When creating both 2D and 3D large-scale chalk art, it is very important to plan ahead. Think about what imagery you would like to create and use the grid method to scale up your art proportionally.
What is the “grid method?”
The grid method is an inexpensive, low-tech way for an artist to reproduce or enlarge an image without the help of a projector. In essence, this method involves drawing a grid over your reference image and then drawing a grid of equal ratio on your work surface.
For instance, I recently participated in the Palm Springs Chalk Art Festival. In preparation for the festival, I designed my imagery ahead of time using the grid method. Below are the steps I took to create my newest chalk art, “Blooming Bumble Bee.”
Step 1: Choose or design your reference image
In honor of spring, I wanted to create chalk art depicting a bee, flower, and honeycomb. I first started by sketching a picture I wanted to recreate in chalk (see below).
Step 2: Draw a grid over your reference image
Once I was happy with my sketch, I drew a 1:1 ratio grid over my bee image. Since I was planning to create a 6 by 6-foot chalk piece, I made sure that the overlaying grid on my sketch was 6 by 6 inches. In this case, my ratio is 1 square inch equals to 1 square foot.
Note: Make sure that your grids are of equal ratio (e.g., 1:1) for 2D art (the ratio is different for 3D). This is very important or else you will have a distorted chalk drawing. A 1:1 ratio means that you will have the exact same number of lines/squares on your work surface as you will have on your reference image.
Step 3: Draw an equal ratio grid on your work surface
Next, I needed to draw a grid on my work surface that was equal in ratio to my reference image. In this case, I drew a 6 by 6-foot grid on the sidewalk in preparation for my art.
Step 4: Draw your reference image over the grid
After I drew my grid, I started drawing my bee image one square foot at a time. I start in the top left corner of my drawing and worked my way across and down. The grid divides the original image into smaller blocks/squares. This makes it easier to see where each element belongs as you work to transfer your image. I try to copy exactly what I see in each individual square (see below).
Step 5: Start coloring in your “gridded” sketch
After my sketch was complete, I started filling in each square with color. With every square, my chalk art started to come to life (see below).
Step 6: Look back in awe at your finished chalk art
After about 9 hours of work, I finished “Blooming Bumble Bee” using the grid method! For this particular piece, I decided to extend past my grid to make the image pop out (see below).
Key Point: The grid method is a super helpful tool when creating large chalk art. Remember to use an equal ratio when enlarging your reference image to create a beautiful piece of proportional artwork.
Want to learn more about chalk art? Check out Part 1 of my Chalk Art Series.
Have you used the grid method before? Do you have any further questions about this approach? Please let us know in the comments!
Thank you for reading!
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