How to Be Good at Drawing
Drawing: self-portraitDo you want to build up your drawing skills? Do you dream of becoming a great artist? Or even to give your own imagination a creative outlet? Drawing is a beautiful way of expressing yourself creatively and giving others a happy reminder of your special contribution to the world.
Steps
- Start by scribbling on pieces of paper. This is an exercise that is like a "warm-up" before you start. It helps to get your hands used to the drawing technique. Doodle whatever comes to mind and let your hands do the thinking - watch the shapes as they form.
- Draw first the shapes of the things you see all around you, wherever you are. Be patient and just copy or trace the shape. Or, you can find a picture of something that you prefer and trace or copy that. Even though this is "copying" to being with, it will get you used to the feeling of the form and shape of the object and as you continue to practice, you'll get much better at it.
- Picture the image in your mind. Once you feel more confident drawing from looking at other objects, try to picture it clearly in your mind instead. Take a piece of paper and draw the shape first, then you "trace" it exactly as it seems in your head; do not look at the object while doing this. Finally, complete the rest of the drawing, such as including a background, other objects or colors.
- Be patient and keep trying. It's okay if it doesn't come out right for the first attempts. The more you keep at it, the sooner it will take shape and you will begin to develop your own drawing style.
- Copying from the mind is a skill you can master and it will soon enable you to become freer in your techniques and help you to establish your own style. One day, this faith in your own ability could lead to you becoming a great artist.
Tips
- When you finish doing the drawing, try shading the picture realistically.
- If you want to color it in, use plaster colors, or pastels as they make the drawing look more creative. Even ordinary colored pencils can become a true work of art once you get the technique of shading and outlining worked out.
- Start a drawing by drawing a sketch of it, then draw the real thing.
- Always take a drawing book with you wherever you go so you can draw more of what you see. You will never be lost for inspiration!
- Try not to make your drawing look too messy.
- If you want to know more about drawing, borrow books from your library or community center; look on the internet; ask friends, teachers or family to help or attend art classes with a tutor. You may even know an artist who would be happy to share some time teaching you once a week or so.
- A great artist includes someone who enjoys their art. You don't even ever have to sell or display a piece; as long as you are happy with your art, feel glad to be able to share it with family and friends and keep enthusiastic about it, you will have become a great artist.
- You don't have to do this all at once, spread it out! Have fun with it! Remember: This is a hobby.