Learning how to draw is easier than you think. Start here with these free online lessons. This lesson hub will guide you through each step of the process, so make it your homepage for easy reference. Work through each article in each section, doing the exercises and trying out the ideas. Don't skip the exercises - they are like scales for musicians and will help you learn to draw much faster.
1. Learn To Draw - Beginner Lessons
H South, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These beginner drawing lessons can be done with any scrap paper and pencils, so you can start learning to draw right away, before you need to visit the art store. A number 2 pencil and some A4 office paper or an old exercise book will do fine. try some lessons here
Tip: Don't think of everything as a masterpiece. Exercises might just be scribbles, but will help your technique. Think of a musician playing scales.
2. Learn about Drawing Supplies
T. de Florie, licensed to About.com, Inc.
To explore drawing further, you'll need to get some basic materials. This introduction to some of the most commonly used drawing supplies will help you know what you're looking for when you hit the art store. Remember to keep it simple - don't be talked into huge collections of art supplies, most of which you'll never use. Master one medium at a time, adding new materials once you're confident with the ones you already have. Learn more about drawing supplies
3. Learn Simple Perspective Drawing
H South, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The principles of linear perspective are useful no matter what you draw. The alignment of features in a portrait or the proportions of flowers in a vase are going to be affected by the 'rules' of linear perspective. Perspective is also heaps of fun - who doesn't enjoy creating '3D' illusions with just a ruler and pencil? Check out the perspective lessons
4. Learn How to Keep a Sketchbook
H South, licensed to About.com, Inc
I don't think I've ever met an artist who doesn't keep a sketchbook. The most daunting thing for beginners is the idea that their sketchbook is supposed to look like Leonardo da Vinci's Notebooks, full of little masterpieces. Your sketchbook can be anything you want it to be, but at this point, I suggest you think of it as a learning tool - a way to keep sketches and ideas in one place. It's a safe place to make mistakes and explore.Tips:
Tip: Practice often. You need to train your hand and eye.
5. Join the Drawing/Sketching Forum
P. Haif, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Art doesn't happen in a vaccuum. You need other artists! The Drawing/Sketching Forum is free, of course, and it only takes moments to join up. Just think of a user name and away you go. You can talk about anything you like on the forum - there's even an 'Idle Chatter' folder for any off-topic discussions you'd like to start. Here you can meet other artists, from beginners to professionals. You can offer advice, show off your latest works, and ask for help. A good scan or photo makes it much easier for members to advise on your drawings, so feel free to post them... visit the forum
6. Learn about Pencil Shading
H South, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Learning to use shading is an important part of drawing. Tone, tonal value, and value all mean the degree of light or dark and shades in between. Don't discover that you are having trouble controlling your tonal values when you are halfway through a difficult portrait. Practice first on simple subjects, until you are confident with your ability to get the exact tone you want.
7. Sign Up for the Newsletter
Palabra, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Each week, I send out a newsletter with the latest blog entries and updates to the Drawing/Sketching site. Most weeks I include an artist's quote. The entries in the email link back to the Drawing/Sketching site, so you can click on them to read the full story, and leave a comment in the blog. I'm always keen to hear from readers! The newsletter is a great way to keep in touch and make sure that you don't miss any useful articles.
