Introduction
If you’re interested in drawing, but don’t know where to start, this article is for you! Drawing is a fun and rewarding hobby that requires practice and patience. This article is designed for beginners who want to learn how to draw simple shapes and expand their skills to more complex images.
Basic Drawing Techniques
Before starting, it’s important to understand the basic drawing techniques. Contour drawing is the act of creating an outline of a shape or object. Value/shading refers to creating light and dark areas in order to give the illusion of depth. Line drawing is the use of different lines and thicknesses to create texture and detail. Sketching involves creating a rough draft of a drawing before refining it. Each technique is important in creating a well-rounded drawing.
Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing Simple Shapes
Starting with simple shapes is the best way to build drawing skills. For example, circles can be used to create the body of a person or animal, squares and rectangles can be used for buildings and furniture, and triangles can create the roof of a house. Here’s a step-by-step guide to drawing each shape:
How to Draw a Circle:
- Draw a dot in the center of the page.
- Using a compass or by freehand, draw a circle around the dot.
- Erase the dot and any extra lines inside the circle.
How to Draw a Square:
- Draw a horizontal line.
- Draw a vertical line that intersects with the horizontal line.
- Draw another horizontal line that intersects with the vertical line.
- Draw another vertical line that intersects with the second horizontal line to complete the square.
How to Draw a Triangle:
- Draw a horizontal line.
- Draw two diagonal lines that intersect with the horizontal line.
- Erase the horizontal line to complete the triangle.
How to Draw a Rectangle:
- Draw a horizontal line.
- Draw a vertical line next to the horizontal line.
- Draw another horizontal line parallel to the first horizontal line.
- Draw another vertical line parallel to the first vertical line to complete the rectangle.
Once you have successfully drawn each shape, try combining them to create more complex images. For example, drawing a triangle on top of a square creates a basic house shape!
The Importance of Practice and Tips for Making Time to Draw
Practice is key in improving drawing skills. Set aside time each day or week to practice. Draw things that interest you to make the process more enjoyable. If you’re struggling to find time to practice, incorporate drawing into your daily routine. Bring a sketchbook with you to work or school and draw during your free time. Set reminders on your phone or planner to remind you to practice.
Online Resources and Tutorials for Beginners
There are countless resources online for beginners looking to improve their drawing skills. Here are a few helpful sites and tutorials:
- Draw a Box: A free, comprehensive series of lessons on the fundamentals of drawing.
- Skillshare Drawing Classes: A selection of paid and free drawing courses taught by professionals.
- Mark Crilley’s Youtube Channel: A Youtube channel featuring drawing tutorials and speed drawings for beginners and advanced artists.
Common Mistakes and How to Overcome Them
Common mistakes beginners make while drawing include drawing too lightly or too hard, being too critical of their work, and not practicing enough. To overcome these mistakes, try using different pencil pressures to achieve the desired line thickness, be kind to yourself and remember that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and make time to practice as often as possible.
Finding Your Own Style and Creative Exercises
Experimenting with different styles and techniques is a great way to find your own personal drawing style. Try drawing things in different styles, such as cartoon or abstract. Another way to improve your skills is to try creative exercises, such as drawing an object from memory or drawing with your eyes closed.
Conclusion
Drawing is a fun and rewarding skill that takes practice and patience. By starting with basic shapes and using helpful resources and online tutorials, anyone can improve their drawing skills. Remember to set aside time to practice regularly, be kind to yourself, and have fun with the process.