Easy and Fun Things to Draw: Ideas and Tips for Beginners
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

1. Simple Shapes

2. Animals

3. Nature

4. Cartoons

5. Doodle Art

6. Tools and Materials

7. Practice and Improvement

Looking for some fun and easy stuff to draw? You've come to the right place! This blog will guide you through various drawing ideas for beginners, from simple shapes to more complex doodle art. Let's get started!

1. Simple Shapes

Starting with basic shapes is an excellent way to begin your drawing journey. They are the building blocks for more complex drawings and can help you familiarize yourself with the basic techniques. Here are some simple shapes to practice:

Circles

Circles are a versatile shape to draw and can be the foundation for many creative ideas. Here's how you can practice drawing circles:

  • Draw small, medium, and large circles to develop control over your pencil movement.
  • Try to make your circles as round as possible—perfection is not the goal, but consistency is.
  • Experiment with filled and hollow circles to explore different styles and textures.

Triangles

Triangles are another great shape for beginners to practice. They come in various forms, such as equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. Here's what you can do with triangles:

  • Practice drawing triangles of different sizes and types to improve your lines and angles.
  • Combine triangles to create more complex shapes and designs, like pyramids or tessellations.
  • Play with shading and patterns to give your triangles depth and visual interest.

Squares

Lastly, squares are a fundamental shape that you'll use in many drawings. Here are some tips to perfect your squares:

  • Draw squares of various sizes to work on your straight lines and right angles.
  • Experiment with 3D shapes, like cubes, to add dimension to your drawings.
  • Combine squares with other shapes to create interesting patterns or more complex objects.

Now that you have a solid foundation of simple shapes, let's explore some more exciting stuff to draw!

2. Animals

Animals are a popular and fun subject for artists of all skill levels. They offer endless possibilities and can help you improve your drawing skills. Let's take a look at some beginner-friendly animals to draw:

Cats

Cats are a great starting point for drawing animals. With their variety of shapes and sizes, they provide an excellent opportunity to practice different techniques. Here's how to start drawing cats:

  • Begin with basic shapes like circles and ovals for the head and body, then add details like ears and tails.
  • Practice drawing various cat poses, such as sitting, lying down, or stretching.
  • Experiment with different patterns and textures for the fur, like stripes or spots.

Dogs

Dogs are another fantastic option for those looking for fun stuff to draw. They come in many breeds and sizes, allowing you to explore different styles and techniques. Here's what you can do with dogs:

  • Start with basic shapes for the head and body, then add details like ears, tails, and legs.
  • Draw dogs in various positions, like standing, sitting, or playing.
  • Experiment with different fur textures and patterns, such as curly, wavy, or spotted.

Birds

Birds are an excellent subject for beginners to practice drawing, as they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are some tips for drawing birds:

  • Begin with a simple oval for the body and a smaller circle for the head, then add details like wings, beaks, and tails.
  • Practice drawing birds in different poses, like perching, flying, or preening.
  • Experiment with different feather patterns and colors to make your birds more visually interesting.

With these animal drawing ideas, you'll quickly build your skills and confidence. Next up, let's dive into some beautiful stuff to draw from nature!

3. Nature

Nature offers a wealth of inspiration for those looking for beautiful stuff to draw. From flowers to trees and sunsets, there's something for everyone. Let's explore some of these beginner-friendly ideas:

Flowers

Flowers are a popular choice for beginners, as they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Here's how to get started with drawing flowers:

  • Begin by drawing simple shapes to represent petals, then add details like stems and leaves.
  • Experiment with different types of flowers, such as roses, daisies, or sunflowers.
  • Play with colors and shading to give your flowers depth and dimension.

Trees

Trees are another great subject for beginners to practice their drawing skills. Here are some tips for drawing trees:

  • Start with a simple trunk shape, then add branches and leaves.
  • Practice drawing different types of trees, like palm trees, pine trees, or oak trees.
  • Experiment with shading and texture to create the appearance of bark and leaves.

Sunsets

Sunsets can be a fun and relaxing subject to draw, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Here are some ideas for drawing sunsets:

  • Begin with a simple horizon line, then add the sun and sky.
  • Experiment with different colors and gradients to create a beautiful, glowing sky.
  • Add details like clouds, trees, or water to make your sunset scene more interesting.

With these nature-inspired ideas, you'll have plenty of stuff to draw and explore. Now, let's move on to some classic cartoon characters!

4. Cartoons

Cartoon characters are not only iconic and fun to draw, but they also help beginners learn different styles and techniques. Here are a few classic characters to try your hand at:

Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is a timeless character that's perfect for beginners. Here's how to start drawing Mickey:

  • Begin with a circle for his head, then add two smaller circles for his ears.
  • Sketch the facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Add details like his body, arms, legs, and tail to complete the character.

SpongeBob SquarePants

With his unique shape and expressive face, SpongeBob is a fun character to draw. Here's how to do it:

  • Start with a square or rectangle for his body, then add circles for his eyes and a wide smile for his mouth.
  • Draw his arms and legs, making sure to add the signature square pants and shoes.
  • Finish with details like eyelashes, teeth, and his tie to make your SpongeBob come to life.

Bugs Bunny

Bugs Bunny is another classic character that's great for beginners. Here's how to draw this lovable rabbit:

  • Begin with a circle for his head and two long, curved lines for his ears.
  • Add facial features, such as his eyes, nose, and cheeky grin.
  • Complete the character by drawing his body, arms, legs, and signature fluffy tail.

With these cartoon characters under your belt, you'll have some fun and recognizable stuff to draw. Next up, let's dive into the world of doodle art for even more creative ideas!

5. Doodle Art

Doodle art is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and explore various patterns, shapes, and designs. It's also perfect for beginners, as it allows you to experiment without the pressure of creating a perfect piece. Let's look at some popular doodle art styles:

Zentangle

Zentangle is a method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It's a relaxing and enjoyable way to create art. Here's how to get started with Zentangle:

  • Begin with a small square of paper, usually 3.5 x 3.5 inches.
  • Draw a "string," a simple, abstract shape that divides your square into sections.
  • Fill each section with a different pattern or design, using simple strokes like lines, curves, and dots.
  • Once you've filled your square, add shading or color to enhance your design.

Mandalas

Mandalas are geometric patterns that represent the universe in various spiritual traditions. They can be simple or intricate, making them a versatile option for doodle art. Here's how to create your own mandala:

  • Start with a circle and draw a smaller circle inside it to create a ring.
  • Divide the ring into equal sections, like slices of a pie, using lines or more circles.
  • Fill each section with geometric patterns, such as triangles, squares, or more circles.
  • Continue to build outward with more rings and patterns until your mandala is complete.

Patterns

Creating patterns is another form of doodle art that allows you to explore different shapes and designs. Here are some ideas for pattern doodles:

  • Start with a simple shape, like a square or triangle, and repeat it in a grid or other arrangement.
  • Experiment with different line weights, shading, or color to add variety and interest to your pattern.
  • Combine multiple shapes or patterns to create more complex designs.

Doodle art is an excellent way to explore your creativity and find more stuff to draw. As you practice, you'll discover your unique style and preferences. Now, let's look at some tools and materials that can help you along your drawing journey.

6. Tools and Materials

Having the right tools and materials can make a huge difference in your drawing experience. Let's explore some basic items that will help you get started and make your drawing sessions more enjoyable:

Sketchbooks

Choosing a sketchbook is an important step since it will be your canvas for practicing and experimenting with different stuff to draw. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Paper weight: A heavier paper can handle more media, like markers or watercolors, without bleeding or buckling.
  • Size: Smaller sketchbooks are portable and convenient, while larger ones offer more space for detailed work.
  • Binding: Spiral-bound sketchbooks lay flat for easy drawing, while hardcover ones provide a sturdier surface.

Pencils

Pencils are a staple in any artist's toolkit. Here's what to consider when choosing your pencils:

  • Graphite pencils: These are the most common type of drawing pencil, and they come in a range of hardness levels (from 9H to 9B). Softer leads (B) are darker and better for shading, while harder leads (H) create lighter lines and are great for detail work.
  • Colored pencils: If you want to add color to your drawings, colored pencils are a versatile and easily accessible option.
  • Mechanical pencils: These can be a good choice for precise linework, as they maintain a consistent line width without needing to be sharpened.

Erasers

Erasers are essential for fixing mistakes and refining your drawings. There are several types to choose from:

  • Rubber erasers: These are your standard erasers, great for removing pencil marks on paper.
  • Kneaded erasers: These can be molded into different shapes, making them perfect for lifting out highlights or small details.
  • Vinyl erasers: Also known as plastic erasers, they're firmer and can remove stubborn marks without damaging the paper.

With the right tools and materials at your disposal, you'll be better equipped to explore the world of drawing and improve your skills. Next, let's discuss some tips for practicing and enhancing your abilities.

7. Practice and Improvement

Improving your drawing skills takes time, patience, and consistent practice. Here are some tips and resources to help you along your journey to becoming a better artist:

Daily Drawing

One of the most effective ways to improve is by drawing every day. This helps you build muscle memory and get comfortable with various techniques. You can start by setting aside just 10-15 minutes a day for doodling or sketching stuff to draw. As you progress, you can challenge yourself with more complex subjects or longer drawing sessions.

Step-by-Step Guides

Following step-by-step guides can be tremendously helpful in understanding the process of breaking down complex subjects into simpler shapes and forms. There are countless books, videos, and online tutorials available that cater to different skill levels and interests. Whether you want to draw animals, nature, or cartoons, you can find a guide to help you achieve your goals.

Art Classes

Another great way to improve your drawing skills is by taking art classes. These can be in-person or online and can provide valuable feedback from experienced instructors. Art classes also offer the opportunity to learn from your peers and explore a variety of techniques and styles. You can find classes at local community centers, art schools, or through online platforms dedicated to teaching art.

Remember, the key to improvement is practice and persistence. With the right tools, materials, and resources at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to mastering the world of drawing and exploring an endless array of stuff to draw. Happy sketching!

If you're interested in enhancing your sketchbook practice, don't miss the workshop "Top Tips For Sketchbook Studies" by Rachelle Meyer. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to make the most of your sketchbook studies and take your artistic skills to new heights.