Freehand Sketching
For Architects
1
Freehand Sketching

Freehand sketching is a method of
making a drawing without the use of
instruments.
◦ Most designers use sketches to“think
through”an idea before making the final
drawing.
◦ Freehand sketching requires only a pencil and
plain or grid paper.
Freehand Sketching

Cross-section paper
may be used for
freehand sketching.
Sketching Technique
When sketching, hold the pencil with a grip
firm enough to control the strokes.
 Your arm and hand should have a free and
easy movement.
 As you sketch, rotate the pencil slightly
between the strokes to retain the point
longer.
 Initial lines should be sharp and light.

Sketching Technique
Apply light pressure to avoid making
grooves in the paper.
 Keep your eye on the point where the line
will end; use a series of short strokes to
reach that point.
 When all the lines are sketched, go back
and darken the lines.
 Strive for neatness and good technique.

Sketching Technique
•
When sketching, grip your the pencil
farther back than you normally would.
Sketching Horizontal Lines
•
There are four basic steps.
Sketching Vertical Lines

There are four
basic steps.
Sketching Inclined Lines
Locate the end points of
the line.
 Position arm for trial
movement.
 Sketch several short,
light lines.
 Focus on end point.
 Darken the line.

Sketching an Angle
First, sketch a right
angle (90°).
 Subdivide the right
angle to get the
angle you desire.

Sketching Circles and Arcs

There are several methods of sketching
circles and arcs:
◦
◦
◦
◦

Centerline method.
Enclosing square method.
Hand-pivot method.
Free-circle method.
All are sufficiently accurate, so use the
best method for a particular situation.
Centerline Method
Locate centerlines.
 Mark off radius.
 Position arm.
 Sketch the circle in short sweeps.
 Darken the circle.

Enclosing Square Method
Locate centerlines.
 Sketch a box equal to the diameter.
 Sketch arcs where the centerlines cross the
box line.
 Sketch the circle.

Hand-Pivot Method

First, position the pencil and small finger.
Then, rotate the paper to sketch the circle.
Sketching Ellipses

The rectangular method for sketching
ellipses is similar to the enclosing square
method for circles.
Proportion in Sketching
Proportion is the size relationship of one
part to another or to the whole object.
 Keep the same width, height, and depth
in proportion.

◦ Unit method.
◦ Pencil-sight method.
Proportion in Sketching

Gauge proportions using the pencil-sight
method.