Drawing with the compass

A compass is a technical drawing instrument that can be used for inscribing circles or arcs. They can also be used as tools to measure distances, in particular on maps. 

Compasses are usually made of metal or plastic, and consist of two parts connected by a hinge which can be adjusted to allow the changing of the radius of the circle drawn. Typically one part has a spike at its end, and the other part a pencil, or sometimes a pen.

PARTS OF A COMPASS

Handle

Users can grip it between their pointer finger and thumb.

Legs

There are two types of legs in a compass: the straight or the steady leg and the adjustable one. Each has a separate purpose; the steady leg serves as the basis or support for the needle point, while the adjustable leg can be altered in order to draw different sizes of circles.

Hinge

The screw on your hinge holds the two legs in its position; the hinge can be adjusted depending on desired stiffness. The tighter the screw the better the compass’ performance.

Needle point

The needle point is located on the steady leg, and serves as the center point of circles that are drawn.

Pencil lead

The pencil lead draws the circle on a particular paper or material.

Cristina Bachero

Claudia Martín

It is not easy to work with a compass accurately but I´m sure that you´ll try your best.

Remember that practice makes perfect

This  handout is going  to help you with the dimensions.´

You´ll have to work with colour but selecting a pattern such as working with cool and warm colours or trying to find another type of harmony (monochrome, analogous colours...)


-Link to the excercise (step by step) Part one

- Part two