Grid Transfer Drawings
Black and White Graphite
Grid Transfer Method
 Method of accurately transferring an image to artwork by
keeping it to scale/proportion.
 Method uses boxes to break down the drawing into smaller
sections for easier transfer
Using a Grid to Transfer an Image
Creating a Grid
 Measure the size of the photo you are drawing.
 Divide the image into even squares.You may have to crop
an image to do so.
 Determine the size of the drawing paper by keeping it to
proportion to the original photo (a good start is to double
the size of the photo, or triple it!).
 Divide the drawing paper into even squares. If you have 4
squares across and 6 down on the image, the same number of
squares will need to be created on the paper.
 Transfer the contents of the image one square at a time.
Principle: Proportion
 comparison of the relative size of 2 or more objects
as they are seen with one another.
Element: Value
 The lights and darks in an image
 For this project we will only be using black and white, and
creating grays using a smooth blending technique with
graphite.
 Value can be used to create contrast
Contrast
 The difference between two objects. In the case of this
project, contrast is the difference between light and dark
value.
Composition
 The way the principles are arranged on the canvas/paper
 Composition refers to the placement of objects on the
canvas and how the space is used.
Unique compositions
 Allow Runoff
 Balance between the white, gray and black values, distributed
evenly.
Examples of black and white contrast
drawings for Art 2 (high school art)
Art 2: Your Assignment
 Locate a minimum of 3 black and white photos (large file size).







Save them to your U drive.
Student and instructor choose strongest composition and
contrasting image for transfer.
Print photo 6x6 inches or larger.
Paper size: 12x12
Determine number of squares on photo and then create the same
number of squares on the drawing paper.
Transfer image with pencil outline 1 square at a time
Begin shading one square at a time working from one corner
to the opposite corner.
Create a drawing using a minimum of 8 values
Examples for Art 1 - contrast
Art 1: Your Assignment
 Locate a minimum of 3 black and white photos (large file size). Save







them to your U drive. Practice photos should be only black and white –
no gray! (you can change the value in Word).You will incorporate 4
values or more in your project.
Student and instructor choose strongest composition and contrasting
image for transfer.
Print photo 6x6 inches or larger.
Paper size: 12x12
Determine number of squares on photo and then create the same
number of squares on the paper.
Transfer image with pencil outline 1 square at a time
Begin shading one square at a time working from one corner to the
opposite corner.
Create a drawing using 4 values – extreme lights and extreme
darks – you may use more values if you want to!
Grading Criteria
 Craftsmanship







15pts
Composition
15pts
Accuracy of Grid Transfer
20pts
Value/Form
20pts
Contrast of lights/darks
10pts
Technical skill
15pts
Participation
5pts
Total: 100pts