← Encyclopedia Skill

Block-in from Big Shapes

What: Starting with the largest masses (sphere, cylinder, cube) before any detail.

Why: It secures correct proportion and composition before you commit to misplaced detail.

How: Summarise the subject in 3–4 light basic shapes, correct their proportions, then carve detail within them.

Common mistake: Starting with the eye or a favourite detail, so proportions collapse.

Exercise: Draw a head starting from the cranial ball and face plane only in one minute, then add features.