Do I need to use the shoulder to draw all my lines?
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtFundamentals/comments/s9fi1m/do_i_need_to_use_the_shoulder_to_draw_all_my_lines/
2022-01-21 17:06
Realistic_Battle_501
Some times I find it uncomfortable (pun not intended) to draw short lines with my shoulder for these smaller lines could I just use my elbow or would it be better to just practice shorter lines with my shoulder?
Uncomfortable
2022-01-21 18:15
I answer this question in this section from the shoulder drawing page. The most important thing to remember is that which pivot we choose is not based on the length of the given line, but rather its nature. If we need a line that flows smoothly (be it long or short), we use our shoulder, as the larger radius allows more smoother, less specific motion. If we need something that is more stiffly controlled, the wrist can be more suitable, as the smaller radius allows for tighter turns and sharper corners.
It is, of course, entirely normal to feel uncomfortable with drawing shorter marks from your shoulder, but as discussed here the fact that something feels uncomfortable or is difficult is not actually a reason to avoid that particular approach. It just means that you, understandably, are not accustomed to it.
Key-End-7096
2022-01-23 10:10
if you do the exercise where you place a bunch of dots and connect them you can do short distances to practice short lines using the shoulder. It helped me.
Edit: For exercises it's a standard.
Matcomm
2022-01-21 20:41
I find it sometimes uncomfortable too!! And hello Uncomfortable! Thanks for everything you have done and keep doing it. I will read the links later :3
psyflame
2022-01-21 20:48
Hi Uncomfortable, thanks for everything you have built for us. I'm almost done with lesson 2 and my progress has been astounding. You've helped me find my way back to a passion that I once thought I had given up for good.
Now my question: when you talk about smooth flowing lines, that is a separate concept from straight lines, right? For example, in my 250 box challenge, I found it very hard to draw short, straight lines with my shoulder, but when I'm drawing for fun, I use my shoulder for short flowing lines.
Uncomfortable
2022-01-22 19:09
There are two kinds of lines - lines that flow smoothly (maintaining a consistent trajectory, which includes those straight lines), and lines that do not (and instead change their trajectories quickly and sharply throughout their length). While early in Lesson 1 we talk about our principles of markmaking, one of which being "marks should flow smoothly", there are no doubt situations where you'll be drawing really tightly controlled lines that have sharp corners all executed from the wrist. We use our shoulder for every mark that needs to maintain a more consistent trajectory, including straight ones.
Again - drawing short lines from your shoulder is hard, especially at first, but we do of course ask students to do things that initially feel uncomfortable or difficult.
psyflame
2022-01-22 19:17
That distinction makes sense, thank you!