
Posted
For the record, I mostly use the proportional dividers when I have a sketch I don’t want to deface with a drawn grid. They are also useful for checking proportions when drawing freehand and time is an issue.
A similar device to this was in use ancient times and there are records of its use by artists and draughtsmen in the 12th century. The modern version we use today was patented in 1884.
Edited
by Alan Morris
Posted
That is interesting Alan - I did't know it was used in the 12th Century. Regarding the grid method, I have my own technique. As I don't want to deface the original, I have a transparent acetate sheet on which I have drawn a grid with a sharpie. I place this over the original and proceed as normal. I use this again and again, so it saves time as well. I originally acquired these acetate sheets for use with an overhead projector (shows my age). I also use them for putting under my hand when working in pastel, so I don't smudge, but can still see the whole picture.
Posted
I have used draughting film acquired when I did a garden design course in the days when everything was drawn by hand, in a similar way to your overhead projector acetate. However I do have a habit of keep changing sizes and formats so I end up with loads of different grids.
I’ve recently discovered another way though. Take a photo on your iPad and use one of the many free apps available to impose a grid. You then have the option of working from the screen or printing it with the grid.
Edited
by Alan Morris