Ten Tips to Learn How to Draw

1. Have a good reference. If using photos, it helps to change color photos to black and white, if possible. This way you can see the full range of values more easily. If drawing from life, try to have a strong light source such as a spotlight, if possible. If not, figure out the direction and strength of the light on your subject. Also, look for reflected light.
2. Learn to “see” a subject. Spend time observing before you start your drawing. Look for the light and dark areas, soft and sharp edges, and contemplate the overall composition.
3. Make a ten-point value scale and use it as a reference. The best drawings have a full range of value. Look for the light and dark areas in your reference and learn how to shade to give your drawing dimension.
4. Look for the basic shapes: Cube, sphere, triangle and cylinder. All things have one or more basic shape. You can start with a shape and adapt it to your subject.
5. Try working with a grid when using reference photos. It’s a great way to learn how to observe your subject and is a helpful guide for the very beginner.
6. Know your medium and change it up. Understand how to hold a pencil to get the most out of the graphite, learn about the different pencil hardnesses and darknesses. Learn how to best use your blending stumps to get the results you want. Familiarize yourself with different types of charcoal. Try color markers and pen and ink.
7. Experiment with different surfaces. Drawing papers come in a variety of shades and thicknesses. Try toned papers and smooth and rough surfaces.
8. Loosen up. Draw with your shoulder instead of your wrist by moving your whole arm when you make a mark.
9. Draw often. Keep a sketchbook and draw anything and everything. Drawing is a skill that is learned and improves with practice.
10. Have fun. Draw with abandon, doodle, annotate, and don’t worry about what others think.