How to make a drawing bigger using the grid method

The video introduces the gridding method as a straightforward technique to enlarge or reduce drawings from reference photos, especially useful for portraits where accuracy is key. It's an alternative to expensive projectors or manual tracing when scaling is involved.

The video demonstrates using a free app to apply a grid to a digital photo. Users can adjust the size of the squares, the thickness of the grid lines (recommended 2-3 pixels), and the color of the lines using hex codes (e.g., #000000 for black, #FF0000 for red). Once happy, the gridded image can be exported as a JPEG.

A crucial step is understanding how to maintain proportions. The video explains that you can only grid up or down in proportion to the original photo. This is demonstrated by drawing a diagonal line from corner to corner of the reference image. Any drawing surface you transfer to must maintain this same aspect ratio to avoid distortion.

To grid your paper or canvas, count the number of squares across and down on your gridded photo. Then, measure the width of your drawing surface and divide by the number of desired squares to determine the size of each square. It's essential that these squares remain true squares on your drawing surface, not rectangles, to maintain correct proportions.

The transfer process involves systematically going square by square, drawing the parts of the image that fall within each grid. The presenter advises starting with outlines and working logically across the grid. Numbering the squares on both the reference and the drawing surface can aid in preventing confusion. Details like the hairline and eye placement are used as examples, emphasizing the need for patience and accuracy.

After transferring the main elements, the grid lines drawn in pencil on the drawing surface must be carefully erased. This is especially important for transparent mediums like watercolor or pencil drawings. The lines should be drawn lightly initially to make erasing easier. The video concludes by stressing the importance of using common sense and artistic judgment, double-checking proportions, and viewing the artwork from a distance or in a mirror to identify any errors.