The Pen and Ink Rendering | Sketch like an Architect

 

This sketch is a Pen and Ink rendering, The Visual Technique you will be doing as part of the curriculum in the early years of architecture. After the Pencil rendering, you will also be working with Pen and Ink. You will be more careful here because you cannot erase what you have already done. The same principle applies in the pencil rendering. The Shading and the tonal value are very important and by constant practice, you can improve  the manner you do the presentation.

Sketch like an Architect | Pen and ink drawings images

Sketches need to be free flowing. The sample drawings are the sketches by an architect. Exercise is the key to making a unique style to sketch like an architect.

The Aim of these example is to show you a simple pen and ink drawings that you can copy. Seeing the example of others will help you gain the confidence in making your own style. Let your ideas overflow and as an exercise, you can look around you and choose any type of structure that attracts you most and start sketching.

Read Books

Read books that can enhance your skills and get a step by step procedure. As a student, you can explore a lot of books you can read and follow their techniques then develop your own later. 

This book is so helpful. 5 Minute sketching by Liz Steel. I found this interesting and its on sale at amazon. I may earn a little amount of commission for sharing this to you, but my intention is to help you get the information you need in your pursuit to learning more about pen and ink drawing ideas.

As a professional, I still enhance my drawing skills despite there are a lot of high end 3d renderings available. The sketches are far better off when you are in the Schematic Design phase of the design process. As an architecture student, you can invest your time and effort in improving your skills. In the long run, you can be more confident to share your thoughts and design ideas if you can sketch well. It will leave a long and lasting impression to your client, no matter what, they will always remember you artistry. That is so unique to everyone.

The artwork can be a collection of your work of art and can also be exhibited if you compile all your works together. I would suggest that you keep all your pen and ink sketches and preserve them. 

Sketch like an Architect

To sketch like an architect is to sketch freely. Create you own style in pen and ink. The important aspect of this presentation is to convey your design ideas into your drawing board with your sketch. The development of all design ideas starts in that sketch of an architect. It is not about the pen you use or the presentation but the story that you want to convey to the client. That's what architects do. 

You may find sketches as not so interesting is it is done very roughly but looking deeper, you will understand the way the sketches communicate with what the architect wants to achieve. The design rather than the art. Though sketches becomes a form of art when executed by an architect.

Useful Drawing Tools

These are the useful drawing tools you need. As an artists, you will be experimenting a lot of drawing tools and use them in your pen and ink rendering works. The useful pens are not necessarily expensive, there are tons out there that you can experiment with.

Mechanical Pencil

Pencil are very useful in the architectural sketches. This is a mechanical pencil is different from the usual pencil. It is called mechanical because you can control the lead coming out from the tip and it comes in different thickness. For beginners, this is always the "Rule of Thumb" - "Never draw without a guidelines", Yes, the pencil plays that important role. You can use this thin line as a guide to your drawing and this is usually when you want to finalize your pen and ink sketches. This will help you make a clean presentation. Though seasoned architects and artists go directly to their design sketches using pen. As a beginner, it would help a lot do this exercise to master the control of your hands. The later, sketch freely with precision.

Fine Point Pen 

For Pen and Ink, these fine point pen are very useful, it comes with different point from 0.1 to 0.8. You can mix the use of all of the line thickness to give distinction and character to your sketches. Thick lines can be used to outline the object and thin lines for shading, giving emphasis to the tonal value of the drawing. There are different line strokes you can use for this exercise. Some straight lines, vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal,  cross hatch and many others. 

The sketch of an architect can be very interesting and every line you will see tells a story. The strokes means a lot and may even pose a work of art at some point. That is why it is good to keep all your sketches and when you put them all together, you can create a story line leading to the development of the design study or it can be plainly considered as a work of art.

That's the uniqueness of the architectural profession, it is an art and a science. The combination of which is architecture.

Marker Pens

Marker Pens are a good complement to your pen and ink renderings, this will be covered in another post but to give you a brief overview, you can add color into your drawings using these marker pens. The pen and ink rendering is already complete in itself and will stand out in the presentation, but adding color would create a different artistry and impression to the drawing.  You can decide whether to use this or not but you can also plan for which type pen and ink rendering presentation you will be using this. For Architects, Pen and Ink are usually for the design study and analysis where you are still developing the design idea. The changes in design are evolving and mostly the editing is quick and it is done in the same sketch. Some use other tracing papers to overlay the original drawing and do the editing on the new tracing paper, so as to get comparison with what is working based on the design concept of the building he is working on. 

Markers on the other hand are used as a finishing touch to the sketch, though it is still in the schematic stage, it goes further on the design study to represent the color schemes of the building design idea and make the initial design study on the building materials. 

You can find this in Amazon. I was browsing through the internet and I have come across these marker pens which i thought would add to the additional information you need in your pursuit to improving your sketching skills and visual presentation techniques. Here's the link to this product on Amazon.

The Pencil Art

 

The Pencil Art Drawing is for everyone that has the desire to learn. You can consider this as part of your hobby and a therapy as well. For those who have experienced and enjoyed working on the pencil drawing, they can really testify to that. 

One of the major factor that is stopping you is the lack of interest because you think its complicated, but if you start with the basic and the willingness to learn, you can explore anything you can really imagine. 

I can recommend you to an online class on Pencil Art Drawing course. This course is available and you can enroll anytime.

Here's my on review of the course. This is an affiliate course where I earn a little amount of money. enroll now and start learning this skill. 

 Pencil Art Drawing Course Review

I made a little review on this book and at the end of it, you can find the link to access if you will consider buying. I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my drawing skills. I do this hunting around the internet to see if i can find new tutorials. I stumbled across a cool pencil drawing site that I think is going to make a HUGE difference, especially if you want to draw realistically.  

 It is a pencil drawing course that specializes in taking beginners and teaching them how to draw in a realistic style. The course itself is online video, so you can access it from anywhere in the world- the videos worked so perfectly on my tablet and phone.

 

Each class is two hours long so you can even draw with which watching the video, nothing is left to the imagination. The course starts off by showing you all the equipment you need and the basic strokes. Even in this video I picked up a cool tip of erasing.

What I like is that each lesson builds on the previous so you are never thrown into the deep. Each class has it's own concept of technique that you need to master, for example, in the second class you learn how to spot the different tonal values. In this class Nolan ( the Instructor ) uses different styrofoam objects to show you the light effects to the tonal values. The way to explains it makes it so easy to understand, like theory being explained in a practical way.

With each class you get a downloadable template which you can print our and use that to transfer to your drawing paper. You then also get a high quality photo of the reference and the final drawing. They are laid out in the pdf in such a way that when you print it our, each are exactly the same size. This makes it easy to judge sizes while drawing.  

In each class you complete a drawing project. Like in the second class, you draw a realistic spoon. At the beginning of the class in thought it was going to be difficult, but after watching the explanations at the start of the class and the practical demo, it turned out to be quite easy. 

The next four lessons are also still life drawing. There is an onion and garlic still life, transparent wine glass, rose and an apple drawing. In each of these you learn all about creating a texture and depth in your drawings as well as drawing negatively and how to draw reflective objects. 

 

From there you start drawing portraits. Nolan Shows you how to draw all the major features like the eyes and mouth. What I like was that he shows you what to look out for with each one. Once you have completed say the ear class, you will be able to draw any earn and not just one from the class itself.

What really makes this course stand out from the rest is that it goes much deeper than any of the other courses I have seen. There are even classes on how to draw material texture and hands. 

The course i brand new, so is currently launch special at less than half price. Why don't you go and check it out for yourself, you may be able to still bag yourself this bargain as well.

Click the link Below:

Pencil Drawing Made Easy 

 

Pencil Drawing Made Easy

 

This is  to get you started with Pencil Drawing made easy for you to follow. Enjoy using pencil drawing if you are considering to get started with Visual Art. Visual Art or Visual Technology is part of the Architectural Course and it is one of the basic and foundational course you will be taking. The Aim of Pencil drawing is to help cultivate your creativity by controlling your hands coincide with the vision. 

Visual Art, that's the essence of it, Whatever you see can be your reference to your pencil drawing and therefore translate that into your paper. The more you focus on the detail, the more your mind tells your hand to draw. Most difficulties are found in that stage where your hand and your mind through your vision are collaborating. Let your mind control your hand instead of your hand controlling your mind.  

There are some skills you need to develop in this early stage, First is the precision on scaling. When you are looking at a reference, "a still life" you need to identify the proper size of the object fitted into your drawing paper. The scale of the object, the distances between, like in this example the eye distances, the nose, the ears and the mouth plus all the details you see. Putting them all together, you can create a realistic drawing. It is perfectly done by practicing your eyes, and your hands drawing on scale and proportion. The second is the Tonal value. Which side will have the darker shades and which one will have the lighter shades. This will help you exercise how hard and how soft you can control your pencil. Though there are different types of pencil and its grade, it would be better to learn to control of the tonal value. And lastly, the different strokes using line strokes. 

I would recommend that you keep learning  on your free time to develop the skill in Pencil Drawing. I have been looking for some helpful resources you might be interested with and I found a book that is very helpful. This is and affiliate program and If you would consider buying, i can earn a little portion of the sales, but other than that, I would recommend that you take some time learning the process.

 

I made a little review on this book and at the end of it, you can find the link to access if you will consider buying. I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my drawing skills. I do this hunting around the internet to see if i can find new tutorials. I stumbled across a cool pencil drawing site that I think is going to make a HUGE difference, especially if you want to draw realistically.  

 It is a pencil drawing course that specializes in taking beginners and teaching them how to draw in a realistic style. The course itself is online video, so you can access it from anywhere in the world- the videos worked so perfectly on my tablet and phone.

Each class is two hours long so you can even draw with which watching the video, nothing is left to the imagination. The course starts off by showing you all the equipment you need and the basic strokes. Even in this video I picked up a cool tip of erasing.

What I like is that each lesson builds on the previous so you are never thrown into the deep. Each class has it's own concept of technique that you need to master, for example, in the second class you learn how to spot the different tonal values. In this class Nolan ( the Instructor ) uses different styrofoam objects to show you the light effects to the tonal values. The way to explains it makes it so easy to understand, like theory being explained in a practical way.

With each class you get a downloadable template which you can print our and use that to transfer to your drawing paper. You then also get a high quality photo of the reference and the final drawing. They are laid out in the pdf in such a way that when you print it our, each are exactly the same size. This makes it easy to judge sizes while drawing.  

In each class you complete a drawing project. Like in the second class, you draw a realistic spoon. At the beginning of the class in thought it was going to be difficult, but after watching the explanations at the start of the class and the practical demo, it turned out to be quite easy. 

The next four lessons are also still life drawing. There is an onion and garlic still life, transparent wine glass, rose and an apple drawing. In each of these you learn all about creating a texture and depth in your drawings as well as drawing negatively and how to draw reflective objects. 

From there you start drawing portraits. Nolan Shows you how to draw all the major features like the eyes and mouth. What I like was that he shows you what to look out for with each one. Once you have completed say the ear class, you will be able to draw any earn and not just one from the class itself.

What really makes this course stand out from the rest is that it goes much deeper than any of the other courses I have seen. There are even classes on how to draw material texture and hands. 

The course i brand new, so is currently launch special at less than half price. Why don't you go and check it out for yourself, you may be able to still bag yourself this bargain as well.

Click the link Below:

Pencil Drawing Made Easy 

 Here are some more Pencil Drawing sample I made 

 

 

 

 

Follow my other Pencil drawings and art works on Pinterest 

What is the importance of Architectural Rendering?

The architectural rendering above is an artist or architect's impression of the overall design intent of the project proposal. It expresses the whole concept and its actual design.

The Importance of Architectural Rendering

Architectural rendering is a competing edge to anyone practicing architecture. The architect/designer may hire a professional 3d renderer to gain more projects. It pays a lot and gains a more winning edge. Aside from the artistry, the business side has more impact on the Architect and gains more popularity. In fact, clients are looking for high-caliber architects, and high-end presentations are more likely to gain more winning projects.

Architectural Renderings are by product of a training initially in any school offering architecture. It is part of the subject where one can have first-hand experience in doing architectural presentations. There are a variety of mediums used in architectural rendering. It can be manual rendering using different multimedia like markers, paint, gouache, watercolors, pen, and many others. Computer-generated renderings are the most popular. This has been the trend in the past 10 years.

Unveiling the Significance of Architectural Rendering in the Practice of Architecture

In the dynamic world of architecture, where innovation and creativity converge, architectural rendering stands as a transformative tool that reshapes the way architects design, communicate, and execute their visions. From conceptualization to presentation and beyond, the importance of architectural rendering in the practice of architecture cannot be overstated. Let's explore the multifaceted significance of this indispensable technique:

1. Visualization and Conceptualization:

Architectural rendering serves as the bridge between imagination and reality. Through the use of advanced software and techniques, architects can transform abstract concepts and design ideas into vivid, photorealistic representations. These renderings allow architects to explore different design options, and experiment with materials, lighting conditions, and spatial arrangements, facilitating informed decision-making during the conceptualization phase.

2. Communication and Collaboration:

In a profession where effective communication is paramount, architectural rendering serves as a universal language that transcends barriers. Renderings enable architects to convey their design intent and vision to clients, stakeholders, and collaborators with unparalleled clarity and precision. Whether presenting to a client, consulting with engineers, or collaborating with interior designers, renderings facilitate seamless communication and foster a shared understanding of the project's goals and requirements.

3. Client Engagement and Approval:

In an era characterized by visual literacy and digital immersion, clients increasingly demand immersive and engaging experiences throughout the design process. Architectural renderings, with their ability to evoke emotions and create compelling narratives, play a pivotal role in captivating clients' imaginations and eliciting their feedback. By presenting realistic renderings that depict the proposed design in its intended context, architects can instill confidence in clients, garner approval, and forge stronger client relationships.

4. Marketing and Business Development:

In a competitive market landscape, architectural firms must distinguish themselves and showcase their expertise to attract clients and secure projects. Architectural renderings serve as powerful marketing tools that enable firms to showcase their portfolio, highlight their design philosophy, and demonstrate their creative prowess. Whether featured on websites, social media platforms, or marketing materials, photorealistic renderings captivate prospective clients, differentiate firms from competitors, and contribute to business development efforts.

5. Design Validation and Iteration:

 The iterative nature of architectural design necessitates constant evaluation, refinement, and validation of design solutions. Architectural renderings facilitate this iterative process by allowing architects to visualize design iterations, assess their spatial qualities, and identify areas for improvement. By generating multiple renderings that explore different design options, architects can refine their designs iteratively, ensuring that the final solution meets the project's functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements.

 This is the initial rendering before the post-production to validate and refine the design concept. 

After several attempts to refine the design, the post-production will be done and ready for the Design Presentation and probably be used for the branding and marketing of the proposed project

6. Regulatory Compliance and Approvals:

In an increasingly regulated environment, obtaining approvals from regulatory authorities and complying with building codes and zoning regulations are integral aspects of architectural practice. Architectural renderings aid in this process by providing visual representations of proposed designs that aid in regulatory compliance assessments. By generating accurate and detailed renderings that illustrate compliance with building codes, setbacks, and other regulatory requirements, architects expedite the approval process and mitigate potential conflicts.

In essence, architectural rendering is not merely a decorative embellishment or a technical exercise but is an indispensable tool that permeates every facet of architectural practice. From inspiring creativity and fostering collaboration to facilitating communication and streamlining approvals, architectural rendering plays a pivotal role in shaping the built environment and realizing the architectural visions of today and tomorrow. Embrace the transformative power of architectural rendering, and elevate your practice to new heights of innovation and excellence.

Different types of Architectural Renderings:

Manual Rendering

In the age of digital dominance, where cutting-edge software and technologies often dictate design processes, manual rendering stands as a testament to tradition, skill, and craftsmanship in architectural representation. While digital rendering offers precision and efficiency, manual rendering exudes a unique charm and authenticity that transcends pixels and polygons. Let's delve into the enduring significance of manual rendering in architectural practice;

1. Artistic Expression and Creativity

Manual rendering celebrates architects' innate artistry and creativity, enabling them to express their design concepts with a personal touch and flair. With tools as simple as pencils, markers, and watercolors, architects imbue their drawings with emotion, texture, and character, evoking a sense of warmth and intimacy that digital renderings often struggle to emulate. From delicate hatching to expressive brushstrokes, manual rendering allows architects to explore a diverse range of techniques and styles, infusing their drawings with personality and soul.

 2. Tangibility and Sensory Experience

In an increasingly digital world, where screens mediate our interactions with the built environment, manual rendering offers a tangible and sensory experience that engages the senses on a deeper level. Sketching by hand, feeling the texture of paper beneath the fingertips, and watching colors blend and bleed create a visceral connection between the architect and the drawing. Manual renderings invite viewers to immerse themselves in the drawing, to trace the lines with their eyes, and to appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail imbued in every stroke.

3.  Timelessness and Tradition

Manual rendering embodies a rich tradition that spans centuries, transcending technological advancements and passing trends. From the meticulously detailed ink drawings of architectural masters like Giovanni Battista Piraseni to the vibrant watercolor sketches of contemporary artists, manual rendering has endured as a timeless art form that resonates across generations. In an era characterized by rapid innovation and digital disruption, manual rendering reminds us of the enduring value of craftsmanship, patience, and dedication to one's craft.

4. Communication and Storytelling 

Manual rendering excels in conveying narratives and evoking emotions through visual storytelling. By carefully selecting viewpoints, composing scenes, and manipulating light and shadow, architects can create compelling narratives that communicate the essence of their designs. Whether depicting a bustling urban street scene or a tranquil rural landscape, manual renderings transport viewers to imaginary worlds, inviting them to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

5. Versatility and Adaptability

Despite the rise of digital rendering techniques, manual rendering remains a versatile and adaptable tool in the architect's toolkit. From quick conceptual sketches to elaborate presentation drawings, manual rendering offers flexibility and spontaneity that digital tools sometimes lack. Architects can effortlessly switch between mediums and experiment with different styles and techniques, adapting their approach to suit the unique requirements of each subject.

Manual rendering embodies the timeless allure of handcrafted artistry in an increasingly digital world. Manual rendering enriches architectural practice with its unique charm and authenticity by celebrating creativity, embracing tradition, and engaging the senses. As Archticts continue to push the boundaries of innovation and exploration, manual rendering will undoubtedly remain a cherished and indispensable aspect of architectural representation for generations to come.

The use of Acrylic Paint in Manual Architectural Renderings 

Acrylic Paint 

Acrylic paint is used in this type of manual rendering. This can be very challenging especially when computers are not capable of creating photo-realistic renderings at the time. This is a big advantage for artists and painters.

You need to have an excellent skill in mixing colors and perspective plotting.

 

Markers and Pen Sketches

Markers and Pen Sketches are more useful even today. It is the architect's best friend in the schematic design stage. This is to give a quick hand sketch to the client to visualize the idea required by the client. This creates more discussions as to how the architect and his client will arrive at a conceptual design where revisions are very common.

This is also a skill that an architect should possess. It requires a keen sense of proper proportioning and perspective projections. Pen and markers are a good combination to define lines and texture.

Pen and Ink Rendering

Pen and Ink are very similar with markers and pens. Shades and shadows are done through the different strokes and scribbling of the pen. 

 

3D Modelling Softwares

Sketches are now mimicked in the use of Sketchup. This is a complete revolution to what we can do with computers. Sketchup has been useful in this type of presentation. 3d modeling is made easy.
There are several ways to use SketchUp and the different styles available in this program. Artists would really love to explore and choose the best styles of presentation.

I will show you more examples of presentations in different styles from SketchUp.

Different styles in Sketchup.

3D Studio Max

3d Studio Max with V-ray is the software used in the example above. By knowing the proper way of 3D modeling and rendering set-up, you can achieve a real-time presentation.

This is how we look at the importance of Architectural Rendering.

Architectural Design Course | VISUAL TECHNOLOGY

Visual Technology or visual arts - Creating a work that is visual. In the architecture course, visual art is one of the basics that you need to develop. This will include your ability to develop freehand drawings, learn the principles of shades and shadow, understand color, use of multi-media presentation and model making. 

For a freshmen, the focus will be on the basics of freehand sketching, use of graphite pencils, different line type artistry, understanding the monochromatic drawings and different tonal values,   still life drawings and outdoor sketching.

WHAT ARE THE MATERIALS NEEDED?

To start with this course, you will be needing a pencil and a sketchbook.

HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

Getting started with your first training with visual arts will require a lot of time in your drawing exercises. First is to let your mind control your hands and not your hands controlling your mind. There will be exercises to  be accomplished before you will be given an actual visualization work. Be familiar with your tool, even though there are only two materials used here, you still need some time to know how to use the pencil and what are the different types of graphite pencil do you have. There are so many different shades and grade values of each pencil that you will be using, ranging from "F" to "HB" and "B"

LINE EXERCISES

Here are some drawing exercises that you need to start with. These are freehand line exercises.


a. Draw vertical lines without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight vertical lines. 

b. Draw horizontal lines without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight horizontal lines. 


c. Draw diagonal lines without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight diagonal lines.


d. Draw vertical lines (reverse) without any guide, repeat the whole process until you are able to control your hands and able to draw straight diagonal lines on. 


The book Learn how to sketch is a helpful book to explore and master the art of sketching. Click Here!