Learn to Draw: Practical Tips and Techniques for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 8 min read

Discovering how to draw can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With the right guidance, materials, and practice, anyone can learn to draw and create impressive art. This blog will provide practical tips and techniques for beginners who want to learn to draw, covering everything from choosing drawing materials to online resources and setting goals for improvement. Get ready to bring your artistic vision to life!

Getting Started

Before diving into the world of drawing, it's important to gather the right materials and find inspiration. Here, you'll get an overview of the essentials to begin your journey.

Choosing Drawing Materials

Having the right tools is key to learning how to draw. To start, consider these basic materials:

Pencils — A range of graphite pencils (HB, B, and H series) will give you different levels of hardness for various shading and line work.
Erasers — Soft white erasers and kneaded erasers are ideal for correcting mistakes and creating highlights.
Paper — Sketchbooks with medium-weight, acid-free paper are perfect for beginners, as they can handle a variety of drawing techniques.
Blending tools — Stumps and tortillions help blend and smooth out graphite or charcoal for a polished look.

Finding Inspiration

Once you have your materials, it's time to find inspiration for your drawings. Consider these sources:

Observing the world around you — Nature, architecture, and people can all provide unique ideas and references for your art.
Exploring different art styles — Browse through art books, galleries, or online platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to see various styles and techniques.
Connecting with other artists — Join art clubs, online forums, or social media groups to exchange ideas and learn from fellow beginners and experienced artists.

With the right materials and inspiration, you're well on your way to learning how to draw. Keep reading to discover essential drawing techniques and styles that will help you develop your skills and find your unique artistic voice.

Basic Drawing Techniques

Mastering a few essential techniques will help you build a strong foundation as you learn to draw. Here, we'll explore line shapes, shading and textures, and perspective and proportions.

Understanding Line Shapes

Lines are the building blocks of any drawing. To create dynamic and expressive art, consider experimenting with these line shapes:

Straight lines — Convey structure and stability, commonly used for architectural drawings or geometric shapes.
Curved lines — Evoke fluidity and movement, often found in organic subjects like plants and animals.
Zigzag lines — Imply energy and tension, useful for creating visual interest and texture.

By combining different line shapes, you can create a variety of forms and bring depth to your drawings.

Shading and Textures

Shading and textures can bring your drawings to life by adding dimension and realism. Here are some techniques to help you learn to draw with depth:

Hatching — Create a series of parallel lines with varying distances to imply shading or texture.
Cross-hatching — Add another layer of lines, perpendicular to the first set, to create darker shades or more complex textures.
Blending — Smooth out the graphite or charcoal using stumps, tortillions, or even your fingers to create seamless gradients and soft textures.

Experimenting with these shading techniques will give your drawings a sense of volume and depth.

Perspective and Proportions

Understanding perspective and proportions is crucial for achieving accuracy in your drawings. Keep these tips in mind as you learn to draw:

One-point perspective — Use a single vanishing point to create the illusion of depth in your drawings. This technique is ideal for cityscapes or landscapes.
Two-point perspective — Employ two vanishing points to depict more complex scenes with multiple angles, such as buildings or interiors.
Proportions — Break down your subject into basic shapes and measure the relationships between them (e.g., using the "head-to-body ratio" when drawing people).

With a solid grasp of perspective and proportions, your drawings will become more realistic and convincing.

Now that you're familiar with some basic drawing techniques, it's time to explore different drawing styles to find the one that best suits your artistic vision.

Drawing Styles

Various drawing styles cater to different tastes and preferences. Experimenting with different styles will help you discover your unique artistic voice as you learn to draw. Let's take a look at three popular drawing styles: realism, cartooning, and abstract.

Realism

Realism is a drawing style that aims to depict subjects as they appear in real life. This style often requires a high level of skill and patience to capture intricate details and accurate proportions. If you're drawn to the idea of creating lifelike portraits, landscapes, or still life drawings, realism might be the style for you. To excel in realism:

Study your subject closely and observe the intricate details.
Focus on mastering shading techniques to create depth and dimension.
Pay attention to proportions and perspective to achieve accuracy.

Cartooning

Cartooning is a fun and expressive drawing style that simplifies subjects into exaggerated, stylized forms. If you enjoy creating characters or telling stories through your art, cartooning might be your calling. To create engaging cartoons:

Experiment with simplified shapes and bold lines.
Emphasize facial expressions and body language to convey emotion.
Play with proportions to create unique and memorable characters.

Abstract

Abstract art allows you to break free from the constraints of reality and express your creativity through non-representational forms. If you're drawn to the idea of exploring emotions, ideas, or visual elements in a more experimental way, abstract drawing might be the style for you. To create captivating abstract art:

Focus on color, shape, line, and texture rather than representational subjects.
Experiment with different materials and techniques to create unique effects.
Allow your intuition and emotions to guide your artistic process.

As you explore these drawing styles, remember that you can always mix and match or develop your own unique style. The key is to find what resonates with you and to keep learning and growing as an artist.

Learning Through Observation

Observation is a fundamental skill for artists, as it helps you understand how objects, people, and environments interact with light, color, and form. By practicing observational drawing, you will sharpen your artistic eye and learn to draw more accurately. Let's explore three types of observational drawing: still life, figure, and plein air.

Still Life Drawing

Still life drawing involves arranging and drawing inanimate objects, such as fruits, flowers, or household items. This practice helps you focus on composition, color, and form. To make the most of still life drawing:

Arrange objects with different shapes, sizes, and textures to create visual interest.
Experiment with different lighting setups to observe how light and shadow interact.
Focus on capturing the details and textures of each object.

Figure Drawing

Figure drawing is the practice of drawing the human form, usually from a live model. This challenging but rewarding exercise teaches you about anatomy, proportion, and movement. To improve your figure drawing skills:

Study the human body, paying attention to muscle structure and bone structure.
Practice drawing gestures, or quick sketches that capture the essence of a pose.
Draw from different angles and viewpoints to gain a better understanding of the human form.

Plein Air Drawing

Plein air drawing is the practice of drawing outdoors, capturing the natural environment and changing light conditions. This type of drawing can help you learn to draw landscapes, cityscapes, and other outdoor scenes. To make the most of plein air drawing:

Choose a location that offers a variety of interesting subjects, such as parks or city streets.
Bring a portable drawing kit with a sketchbook, pencils, and any other necessary materials.
Pay attention to the changing light and weather conditions and incorporate them into your drawings.

Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you observe and draw from life, the more your drawing skills will improve. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they are an essential part of the learning process. Happy drawing!

Online Resources

There's no shortage of online resources that can help you learn to draw, from YouTube channels to websites and art community forums. These resources offer a wealth of knowledge, tutorials, and inspiration to support your artistic journey. Let's take a look at some popular options.

YouTube Channels

YouTube is a treasure trove of drawing tutorials and lessons that cater to various skill levels and styles. Some channels to check out include:

Proko: Offers in-depth lessons on anatomy, figure drawing, and portrait drawing.
Jazza: Provides entertaining and informative tutorials on cartooning, digital art, and traditional media.
Alphonso Dunn: Shares tutorials on pen and ink drawing, shading techniques, and line work.

Drawing Websites

There are plenty of websites dedicated to teaching you how to draw through tutorials, articles, and online courses. Some noteworthy sites include:

Ctrl+Paint: Offers a library of free digital painting and drawing lessons, with a focus on the fundamentals.
Drawabox: Provides structured lessons that teach you the basics of drawing, with an emphasis on building strong foundations.
Artists Network: Features articles, tutorials, and tips on various drawing techniques and media.

Art Community Forums

Joining an art community forum can be a great way to connect with other artists, share your work, and receive constructive feedback. Some popular forums to consider include:

ConceptArt.org: A long-standing community that focuses on concept art, illustration, and digital painting.
WetCanvas: A friendly and supportive forum for artists working in various media, including drawing, painting, and digital art.
DeviantArt: A massive online art community that allows you to showcase your work, follow other artists, and participate in forums and art challenges.

Take advantage of these online resources to supplement your drawing practice and continue learning. Remember, the key to improvement is consistency and determination. Keep drawing!

Practicing and Improving

As you learn to draw, it's crucial to practice regularly and set achievable goals to see improvement. Let's explore some strategies for refining your drawing skills and staying motivated on your artistic journey.

Setting Goals

Setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals can help guide your progress and keep you focused. Some example goals might include:

Complete one drawing per day for a month.
Draw from observation for 30 minutes each day.
Master a particular drawing technique, such as shading or perspective, within a set timeframe.

Remember to adjust your goals as you improve and tackle new challenges. Celebrate your achievements and learn from any setbacks.

Creating a Drawing Routine

Establishing a consistent drawing routine is essential for improvement. Consider these tips to help you develop a sustainable practice:

Carve out time: Schedule regular drawing sessions and treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
Find a dedicated space: Set up a comfortable and well-lit area for drawing, free from distractions.
Warm up: Start each session with a few minutes of quick sketches or exercises to loosen up your hand and mind.
Track your progress: Keep a sketchbook or digital folder of your drawings to monitor your improvement over time.

Joining Art Classes

Taking art classes, either in-person or online, can provide valuable guidance, feedback, and motivation as you learn to draw. Some benefits of joining an art class include:

Access to experienced instructors who can provide personalized feedback and advice.
Exposure to different techniques, materials, and styles, broadening your artistic horizons.
Opportunities to connect with other artists and build a supportive network.
Structured lessons and assignments that encourage discipline and commitment.

Explore local art schools, community centers, or online platforms like Skillshare and Udemy to find classes that suit your interests and needs.

Remember, practice makes progress. Stay dedicated, embrace challenges, and enjoy the process of learning to draw. Your skills will undoubtedly improve over time, and you'll be amazed at how far you've come. Keep drawing, and let your creativity flourish!

If you're looking to improve your drawing skills and boost your confidence in your artwork, don't miss the workshop 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy' by Yazmin Moktan. This workshop will teach you valuable techniques and tips for creating beautiful drawings with ease and precision, helping you become a more skilled and confident artist.