Don’t Fear Drawing, Learn It In A Few Steps

Did you always fear your drawing class in school? Did your classmates laugh at the drawing of your pot which looked something else altogether? Do you still want to learn drawing but worried that everybody will ridicule you for your age? If answers to these questions are yes, then read on this article as we guide you step-by-step on how to improve your drawing skills.

Step 1

Your first step will be in knowing your paper. How your drawing will take shape will depend what kind of paper you are using. Papers are categorized based on texture. They are classified as rough, medium, smooth or glossy. Each paper produce it is own kind of drawing. Rough paper will hold graphite or charcoal better so drawings will have better light and shade. On the other hand, on smooth paper, graphite pencil will smear easily and produce a shiny effect. You have to use soft pencils to develop darker shades.

At the beginning, do not go for papers that are especially made for drawing, as they are quite costly. Instead, use newsprint pads and inexpensive common typewriting paper.

Step 2
After paper, the thing that you need to know about is pencil. There are many kinds of pencils and the amount of lead in them will determine how much dark they will draw. The softer the pencil is thicker the lead will be and with harder pencils lead will be thinner and hence it will be grayer. Now let us see the three different kinds of pencils available:

Vine charcoal: very soft and fluid to work with. Initially start your drawing with this kind of pencil, as it will allows you to change erase easily. However, it is fragile, and breaks down often.
New pastels: After you have adjusted well with vine charcoal move to new pastels. They will give you good value range and control but use carefully as they are not easy to rub off.
Graphite pencil: This comes in two categories B for soft and H for hard. The harder the pencil is, the more lead it has. 9H is the hardest of them all.

In addition to a pencil, keep a good sharpener and erasers. Always keep two kinds of erasers with you, knead able and white eraser. The former can be shaped with fingers and good for small areas while the latter is to be used for broad areas.

Step 3

Getting a good drawing board is also important. Nevertheless, sometimes any hard surface like 1/8 plywood, Masonite or foam core will work just fine. Use tapes, thumbtacks, pushpins or clips to attach the paper with the surface.

Now that you have learned the basics, it is time you get them. Start with basic shapes and practice hard with different surface and shades. The artist in you will come out eventually as you go on drawing to your hearts content.

< Back To Drawing Next Previous