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Drawing tips for beginners
Yes, you can learn to draw well
You once learned to write, read, and do arithmetic. Remember how slowly you went at first? Gradually you got better and faster. Drawing is just another manual and mental skill. Don't buy the myth that you must possess some mysterious "talent" in order to draw well. When I started out my drawings were out of proportion and crude. But as I kept at it I gradually improved.Tools on the cheap
All you need at first is a #2 pencil, eraser and cheap, white printer paper. Add a clipboard or big hardback book to prop in your lap and you're ready to go!Draw what you like...
What's your interest? Cars? Horses? Dinosaurs? Faces? Flowers? If you learn to draw your favorite subject well, your improved drawing skill will carry over into other subjects as well. Stay enthused by drawing what fascinates you....But start with the easy stuff
Draw a ball, a pyramid, a box, a pencil, or a lamp shade. Try drawing these objects -- with basic shapes -- from life and from your imagination.
Add some shading and detail. Look for more simple objects around your house to draw: a plant leaf; a book; your computer mouse; a doorknob.
The idea is to draw what's easiest first, so you'll gain confidence. If you start with difficult, complex subjects too soon you may quit in failure and frustration.
Is it best to draw from life?
I don't think so. You can teach yourself to draw by copying photos and drawings from magazines and books. But it's a good idea (and interesting) to do some drawing from real life, rather than always working from the two dimensional world.
A simple drawing method -- lines and curves
I try to simplify what I see into lines and angles at first. Then I refine the drawing.
Getting proportions right
Mentally compare distances from one point to another as you draw. Draw light, sketchy lines at first; don't bother erasing until the drawing is finished. You'll get more accurate as you practice regularly.Try different approaches
There are at least four basic ways of drawing. You can start with a detail, such as an eye, and add more features, comparing sizes and distances as you go.
Or, you can do the opposite: sketch in the entire drawing, going from big areas to small, leaving detail for last. I started out learning the first way, but now I use the second method more. Try both ways and go with what feels easiest and most natural.
A third way is to work in "masses" and gestures, with the edge of a conte crayon or piece of charcoal. I like to use this method in life drawing sessions. It makes me think of the big shapes and and basic directional angles of the subject. (And it's similar to painting boldly with a brush, good practice for oil painting.) But I'd save this technique for later on.
The last method may be the most difficult: contour drawing. No sketchy lines here. You try to get it right as you go.
Draw mentally
When I'm on a bus or waiting in line at a store I sometimes watch people and mentally draw them (without them seeing me, of course). I try to simplify what I see. I think this activity may be a habitual carryover from actual drawing. I believe it helps me to draw better. You can mentally draw anything that interests you -- pets, cars, trees, or people.Learn from books
There are many fine drawing instruction books. "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" is a good one. I learned to draw the human figure from copying the classic drawings in one of George Bridgman's anatomy books. ("Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life" is one title) Save money and borrow drawing books from your public library.Practice, practice, practice
You can become quite good at drawing -- if you just put in the time. Every skill I've learned has taken time: typing; writing; fly tying and casting; sign lettering; computer applications; basketball; ballroom dancing; swimming; and painting. I'm sure you've experienced the same thing. Again, don't think of drawing as a talent you're born with, but a skill you can acquire by working at it and gradually improving, like any other skill.
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