Make a viewfinder with a twist

I suspect that you will have used a viewfinder of some kind or another to help you to choose your view and isolate your subject. Perhaps you have bought one or made your own by cutting a rectangular hole out of a piece of cardboard. But the other day I came across a natty and completely obvious use for the bit you normally throw away – the piece in the middle. Let me explain…

Here’s how to make one

Step 1. On a piece of cardboard or mountboard mark out a 17cm x 20cm rectangle. Then measure 4cm in from each edge and draw a rectangle which will be 9 x 12cm. Mark the thirds with short lines on all four sides of this small rectangle and then place a ruler across them and mark where they fall on the edge of the outside larger rectangle. Make sure your marks cross the line of the inner rectangle.

Step 2. Cut out the inner rectangle with a sharp knife. Then cut V shaped notches in the outer edge of the large rectangle where you marked the thirds. Don’t throw the inner rectangle away as you will have a use for that later

Step 3. Lightly stretch thin cord, string or cotton thread across from notch to notch, and Sellotape it to the back

Step 4. For added strength, also Sellotape the cord to the front. Your viewfinder is now ready for use. Just hold it up and look through the hole to find a view you want to paint – but make sure your focal point rests on one of the intersections.

Now for the magic bit!

Draw around the inner rectangle to mark out your picture plane in a sketchbook. This will have exactly the same format as your viewfinder. Put a mark where the thirds fall and then use the edge of the card as a ruler to draw in your thirds. These will help you draw your picture and put everything in the right place as you also look through your viewfinder. It’s as easy as that! Why didn’t I think of it?

This viewfinder is for a 9″ x 12″ (3 x 4) format but you can also make one for 8″ x 10″ (4 x 5) or any other common picture format. As ever please give this post a thumbs up if you found it helpful. Many thanks 🙂

#art #sketching #viewfinder #learningtopaint #techniques