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Construction vs Detail

1:57 AM, Saturday April 24th 2021

Hi, I'm currently on Lesson 4 and am a little confused on what counts as adding construction vs adding detail. The homework requires at least four pages that focus on construction only, but all of the demos take the drawings through the addition of detail. Here's a drawing that I think is MOSTLY constructional (maybe if I omitted the spines on the legs).

I consider things like adding segmentation to the legs/antennae as building on top of the existing construction, but I could also see how that may be interpreted as texture/detail. Also, where do things like cast shadows and line weight fall in this discussion? I've been told in previous critiques to avoid being too liberal with line weight, but my natural urge is always to reinforce messier areas with thicker lines. But often times I feel this makes my drawings less cohesive somehow. Any tips on ways to deal with this?

Thanks!

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2 users agree
2:43 PM, Saturday April 24th 2021
edited at 6:05 PM, Apr 24th 2021

I tended to focus on 3d shapes only in this exercise although I did add what was considered too much detail or black fill in a couple.

My view is to focus on consistent pen weight for as long as possible. Only use extra where it helps with a potentially confusing situation that it will help clarify. Such as ensuring one of two crossing legs is in front of the other.

Spines, antennae etc are all 3d shapes in space so they are construction not detail. You could have one long, thin tube for an antenna and then add segmentation around. That is fine.

If you see clear cast shadows then you can use them but I think clear construction is more important.

edited at 6:05 PM, Apr 24th 2021
6:19 PM, Saturday April 24th 2021

Thanks! Your point about using consistent pen weight is well taken. It made me realize that I probably push the pen too hard way too early, and that those thicker lines end up clashing with the lighter lines of the initial construction. I'll try to apply my pen pressure more uniformly and save the heavier lines for clarification like you suggested. Really good advice!

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