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The Importance of Symmetry in Drawing
Symmetry is an exact reflection of form (size, shape, and relative
position) on opposite sides of a dividing line.
Symmetry is a common feature in many still-life subjects, architecture and
the human figure. It is another skill that is very important to practice
as you will use it regularly in your drawing. Do not be discouraged when
you discover it is somewhat harder to do in practice than it looks. Keep
at it and you will discover that it will serve you well in future, not
only as a necessary technique for rendering a realistic drawing but for
saving you time in the process.
Below are 3 sketches. You will see that the balcony railing and animated
portrait are drawn partially. By completing the mirror image, you will
produce the full form of the subject. The final exercise is similar to
that of a kaleidoscope. By drawing the mirror image, vertically or
horizontally in each of the blank squares, you will complete the
kaleidoscopic pattern.
Balcony Railing
Animated Portrait
Kaleidoscope
Other pages of interest
The importance of symmetry
Slow down:
Don't be too quick to erase
Seeing
inherent shapes in your drawings
Seeing spaces,
shapes and proportions
How to change
your perspective in your drawings