Learn to Draw
A beginner's guide on how to draw: from doodles to art.
Crayons and drawing are synonymous with early childhood education, but many people fall away from art over time. For some, it’s a matter of interest, but often that dropoff is fueled by a belief that an ability to draw is an innate talent. It’s something you have or you don’t. In truth, it’s a learned skill, one built over years of consistent practice. If you have the passion and commitment, you can take your knack for scribbling in the margins to a dedicated drawing practice. Figuring out where to begin and what to draw can be challenging. Discover ways to hone your drawing skills.
Pull drawing exercises from the world around you. You have to start drawing somewhere, and you can start where you are: sketch the world around you.
Learning how to draw is easier than you think. All you need are a few basic supplies, your imagination, and some patience. These step-by-step instructions can help you get started drawing with simple lessons and tips on choosing the right art materials.
Drawing Supplies
- Artist pencils
- Sketch paper
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- An open mind
Beginner Excercises
Now that you've acquired some basic art supplies, it's time to start drawing. As with anything new, remember to be patient with yourself; learning a new skill takes time. These beginner exercises will help you develop an eye for line, form, and depth.
- Outlines
Choose a subject with a basic shape, such as a piece of fruit. Outline the subject several times. Don't worry if your first few attempts don't look very realistic. The idea is to get comfortable looking at and reproducing forms. - Contours
After you're comfortable sketching basic shapes from sight, it's time to try sketching an object without looking at it. Instead, allow your eyes to follow the contour of your subject and trust that your pencil will follow. - Shading
Choose a few of your best versions and add shading for depth. Note where the light and shadows fall, and use your pencil and eraser to replicate the shading.
Don't try and cram all of these exercises into one sitting. Allow yourself the time to explore each technique and don't be afraid to repeat the process. As you practice, you'll begin to develop a sense for how the pencil behaves as it moves across the paper, allowing you to refine your line and shading work.
“Draw what’s in front of you. No matter what you do, your act of trying to capture what’s in front of you will help,” editorial artist Chris Kindred says. “Every single bit of effort counts. There is no such thing as wasted effort in drawing.”