Scaling Up an Image with Shelley Holtzman

To enlarge a painting or image that you would like to draw or paint without a projector is easily done using a grid. It’s not too difficult, but it does take a little  math. The key is to keep the proportions of your reference image and work surface the same so there will be no distortion. For example, if you reference an image that is an 8×10, it will easily enlarge to a 16×20, 24×30, etc.

Draw a grid of equal squares over your reference photo. For an 8×10 image measure with a ruler and make a small mark every inch on each side. Then proceed to connect the marks to create a grid!  Use a pen so the lines stand out.

2) Number the squares across the left side and top of the reference photo.

3) Use the same technique to draw a grid of equal ratio on your paper lightly in pencil. This is a 2” grid because the final piece is 16×20. (For a final piece that’s 20×25 your grid would be 2.5” and so on.)  Number the large grid accordingly.

On canvas use a soft charcoal, which can be sealed with a fixative or washed off with water after you start painting.

4) Now the fun part!  Begin to copy your image square by square. Focusing on one square at a time is easier and less overwhelming than the entire image.  Make sure you are in the correct square! Use the numbers on the sides to guide you. 

5) EXTRA TIP: Cut a frame to the size of the squares on your reference photo to help stay focused!

Keep drawing!

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About Shelley Holzman

  Shelley Holtzman is Co-President of The Art Guild and a member of the Port Washington Library Art Advisory Council.  A former art director for a New York ad agency, her experience with graphic design is evidenced in her work, which emphasizes strong lines and vivid contrasts.  Painting in watercolor or oil, her passion for color can be seen in her florals, landscapes and portraits as she strives to illuminate the vibrancy of people and world around us. Shelley’s art can be viewed at ShelleyHoltzman.com 

Shelley is also a designer for Vida, a sustainable socially conscious global company. Her designs can be viewed at shopvida.com/shelley-holtzman