Drawing a Coventry Cathedral Statue Using the Grid Method
Drawing from life becomes easier when using the grid method. In this demonstration, I show how a simple four‑quadrant grid helps place key shapes accurately while sketching a statue at Coventry Cathedral. Using HB and 2B pencils, this exercise focuses on proportion, tonal balance and confident shading.
Using a Grid for Drawing Practice
A
tip for drawing is to use the grid technique. Here, I have simplified the grid
into four sections. Drawing from life is made convenient and easy. This drawing
demonstration requires HB and 2B pencils, ruler scalpel, A5 sketchpad and
eraser.
 |
| The head fits into left quadrant of the grid |
Measuring Proportions and Setting Up the Four-Quadrant Grid
I
set myself up in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral where an interesting statue
happened to roughly fit into a grid of four. This was ascertained by holding
the pencil to eyelevel and measuring width to height proportion. The head and
torso of the statue was twice as high as it was wide. The photograph of the
statue shows how this works. Of course, the photo and a drawing from life will
always look different.
As
can be seen from the rudimentary sketch, the face of the statue roughly fits
into the top left of the grid.
On
the page, I drew a rectangle of 18cm high by 9cm wide. I then divided the
rectangle into four quadrants. Take care not to sketch too dark at this stage.
I have emphasized the lines in the image for clarity.
 |
| Drawing with the grid method |
Key
marks are made, bearing in mind the four quadrants of the composition. Notice
the left arm moves in right angles down the right quadrant to join the hand in
the bottom left. Similarly, the right hand fits neatly in the bottom right grid
beneath the left arm.
The
left hand fits into the bottom right quadrant. These basic shapes are ideal for
practicing the grid method for the first time.
Only
once the first lines are reasonably accurate and fit together like a jigsaw, can
detail and shading be worked into.
 |
| Lines are made a little darker. |
Here,
the lines are darkened a little, making adjustments along the way. With a HB
pencil, I shaded in the water stains on the statue. Once happy with the drawing, I rubbed out the grid.
I
shaded over the upper section of the statue, varying the pressure on the pencil
to attain different values.
 |
| Shading in the water stains and shadows. |
Shading Water Stains and Sculptural Details
I
shifted to a 2B pencil to attain darker shades for the shadows on the statue.
The side of the pencil is used for softness. Detail is applied with the sharp
point of the pencil around the eyes and hair. Being soft, the pencil tended to
wear down quickly, so a scalpel will come in useful. I worked over the hands,
arm, torso and face. Working simultaneously ensures tonal balance is
maintained.
 |
| Shading in the darkest areas and background. |
Finally,
I shaded in the background, bringing the statue into its environment. Notice how the formations suddenly key into one another, making more sense. The drawing often comes together at the final touches.
 |
| Statue at Coventry Cathedral |
Drawing Exercises
Learn how Your
left brain is ruining your drawings and how a Cure
for wonky drawings will help you improve. A Test
for visual awareness will set you up for How
to shade a sphere and How
to draw an ellipse
Finally learn Drawing
close ups and how to Improve
visual memory in drawing will set you up to Draw cathedral window in ballpoint pen
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