How to Start Drawing: Gather Supplies, Find Inspiration, and Experiment With Different Mediums

Introduction

Drawing is a creative practice that involves the use of pencils, pens, charcoal, markers, or other tools to create images on paper or another two-dimensional surface. It can be used to express ideas, capture emotions, create visual stories, and bring life to an otherwise blank page. Drawing is also an excellent way to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, learning how to draw can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before you start drawing, it’s important to have the right supplies. The most basic supplies needed for drawing are paper, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners. You can find these items at any art supply store or online. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to purchase a basic set of materials that includes a variety of pencils, erasers, and sharpeners. This will give you a good foundation for your drawings.

In addition to the basic supplies, there are many other types of drawing mediums that you can experiment with. These include pens, markers, charcoal, pastels, and paint. Each medium has its own unique qualities and can be used to create various effects. It’s up to you to decide which mediums work best for your style of drawing.

Find Inspiration and Reference Images

Once you have the supplies you need, it’s time to start looking for inspiration and reference images. Inspiration can come from anywhere – nature, books, magazines, or even your own imagination. Look around you and see what catches your eye. Take note of interesting shapes, textures, and colors, and use them as a starting point for your drawings.

Reference images are photos or illustrations that you can use as a guide when drawing. They can help you understand proportions, perspective, and composition. When using reference images, it’s important to make sure that you don’t copy them exactly. Instead, use them as a source of inspiration and try to create something unique.

Start with Simple Shapes and Forms

When beginning to draw, it’s helpful to start with simple shapes and forms. This can help you develop an understanding of proportions and perspective. Start by drawing primitive shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles. Then, use these shapes to create more complex drawings. For example, you can use circles and rectangles to draw a house or a car.

You can also use geometric shapes to create more detailed drawings. For example, you can combine circles, squares, and triangles to create a human face. Understanding how to use basic shapes can help you create more realistic drawings.

Practice Proportions and Perspective

Proportion is the relationship between the size of one object and another in a drawing. To draw proportionally, you need to pay close attention to the size and placement of each element. Perspective is the technique of creating the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Learning how to use perspective can help you create more realistic drawings.

To practice proportion and perspective, you can draw everyday objects, such as a mug or a chair. Pay close attention to the size and placement of each element, and try to draw them accurately. You can also use reference images to help you understand proportion and perspective.

Experiment With Different Drawing Mediums

Once you’ve mastered the basics of drawing, it’s time to explore different drawing mediums. Different mediums can produce different effects, so it’s important to experiment and find the one that works best for your style. Pencils, pens, markers, and charcoal all have their own unique qualities and can be used to create various effects.

When experimenting with different mediums, it’s important to remember that every medium has its own limitations. For example, pencils can be used to create smooth, detailed drawings, but they tend to smudge easily. Pens are great for creating precise lines, but they can’t produce the same range of values as pencils. Charcoal and paint can be used to create bold, expressive drawings, but they require a bit more practice.

Use Line, Value, and Color to Create Depth

Line, value, and color are the three main elements of drawing. Line is the most basic element and can be used to create outlines, contours, and details. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of an area. It can be used to create depth and contrast. Color is the use of hues to add life to a drawing. When used together, line, value, and color can create stunning works of art.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

It’s important to remember that mistakes are part of the process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – instead, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Mistakes can provide valuable insight into how to improve your drawings. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes – just learn from them and move on.

Conclusion

Learning how to draw can be a fun and rewarding experience. As you get started, it’s important to gather the necessary supplies, find inspiration and reference images, understand basic shapes and perspective, experiment with different drawing mediums, and embrace mistakes. With practice and dedication, you can develop your own unique style and become an accomplished artist.