5 Easy Techniques for Object Drawing Beginners
Contents
1. Get Comfortable with Your Tools
2. Learn Basic Shapes
3. Build Perspective
4. Practice Shading
5. Create Textures
Embarking on the journey of object drawing can seem daunting, yet incredibly exciting. If you've been searching for easy object drawing techniques, you've come to the right place. This blog will guide you through five simple, yet effective techniques that are perfect for beginners. Let's dive into the world of object drawing with the first step: getting comfortable with your tools.
1. Get Comfortable with Your Tools
Before you can start creating your masterpiece, it's important to familiarize yourself with the tools of the trade. Understanding your tools will not only improve your drawing technique but also boost your confidence as you navigate through the world of easy object drawing.
Understanding Different Pencils
Pencils are the backbone of any drawing. They come in a variety of types, each with its unique properties. The 'B' pencils are softer and produce darker lines—ideal for shading. The 'H' pencils, on the other hand, are harder and give lighter lines—perfect for outlining and detailed work. An HB pencil strikes a balance between the two, making it a versatile option for beginners. So, next time you pick a pencil, remember: the type of pencil you use can significantly influence your drawing.
Using Erasers Effectively
Erasers are more than just tools for correcting mistakes; they're a secret weapon for creating effects in your drawings. For instance, a kneaded eraser is flexible and can be molded to erase specific areas without affecting the rest of your drawing. On the other hand, a rubber eraser is excellent for removing large areas of graphite. Remember, erasing isn't just about fixing errors—it's an integral part of easy object drawing.
Exploring Other Art Supplies
Beyond pencils and erasers, there's a whole world of art supplies waiting for you to explore. A sketchpad, for example, is a must-have for any artist. They come in a variety of sizes and paper types, each suited for different drawing techniques. Blending stumps, also known as tortillons, are perfect for smoothing out your shading and creating gradients. Remember: the right tools can make your easy object drawing journey smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Learn Basic Shapes
Object drawing is not just about replicating what you see. It's about breaking complex objects into simpler shapes. This technique makes it easier to understand the structure of the object you're drawing. Let's take a look at how you can start with simple shapes like circles, squares, and triangles in your easy object drawing endeavors.
Drawing Circles and Ovals
Whether you're drawing an apple or a football, circles and ovals are fundamental shapes in object drawing. Here's a handy tip: try to keep your hand relaxed and let the movement come from your arm, not just your wrist. This technique will help you create smoother and more consistent lines. You'll be amazed at how many objects you can draw using just circles and ovals.
Creating Squares and Rectangles
Squares and rectangles might seem simple, but they are the basis of many objects like buildings, books, or smartphones. The key to drawing perfect squares and rectangles is to focus on the angles. Is the angle right? Are the opposite sides parallel? Keeping these points in mind will help you create accurate squares and rectangles in your object drawings.
Mastering Triangles
From the pyramids of Egypt to a simple slice of pizza, triangles are everywhere. They can be a bit tricky to draw, especially when you're dealing with perspective, but don't worry. Start with an equilateral triangle—one with all sides and angles equal. Once you've got that down, move on to other types like isosceles and scalene triangles. With a bit of practice, you'll be incorporating triangles into your object drawings in no time.
Remember, mastering these basic shapes is a significant first step towards creating exceptional object drawings. So, take your time, practice, and don't forget to have fun along the way!
3. Build Perspective
Once you've got the hang of basic shapes, it's time to take your easy object drawing to the next level by building perspective. Perspective adds depth to your drawings and makes them look more realistic. Let's start with the most straightforward perspective: one-point perspective.
Learning One-Point Perspective
One-point perspective involves a single vanishing point on the horizon line. It's like looking down a straight road—objects closer to you appear larger, and those further away seem smaller. To practice, try drawing a simple box using one-point perspective. Once you've mastered this, you'll find it's easier to draw more complex objects with depth and distance.
Exploring Two-Point Perspective
Two-point perspective, as you might guess, involves two vanishing points on the horizon line. This technique is excellent when you're drawing objects at an angle instead of straight on, like the corner of a building. The key here is to remember that all lines will eventually converge at one of the two points. It might seem a bit tricky at first, but with some practice, you'll get the hang of it.
Understanding Three-Point Perspective
Three-point perspective is typically used for tall objects or when viewing something from above or below. It involves three vanishing points—two on the horizon line and one either above or below it. This technique can make your drawings look more dynamic and dramatic. For example, it's perfect for drawing skyscrapers from a worm's eye view.
Building perspective might seem daunting at first, but remember, practice makes perfect. Start with one-point perspective, gradually move to two-points, and then try your hand at three-points. You'll soon find that perspective is a powerful tool in your object drawing toolkit.
4. Practice Shading
After you've mastered perspective, it's time to add more depth and realism to your easy object drawings by practicing shading. Shading allows you to illustrate how light interacts with objects, giving your drawings a more three-dimensional look.
Creating Gradients
Gradients are a crucial step in mastering shading. A gradient is a gradual change from dark to light. It's just like when you watch the sun set and see the sky slowly change colors. You can practice gradients by filling a rectangle with a gradual shift from dark to light. Remember, the smoother the transition, the more realistic your gradient will look. It's a simple exercise, but it can significantly improve your shading skills.
Learning About Shadows
Shadows are an important aspect of shading. They help you indicate where the light is coming from in your drawing. You can start by drawing a simple object like a sphere or a cube, and then add a shadow to it. Remember, the darker the shadow, the brighter the light source. Once you're comfortable with this, you can add shadows to more complex objects in your drawings.
Exploring Light Sources
Understanding light sources is key to mastering shading. The direction and intensity of light will affect how you shade your drawing. For instance, direct sunlight will create hard, dark shadows, while diffused light will result in softer shadows. You can experiment with different light sources by drawing the same object under various lighting conditions. You'll be amazed at how different the same object can look with different light sources.
Shading is a lot like playing with light and shadow. It's about observing how light behaves and translating that into your drawing. It might take some time to get it right, but once you do, you'll see a significant improvement in your object drawing skills.
5. Create Textures
Adding texture to your easy object drawings can make them come alive. It's like adding the final touch to your masterpiece—making the surface of an object look rough, smooth, furry, or shiny can all be achieved with the right texture techniques. Let's see how you can add a few common textures to your drawings.
Drawing Fur
Ever tried drawing a cute, fluffy bunny but ended up with something that looks more like a bald alien? That's probably because you didn't get the fur right. Fur can be tricky to draw, but with a bit of patience, you can do it. Start by lightly sketching the shape of the animal. Then, add short, curved lines for short fur or longer strokes for long fur. Remember to follow the direction the fur grows in—the pattern of fur can show the form of the animal.
Creating Wood Texture
Wood texture is another common texture you might want to add to your drawings. It's not as hard as it looks. Start by drawing the general shape of the wooden object. Then, add long, curved lines to mimic the grain of the wood. Vary the thickness and darkness of the lines to create a more realistic texture. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to draw a wooden texture that looks so real, you can almost feel it.
Understanding Scales and Feathers
Scales and feathers can be a bit tricky to draw, but they can really make your drawings stand out. For scales, start by drawing small, overlapping shapes—like tear drops or ovals. For feathers, draw a central line (the rachis), then add the smaller lines (barbs) extending from it. Remember, feathers and scales follow a certain pattern, so pay close attention to that. And there you have it—you can now draw a dragon or a bird with relative ease!
Texture is what makes an object look and feel a certain way. By adding texture to your drawings, you give them a sense of realism and depth that can take your artwork to the next level. So, grab your pencils and start practicing—happy drawing!
If you're eager to learn more about object drawing and want to hone your skills, don't miss the workshop 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy' by Yazmin Moktan. This workshop will guide you through easy-to-follow techniques that will help you become a more accurate and confident object drawer.