Expert: Amy - 11/7/2004

Question
Hello
I am a beginner. This is for an assignment I am doing if you could help please.
I am trying to crate an illustration of the inside of an art gallery with 2 frames and people standing looking at only one of the frames.
Something like http://www.nga.gov/images/decor/res3fs.htm
But with 2 frames and more people only viewing one art frame. Any advice, tips on how this can be done, I would be very greatful with as much information and help you can give.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Sam,

Unless you have been told that you cannot trace a drawing to do this, for the people, I would either locate a photo or sketch something yourself.  Then scan the sketch and import it into Illustrator to trace the people with the pencil tool. There are many sources for photos on the internet, I'm sure you won't have a problem there. I don't know how detailed you're supposed to get but I picture very simple people - no hair detail, etc. You know that trick of squinting your eyes to see major light and dark shapes in any object when drawing it?  Basically do that to whatever photo you find and use your pencil tool to trace these basic light and dark shapes that make up a person, simplifying them at the same time.

The gallery walls and frames can be made very simply in Illustrator by creating lines and rectangles.  Of course it helps to know something about perspective, so if you don't, I'd probably look at some photos, too, and copy what you learn by examining them.

I guess I'd make the art within the frames abstract so that you don't have to deal with perspective there.

Just a note: Most of the galleries I've been in have extremely high ceilings...probably won't even be able to be seen in an illustration that also includes a floor.

Good luck with your assignment
Amy