Online Tutorial Series : Scribble Grid Method for Scaling and Transferring a Reference

Sometimes you find the perfect reference image and all you want to do is get to the painting part. But before that can happen, there is usually the slow step of plotting a traditional grid over the reference and then recreating that grid on your canvas.

The scribble grid method offers a much faster alternative. It is a method often used in mural art and works in a very similar way to the traditional grid method, but instead of carefully measuring squares, you create a set of loose, abstract marks that act as visual reference points.

When paired with simple technology, like taking a photo on your phone and overlaying it digitally, the process of transferring your sketch becomes much quicker and more intuitive.

Follow the Tutorial Step by Step in the video linked above.

To make it easy to try this technique yourself, I’ve prepared a free digital resource pack that you can download right here. Inside the pack you’ll find:

• A reference image for the exercise
• The same reference with a scribble grid overlay
• A separate scribble grid page to help guide your transfer

These resources will help you get started quickly while you practise the method alongside this video tutorial.

In the video, I also walk you through the full process step by step, including how to:

• Create your scribble grid on the canvas
• Photograph and align your reference
• Overlay the image digitally using a simple tool like Google Slides
• Use the scribble lines as reference points to sketch your subject accurately

My goal with this approach is to keep the process accessible and efficient, so you don’t need specialised software or a complicated setup to try it.

Ready to Try It?

Download the free digital resource pack for this tutorial here.

Then scroll back up to the top of this page and watch the full video play through, or find it on YouTube here