a system for sketching , illustrating , drawing or painting a likeness composition such as a canvas oil painting from a source image is described , and includes a set of graduated reusable overlayable source image grids with subdivision indicators affixed to clear plastic sheets to be used with a corresponding destination canvas grid pattern , thereby allowing a consistent grid pattern for all canvas sizes . such a system greatly simplifies the use of grids in producing artwork and provides a low cost timesaving method to draw accurate shapes . the system includes a unique pre - gridded canvas with a water soluble grid pattern that includes the image grid pattern , thereby facilitating the drawing of the source image onto the canvas and simplifying the removal of the grid pattern after the drawing is completed and prior to painting . a method for imprinting the grid pattern onto the canvas , and a method for using the system of the present invention , are also disclosed .