How to Scale Up a Drawing

I’m a firm believer in planning out your paintings and creating thumbnails before diving into a larger, finished piece. They are one of the keys to successful painting and being consistent. But, one of the more frustrating things about painting is when you take the time to do a thumbnail sketch, and then your finished piece just doesn't have the same flavor to it. Some of that may be due to expectations and making the finish a bit precious and less spontaneous, but there can be another factor that leads to an unsatisfying result. You might have neglected to use the same proportion in your final piece. This completely changes the relationship between the shapes. This might not seem like a big deal but when you are painting larger all those relationships are magnified, mistakes and all.
So what’s the solution? Properly scaling your sketch!
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[@leslovesart]

This is excellent!

[@angelasherman100]

This is really helpful - thanks Marla.

[@krishurwit205]

Explanations and demonstrations that worked for me. Really appreciate you posting this video.
Thank you.

[@christinegalysh7433]

thank you. will use the first method. really clear. aprreciate that. All the best.

[@penahtx]

Thanks for another fast and useful lesson

[@gilberthoste4315]

Thank You.

[@rhondawillington9214]

Thank you Marla, struggled with this in the past, but now I understand completely because of your great explanation. ❤️👍🏻

[@kathleentrued9359]

Thanks for this wonderful demo. I have the wheel but was never comfortable using it accurately; now I’m confident in its use😀

[@BT-be8rh]

My proportion wheel is over 40 years old!!

[@roxannenaydan5362]

Marla! Thanks so much for explaining the proportion wheel! Always wondered how to use one and now I'm no longer confused - at least not about that ;). Hope you are staying safe! Take care. roxy

[@leslieharris9088]

I don't remember where I learned this but it's been such a valuable tool as well as that little wheel when I was designing.

[@RemoteHogg10]

That was very helpful, Marla! Thank you!

[@ggjj999]

Great information!! Thank you so much!

[@Sykirobme]

Nice, never thought of scaling up using the diagonal before! I usually use a grid system, but it often results in a stiff drawing. The diagonal seems like it would give me a lot more leeway to play while still keeping the relative positions super close. Thanks!

[@firesignart]

great help thanks!!

[@PassionForLifeGallery]

Thanks for the info. The diagonal thing was very good. I would probably have just done the math but it is a good alternative. The other option is to take a set of viewfinders with you into the field, each of different proportions, and then sketch what you see inside them. They could be the same proportions as common canvas sizes for example. Just a thought.

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Thank you!

[@vantastic_dreamer]

@Marla I would love to see a demonstration on how to paint something like the Grand Canyon. It would be interesting to see the underpainting, the strokes how much of the edges are blended out if any. This video is very helpful . Thanks!

[@michelegirard]

Cool! Thank you

[@christinedrake1645]

I like the bisecting but wheel not so much...thank you !!

[@hemarao9746]

So helpful 🥰🥰😇

[@mikedevlin2048]

A proportional divider is waaaay easier and been used for centuries

[@vantastic_dreamer]

Grand Canyon in pastels