Ingredients:
Drawing the USA is an art with its own set of ingredients. All you need are a few basic tools and the right supplies. First, you’ll need a good graphite pencil, some quality erasers and colored pencils. For the canvas, you’ll need a thick sheet of primed sheetrock. Then, its time to get creative!
Prep Work:
Not all art needs a grid but drawing a precision based map this size requires it. Use a straight edge ruler to draw a grid featuring small squares (5 by 5) across the entire surface. This will serve as your guide. Remember to draw slowly and lightly; erases create gaps.
Smooth Sailing:
Start by sketching the outline of the USA. You’ve seen enough maps to guide you in the right direction. Move your pencil slowly and lightly as you make your way around the states and try to keep your line consistent. Once the outline is complete, you can start filling in details like the state boundaries and other geographical features. You’ll be surprised at how a few creative lines can bring such depth to the drawing.
Building Depth & Interest:
Now comes the fun part – adding depth and interest. Make use of your color pencils to create multicolored shading, unfolding the geography of each state. You can also use trees, roads, points of interest and rivers. Simply draw them lightly with the pencil, then add some bolder color shading with the colored pencils. Consider the direction of the sun when adding texture and shadows.
Finishing Touches:
Once you’ve finished adding all the details, you can move on to the final touches – the fun part! You may want to add a subtle background in order to tie everything together. Think about using a color pencil or a blending pen to give your artwork a sense of movement. Lastly, you can use erasers to create a nice finishing touch.
Honoring The Boundaries:
The final step is to mark the boundaries of each state. It may seem like a tedious task, but it requires a precise and meticulous eye. Look for any discrepancies and note them down for later. Make sure that every boundary line is accurately marked, so as to give the finished product an air of authenticity. Once you’ve done this, you are ready to display your work.
The Freedom To Create:
Drawing the USA is all about having the freedom to express yourself, while honoring the boundaries of each state. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and trust your artistic judgment. Use bright colors and contrast to bring out the distinctive features of each state. This can help you to instantly recognize any discrepancies that may appear. Most importantly, have fun with it and be imaginative – creativity has no boundaries.
Going Digital:
Once you’ve finished your drawing on paper, why not take it a step further and illustrate it digitally? This will allow you to add layers of depth and experimentation that are simply not possible with traditional drawing tools. Explore working with brushes, textures and color palettes to create a truly unique piece. You can even add 3D elements for an immersive experience!
The Joy Of Drawing:
Drawing the USA is a challenging yet rewarding exercise. It requires patience, dedication and attention to detail. Yet, the end product is more than just a work of art. It is a testament of your creative capabilities and a source of great pride when you look upon your map.
