Drawing for Beginners
Tips on how to start drawing and what you need
Anyone can learn how to draw. It’s not a talent you are born with, but rather a skill that can be acquired through practice and patience. To get started, all you need is some paper, a pencil, and some guidance.
Can You Learn to Draw?
Learning to draw is not something that you need to be born with a natural talent for. It’s a skill that can be developed through consistent practice and patience. While some people may have a talent for drawing that allows them to learn faster, anyone can become an excellent artist with hard work and dedication.
How Do You Learn to Draw?
There are numerous ways to learn how to draw, from taking classes and attending workshops to reading tutorials. Yet, the most crucial factor is to start drawing and practicing as often as possible.
Begin with the basics to develop your skills and build confidence in your abilities. Afterward, you can explore more specific subject areas like people, animals, or nature. By taking this approach, you’ll become more confident in your drawing skills and be able to tackle more challenging subjects.
Am I too Old for this Hobby?
Are you worried that you might be too old to learn how to draw? Fear not! Drawing is a skill that can be acquired at any age. It’s admirable to have the courage to try something new, regardless of your age. So, don’t let age stop you from pursuing your passion for drawing.
How Can You Improve Your Drawing Skills?
Do you want to improve your drawing skills? Start by practicing on a regular basis. Experiment with different techniques and styles, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s how you learn and grow as an artist.
It’s also essential to draw from real-life objects, not only photos. Translating a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional drawing can be challenging at first. But, with regular practice, this skill can be developed. Additionally, make a habit of drawing sketches on a regular basis. This will help you develop your skills and creativity.
What are the Right Supplies for Drawing?
Wondering what supplies you need to start drawing? Don’t worry about finding the perfect drawing kit for beginners. The right supplies are probably already available in your home. Using expensive pencils or paper may hinder your creativity and make you cautious about making mistakes. In the beginning, it’s essential to keep things simple and not put any more obstacles in your way. So, feel free to use what you have on hand.
Which Drawing Paper is Good?
When it comes to drawing paper, a simple white piece of paper is the best choice. Avoid using checkered or lined paper meant for writing, as they do not support the needs of artists.
Although printing paper is thin, it’s a great option for studies and sketches. But, keep in mind that it may wrinkle or tear when using an eraser with too much force.
For more advanced work, opt for paper with a rough surface. While this may go unnoticed by beginners, the rough surface allows color pigments from pencils to stick better. This results in more vibrant and intense drawings.
What does the Weight of Drawing Paper mean?
When you look at drawing paper, you’ll often see a weight listed in grams per square meter (g/m²). But what weight should you use for your drawings? It’s not as simple as choosing heavier or lighter paper - it depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
Lightweight paper ranging from 55 to 75 pounds (lb) is great for technical drawings. Hard pencils work well on this type of paper, producing precise, straight lines. But, if you use softer pencils on light paper, the darker lines may show through since the paper is thinner.
Heavy paper weighing 90 pounds or more is great for portrait drawings. Soft and colored pencils are ideal for use on heavy paper because they have strong pigments that show up well on the surface. Keep in mind that heavy paper may result in slightly blurred lines.
How Do I Choose the Right Pencils for Drawing?
To begin with, any pencil will do. Later on, you should consider using a range of pencils with different hardness levels to improve your drawings. Hard pencils are perfect for creating precise and light strokes. Soft pencils are ideal for producing organic and dark strokes.
Do I need an Eraser?
It’s important to be mindful of the role an eraser plays in your drawing process. If you find yourself erasing every single line you draw, and it hinders your progress or feeds your insecurity, then it’s best to get rid of it. But, an eraser can come in handy when you need to touch up or fix something in your drawing. It’s crucial to note that if you rely too heavily on erasing, it may block your ability to draw.
As a rule of thumb: If you’re unsure about using an eraser, try it out on a separate sheet of paper to determine if it’s suitable for your needs. A good eraser should remove lines without smudging.
How do I find a Good Sharpener?
Not all pencil sharpeners are created equal. Some can actually damage your pencils rather than sharpen them, leaving you with broken wood and a blunt tip. It’s worth investing in a good sharpener with a reliable blade.
Some artists prefer to use knives or sandpaper for sharpening their pencils lengthwise. This method allows for more control over the shape of the pencil tip, which can affect the stroke. And it protects the lead from unexpected breakage.
When it comes to drawing, it’s important to note that the pencil doesn’t always have to be pointed. A flattened lead can be beneficial, as it allows for fine transitions. This is particularly great for soft shadows or when drawing skin.
Why is Good Lighting Essential for Drawing?
Not only is good lighting easier on your eyes, but it also enhances the drawing experience. Poor lighting can cause pencil strokes to appear shiny and colored pencil strokes to appear as a different color altogether.
For optimal lighting conditions, natural daylight is best for drawing. It’s important to position your hand in a way that doesn’t cast a shadow on the paper, as this can hinder your ability to see and learn how to draw.
Learn to Draw as a Beginner
Enough theory! How do you start drawing as a beginner? At best with sketches, but that is too boring for many of us. Some of us want to start right away with an impressive artwork. But it shouldn’t be too difficult, because otherwise, we give up too early.
Simple things like flowers or fruit can be a great starting point. For a more challenging subject, consider drawing people. While people can be a bit more difficult to draw, with practice and patience, you can find a lot of joy in drawing them.
In any case, as beginners, you should not have too high demands on yourselves. Practice makes perfect and as long as you are better today than yesterday, you are on the right track.
Last Tips on Drawing for Beginners
- Keep all your drawings and sketches because they document your progress and can later be a source of inspiration for new art.
- Avoid dark outlines if you want to draw realistically, and rather use a harder, i.e. lighter, pencil.
- Don’t force yourself to draw. Some days it just doesn’t happen, and that happens even for the best artists.
- Compare yourself only with yourself, because comparing yourself with others can quickly rob you of any joy in drawing.
- Don’t be afraid of blank paper. Even if in the end only a few strokes are drawn or half a drawing is done, you have shown the paper who the boss is, and it has not remained blank!
- Drawing is a hobby that takes a lot of time. That’s why it’s even more important to have fun and enjoy it while we’re doing it, and not feel guilty about not making progress fast enough.
