Embarking on the journey of learning to draw can be an exciting and rewarding experience, allowing one to develop creativity and express visual ideas in an artistic manner.
However, many beginners may feel discouraged when approaching drawing for the first time, as they may feel unsure of their abilities or not know where to start.
Having personally trained hundreds of students, it is essential to emphasize that drawing is an art that can be learned by anyone, with the right motivation and commitment. There are no secret talents or innate sensitivities required; all it takes is guidance and plenty of practice.
If you have always wanted to learn how to draw but are unsure of where to begin, this article provides useful tips to start your journey into the world of drawing.
"The drawing is the basis of every art." - Leonardo da Vinci
How to Learn to Draw
The first step is to set realistic expectations. Consider the analogy of learning to play the guitar. While one may aspire to write complete songs, mastering the basics such as notes and chords is essential.
Similarly, drawing necessitates building foundations, from observing and analyzing subjects to creating initial construction lines, spatial composition, chiaroscuro, and more. The journey from laying the groundwork to a finished piece requires the assimilation of various concepts and skills.
Skills that can be learned; hence, here are seven personal tips to help you learn how to draw:
1. Seek Guidance from a Mentor
Just as in music, enlisting the guidance of a teacher with proven drawing and teaching capabilities can expedite and enhance the learning process. An experienced teacher can provide the basic knowledge and support needed to progress in drawing.
Joining a class with other students allows for interaction and sharing experiences and works. The mentor will help lay the foundations, calibrate the concepts based on your level, and recommend the best progression path for you.
2. Choose the Right Tools
Having the right tools can make a significant difference when learning to draw. Starting with quality graphite pencils of varying hardness (HB, B, 2B, 4B), a kneaded eraser, and high-quality drawing paper is advisable for beginners.
As your skills advance, you can incorporate additional tools like ink pens, colored pencils, and pastels. Our courses offer a comprehensive list of recommended materials by our teachers and where to acquire them.
3. Begin with Basic Exercises
Before tackling complex objects or portraits, practicing basic exercises helps develop drawing skills. Start by drawing geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles, or practice drawing lines and curves. These exercises enhance manual dexterity, familiarity with tools, and support. Our courses feature introductory exercises tailored to different skill levels.
4. Draw What Surrounds You
Drawing from life has been crucial for renowned artists throughout history and remains one of the most effective ways to learn to draw. Begin by sketching simple objects such as fruits, vegetables, plain cups, and flowers, then progress to more complex subjects and compositions. Drawing from real objects helps develop your sense of proportion, structure, observation, and precision.
5. Emulate Masterpieces
Copying drawings created by professional artists is an excellent way to gain inspiration and learn new techniques. Study drawings you admire, analyze the techniques used, understand how light and shadows are rendered, and observe the effects created.
6. Master Basic Techniques
Understanding fundamental techniques is essential when learning to draw. Guidelines help position elements correctly, while shading techniques create light and shadow effects. Learning these techniques lays the groundwork for creating realistic and detailed drawings, fostering a professional technique rather than an amateur approach.
This includes perspective and chiaroscuro. Perspective involves representing objects on a two-dimensional surface like a paper sheet to convey depth and dimensions. Chiaroscuro employs light and shadow to create the illusion of depth and volume. Our "Basic Art Drawing" course offers over four hours of video content to initiate step-by-step drawing.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice
Drawing is a practical skill. Understanding concepts alone will not suffice. Like any other skill, practice is key to mastering drawing. Do not expect immediate mastery or feel discouraged by initial results. Continuously practice, experiment with new techniques, and observe your progress over time.
In conclusion, learning to draw demands practice, patience, and the use of the right tools. Starting with basic exercises, mastering fundamental techniques, drawing from life, studying professional artworks, and consistent practice will significantly improve your drawing skills. Do not be disheartened by initial challenges; with practice and time, you can develop exceptional drawing abilities.
