At today's meeting, we will talk about techniques to make a Master Drawing Copy. I will outline the steps here, and we can add to the post after the meeting.
Select a photo of the master drawing you would like to copy. Make sure you have paper that matches the same size of the drawing you would like to replicate (for sight-size technique)
Tape a thread horizontally and vertically to your master drawing, dividing the drawing into equal quarters. Lightly sketch these lines onto your drawing paper with an HB or harder lead pencil.
Block in. Block in the large basic shapes to establish an accurate framework of the entire drawing. Use light, straight, pencil lines and an eraser for corrections. Spend a good amount of time focusing on proportions, angles, and relationships. There is no detail added at this stage.
Refine your block-in. Check for accurate proportions and measurements. Start to refine the contour lines by darkening them and adding necessary detail.
Value Mapping. Begin to map out shadow and highlight areas and indicate planar changes. Darken the shadow area to about 80% full value.
Turn the Form. Use the sharpened tip of your pencil to shade the areas of light and shadow. Look for value relationships such as cast vs core shadows, reflected light, and hard vs soft edges. Do not smudge or blend with anything other than your pencil in order to refine your value perception and shading technique (proper selection of pencil lead and pressure sensitivity).
Finish the drawing!
Above: Sadie Valeri Classical Drawing
Below: Tuomas Tuimala Steps to Classical drawing