How to Trace Pictures

What Is Tracing?

Tracing typically involves superimposing a blank page over a reference image in order to make an accurate copy.

Definition

Making trace drawings instead of relying on your free-hand skills makes the job of copying an image much simpler.

Why Trace?

Different Tracing Methods to Try

This particular method is arguably the easiest means through which an artist can trace an image. All you need is light and your paper. 

Light and Paper

Once you have traced your image, you can then use your tracing paper to transpose the image onto another surface by drawing over the lines again. 

Tracing Paper

The printed image will now become your template. Turn the image around and begin to trace it on the backside using a graphite pencil.

Transfering Prints

By placing a blank page over an object with detailed texture and shading over the spot on the page where the two meet, you can create a very detailed tracing of the object.

Pencil Rubbing

Cell phone screens are essentially just panels of lights, which means you can replicate the light and paper method of tracing.

Tracing from Your Phone

It is made using transfer paper, which is a thin pigment- and wax-coated sheet. Transfer bares a likeness to carbon paper but the former is less messy to work with.

Transfer Paper

Tracing with Specialist Tools

Projectors are among the best tools for tracing pictures money can buy and can easily prove to be worth the dollars spent if you are serious about tracing art.

Projector

All you have to do is place your reference image onto the glass panel and place another thin piece of paper above the image.

Lightbox

Through the manipulation of mirrors and light refraction, the Camera Lucida creates an optical illusion that allows the user to trace a subject simply by looking at it.

Camera Lucida

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