What To Draw: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

by | Jul 4, 2023 | DIY, Top

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If you’re new to drawing and wondering what to draw, don’t worry! We have prepared this guide to help you with some easy tips and tricks. When faced with the question of “what to draw,” a world of endless possibilities awaits your artistic exploration. The blank canvas before you holds the key to exploring your imagination. With a stroke of your pen or brush, you have the power to create breathtaking landscapes, charming characters, or intricate details. So, let your passions, experiences, and dreams guide you.

Drawing is a captivating and versatile art form that allows you to capture the essence of the world around you visually. It is a means of self-expression, communication, and exploration. Through the use of lines, shapes, textures, and values, drawing enables you to bring your ideas, observations, and emotions to life on paper or other surfaces. Whether you’re sketching quick doodles, creating detailed portraits, or illustrating imaginative scenes, drawing offers a limitless range of possibilities. It is a skill that can be developed and refined through practice, experimentation, and the study of techniques and concepts.

So, dive into the unknown and let your imagination soar as you ponder the simple yet profound question: “What to draw?”

Tips and Tricks On What To Draw:

1. Start with Basic Shapes and Reference Images

When you’re starting, the trick is to break down complex objects into basic shapes. Circles, squares, triangles, and ovals form the foundation for many objects. By practicing these shapes, you’ll gain a better understanding of proportions and how things fit together. References are an essential tool for artists of all levels. They provide guidance and help you understand complex subjects. Whether it’s a photograph, a still-life setup, or a model, references can be valuable for understanding proportions, anatomy, and details. Always have reference images handy when drawing to ensure accuracy.

What To Draw: Tips and Tricks for Beginners - Basic Shapes

2. Observe and Analyze

Drawing is not just about putting pencil to paper; it’s about observing the world around you. Take time to study objects and their characteristics. To draw realistically, the important trick is to train your observational skills. This observation will help you develop your artistic skills and capture more accurate representations. Pay attention to details, shapes, and textures. Notice how different objects interact with light and shadow. By sharpening your observation skills, you’ll be able to capture the essence of what you’re drawing more accurately.

3. Practice Line Control and Understanding of Shading

One of the fundamental aspects of drawing is controlling your lines. Experiment with different pencil pressures to create varied line thicknesses. Practice making smooth, confident strokes to achieve better control over your drawings. Line control will help you create more expressive and accurate representations. When sketching your initial outlines, start with light and thin lines. This trick on what to draw allows you to make corrections easily before committing to darker, more defined lines.

Understanding how light interacts with objects is crucial for creating depth and realism in your drawings. Study how light falls on different surfaces and experiment with shading techniques. Learn to observe the subtle variations in tone and create gradients to add dimension to your artwork.

What To Draw: Tips and Tricks for Beginners - Practicing Line Control and Understanding Shading

4. Experiment with Different Mediums and Subject Matters

While pencils are a popular choice for beginners, don’t limit yourself to just one medium. Explore and experiment with different materials such as charcoal, ink, colored pencils, or markers. Each medium has its unique properties, and trying them out will expand your artistic options and give your drawings a fresh perspective. Don’t limit yourself to drawing only one type of subject matter. Experiment with various subjects, such as still life, landscapes, portraits, animals, or abstract concepts. Exploring different subjects will help you discover your preferences and develop a well-rounded skill set.

5. Break Complex Subjects into Smaller Parts using Guidelines

When faced with a complex subject, it can be overwhelming to draw it all at once. Instead, break it down into smaller, manageable components. Focus on one area at a time, gradually building up the details and connecting them. This trick allows you to maintain focus and accuracy throughout your drawing. Guidelines and construction lines are preliminary marks that help you establish proportions and the overall structure of your drawing. They serve as a roadmap for your artwork. Start by lightly sketching these lines to guide the placement of major elements. Once you’re satisfied with the proportions, you can confidently add more details.

What To Draw: Tips and Tricks for Beginners - Breaking Complex Subjects into Smaller Parts using Guidelines

6. Seek Feedback and Learn from Mistakes

Sharing your artwork with others can be intimidating, but it’s a valuable step in your artistic journey. Seek feedback from friends, family, or online communities. Constructive criticism can provide fresh perspectives and help you identify areas for improvement. Learn from more experienced artists and engage in discussions about techniques and styles. Mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process. Instead of fearing them, embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow. Recognize that making mistakes is normal and that they can lead to valuable insights. Learn from your errors, make adjustments, and keep pushing forward.

Kids Seeking Feedback and Learning from Mistakes

7. Keep a Sketchbook and Practice Regularly

Carry a sketchbook with you wherever you go. It’s a handy tool for capturing ideas, observations, and quick sketches on the spot. Sketchbooks are a visual diary of your artistic journey and provide a platform for experimentation and self-expression. Consistency is key when it comes to improving your drawing skills. Set aside dedicated time for drawing and make it a habit. Even short practice sessions can yield significant progress over time. Regular practice allows you to reinforce techniques, build muscle memory, and develop your unique style.

a Sketchbook

8. Study Art Theory Techniques and Different Perspectives

Expand your knowledge by studying art theory and techniques. Learn about composition, color theory, perspective, and various drawing methods. Understanding these principles will deepen your understanding of art and enhance your creative choices. Instead of always drawing objects or subjects from a frontal view, experiment with different perspectives. The trick is to Try drawing from above, below, or from unusual angles. This exercise enhances your understanding of spatial relationships and adds interest to your compositions.

9. Join Art Communities and Experiment with Styles

Engage with fellow artists by joining local art communities or online forums. Participate in discussions, share your work, and learn from others. Connecting with like-minded individuals provides inspiration, motivation, and opportunities for collaboration. While learning, it’s helpful to experiment with different drawing styles. Try realistic, impressionistic, abstract, or cartoon styles. This trick allows you to find your artistic voice and develop a style that resonates with you.

Experimenting with Styles

10. Draw from Life and Anatomy

Drawing from life is a valuable exercise that helps you understand forms, proportions, and the subtleties of light and shadow. Set up a still-life arrangement with objects from your surroundings and draw what you see. Alternatively, go outside and sketch landscapes or people in motion. Drawing from life adds a sense of realism and authenticity to your artwork. If you’re interested in drawing people or animals, studying anatomy is crucial. Understanding the underlying structure of the human or animal body will help you accurately depict proportions, muscles, and gestures. There are numerous resources available, such as anatomy books, online tutorials, and even life drawing classes.

11. Practice Gesture Drawing and Study Composition

Gesture Drawing

Gesture drawing is a quick and spontaneous technique that captures the essence and movement of a subject. It involves sketching the basic forms and lines to represent the energy and flow of a pose or action. Gesture drawing helps you loosen up, improve your observation skills, and add dynamism to your artwork. Composition refers to how elements are arranged within a drawing. A well-composed drawing guides the viewer’s eye and creates a sense of balance and harmony. Another trick is to learn about the rule of thirds, leading lines, and focal points. Experiment with different arrangements to create visually appealing and engaging compositions.

12. Practice Value Studies and Experiment with Textures

Value refers to the range of light and dark in a drawing. Practicing value studies helps you understand how to create depth and volume. The trick is to choose a simple object or scene and focus on representing the varying degrees of light and shadow. By mastering values, you’ll be able to create more realistic and three-dimensional drawings. Textures add interest and depth to your drawings. Experiment with different mark-making techniques to simulate various textures such as fur, wood grain, fabric, or metal. Practice cross-hatching, stippling, or using different pencil strokes to create a range of textures.

13. Learn from Masters and Take Drawing Challenges

Learning from Masters

Study the works of famous artists throughout history. The trick is to analyze their techniques, compositions, use of color, and brushwork. Understanding the work of masters provides insights into different artistic styles and can inspire your artwork. Engage in drawing challenges or prompts that encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new subjects or techniques. Online platforms and social media often host drawing challenges that provide prompts for each day or week. Participating in these challenges can spark creativity and motivate you to create regularly.

14. Take Breaks and Enjoy the Process

Drawing can be mentally and physically demanding. Remember to take breaks and give yourself time to rest. Stepping away from your work allows you to come back with fresh eyes and a renewed perspective. This trick on what to draw prevents fatigue, which can affect your drawing accuracy. Drawing should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Embrace the creative process and have fun with it. Allow yourself to make mistakes, take risks, and express your unique perspective. Remember, art is a journey, and every stroke you make is an opportunity for growth.

15. Evaluate your Work and Celebrate your Achievements

Celebrating your Achievements

After completing a drawing, take time to reflect on your process and evaluate your work. What did you learn? What went well, and what could be improved? Reflecting on your drawings helps you identify areas for growth and set goals for future projects. Remember that each artist has a unique journey and style. The trick is avoiding comparing your work to others and focusing on your progress. Celebrate your achievements and continue to challenge yourself. Comparison can be demotivating and hinder your artistic development.

Conclusion

Drawing is a skill that develops with practice, observation, and experimentation. By following these tips and tricks, you will have a better understanding of what to draw, and you can build a solid foundation as a beginner artist. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, drawing provides an avenue for creativity, self-discovery, and personal growth. It helps develop observation skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to communicate visually. Drawing is a versatile art form that can be enjoyed as a hobby or pursued professionally.

From capturing realistic representations to exploring abstract concepts, drawing allows you to interpret and convey your unique perspective. It is a form of art that invites you to embark on a journey of creativity, discovery, and personal growth. If you’re a beginner looking for tips and tricks to improve your drawing skills, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover all the essentials of sketching, from getting started to improving your skills.

Remember to start with basic shapes, observe and analyze your subjects, use references, practice line control, understand shading and lighting, experiment with different mediums, break complex subjects into smaller parts, and seek feedback. Above all, enjoy the process and let your creativity flourish. Happy drawing!

Note: Improving your drawing skills takes time and dedication. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Stay persistent, be patient with yourself, and trust the process. Embrace the learning curve and enjoy the journey of continuous improvement.

Also Read: Top 10 Sketch Ideas for Beginners

 

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