How to Draw: Complete Beginner's Guide on Starting Drawing

Getting Started with Drawing

Drawing is an enjoyable hobby that can be picked up by anyone with some basic skills and the right materials. With regular practice, you'll be amazed at how quickly your drawing abilities improve. If you're wondering how to get started with drawing, read on for some useful tips for beginners.

Choose Your Drawing Tools

The first step to learn drawing is getting your hands on basic drawing supplies. Here are some of the essentials you'll need to begin:

• Drawing pencils - Go for a set that offers a range of grades ranging from 6B (soft) to HB (hard). This will allow you to create different shades and effects.
• Eraser - Invest in a good quality kneaded eraser that can erase pencil lines cleanly.
• Drawing pads - Opt for thicker paper that can hold up to erasing better. Good paper texture will also enhance drawing.
• Blending stumps - These are useful for smudging and blending pencil lines to create smooth shadows and textures.

Learn Basic Drawing Techniques

Once you have your supplies ready, you can begin practicing some fundamental drawing techniques. Mastering these basics is key for learning how to draw:

• Outline - Practice sketching outlines of objects using light, steady strokes. Outlines depict the shape and form.
• Shading - Shading adds depth and dimension to a drawing. Use your pencil grades to apply dark and light shades.
• Blending - Smooth out pencil markings to blend the shades together. A variety of gradients can be created.
• Erasing - Use your eraser to erase unwanted pencil markings and refine the drawing. Be careful not to over-erase.

How to Draw: Step-by-Step

As a beginner, it's best to follow step-by-step tutorials to guide you in learning how to draw specific subjects. Here are some step-by-step tips for drawing for the first time:

Start with Simple Shape Outlines

When learning to draw an object, always begin by sketching a basic shape to capture the outline. For example:

• Circle - For drawing faces or circular objects
• Ovals - For elements like eyes or ears
• Squares/Rectangles - Good for teeth, buildings, picture frames etc.
• Triangles - For drawing roofs, noses, arrows, road signs, etc.

Slowly Build Up the Details

Once you've outlined the main shape, keep adding more definition in stages. Sketch guides lightly first, then reinforce clearer lines later. Important details to focus on include:

• Proportions - Carefully sketch the widths and lengths of the features
• Values - Map out where you want the shadows and highlights
• Outlines - Define shapes with clean lines and curves
• Textures - Use shading techniques to show smooth, rough and complex textures

Start with Light Shadows

When shading your drawing, always start with light shades first. You can steadily hand-pressure and increase graphite darkness for darker areas later. Other shading tips include:

• Direction - Shade in one common direction for smoothness
• Transitions - Gently blend between areas of different values
• Layers - Slowly layer shades, allowing previous layers to set
• Highlights - Erase or use a kneaded eraser to create light accents

What to Draw When Starting Out

As a beginner, don't overcomplicate things by choosing complex drawing subjects. Start with easy ideas and build skill before attempting tougher subjects. Here are some recommendations on what to draw for beginners:

Inorganic Objects

It's best to start drawing non-living things which have defined edges and shapes. Everyday objects like:

• Fruits - Apples, oranges, pears
• Vegetables - Carrots, onions, tomatoes
• Household items - Books, vases, keys, bulbs
• Geometric shapes - Cubes, cones, cylinders, spheres

Scaled Up Drawing

Aim to draw objects larger than their actual sizes. This allows you to:

• Focus on getting proportions accurate
• Comfortably add finer details
• Utilize your page space better

Once you've mastered enlarged subjects, practice reducing scale.

Everyday Scenes

Observational drawing of static environments around you is also great drawing practice when starting out. Ideas include:

• Still life table settings
• Your bedroom corner
• Quiet outdoor spaces
• Household objects grouped together

These ordinary setups make ideal subjects to learn fundamental techniques.

Tips for Improving Drawing Skills

Learning how to draw well takes time and continued practice. Use these additional tips to supplement your daily drawing practice:

Draw from Life

Drawing real objects and scenes is ideal for capturing shapes, lighting, and detail accurately. schedule time each day to simply draw from life.

Quick Sketches

Quick, loose sketches are great drawing warm ups. Spend just 1-2 minutes capturing the essence of your subjects fast.

Isolate Difficult Areas

If you find specific elements like hands or eyes tricky - isolate practicing them separately. Master these fiddly spots individually.

Study Master Drawings

Looking at master artist drawings is very instructive. Analyze what makes their techniques so skilled.

With regular, mindful practice using these tips, your drawing ability can grow in leaps and bounds. Stay positive as you learn - have fun honing your artistic skills!

FAQs

What are the best drawing tools for beginners?

The best drawing supplies to start with include drawing pencils in a range of grades, good quality drawing pads/paper, erasers like kneaded erasers, and blending stumps or tortillons for blending. Go for the basics first rather than expensive art supplies.

Should I take an art class if I’m starting drawing?

Taking art classes can definitely help guide you when learning how to draw. But they are not essential. There are many free online tutorials and skill-building exercises beginners can use. Work through these first to gain some basic proficiency before joining a class later.

What is the easiest thing for beginners to draw?

The easiest subjects to start drawing as a complete beginner are everyday objects like fruit, vegetables, geometric shapes, as well as still life table settings. These allow you to practice fundamental techniques without too much complexity.

How long does it take to get good at drawing?

Expect drawing to be challenging initially. But if you practice drawing techniques consistently every day, dedicating at least 30 minutes to an hour, you should see good progress in around 2-4 weeks. Significant improvement to your drawing skills can be achieved in 3-6 months of regular, mindful practice.