Drawing is an artistic skill that, once mastered, will bring you great pleasure, and over time it can even turn into an amazing hobby. You may think that in order to learn how to draw well, you need to take professional lessons, but this is not true. Simple drawing For your own pleasure, you can save money and improve your skills. To learn how to draw without taking a class, sketch with short strokes, apply shadows, highlight individual shapes in objects of various shapes, and practice as much as possible.

Steps

Part 1

Initial sketches

Choose an object to draw from life. If possible, find something meaningful to yourself, such as your favorite flower or your dog. On initial stage you will likely find it easier to draw from life than from memory or imagination. So if you draw something that you enjoy, it will help you concentrate.

• If you're just trying to draw, you don't need any special ones yet. art materials. Any pen or pencil and paper on hand will do the job.

1. Draw a general sketch with short strokes. Lightly press the pencil onto the paper. Concentrate on the line you are drawing, forgetting about the object itself. If you're drawing a dog, forget about it. Instead, start drawing its outlines. They represent the boundaries between the dog's body and its environment. Draw these outlines with short strokes.

   • The shorter your strokes are, the more accurate your sketch will be.
   • Don't criticize your work. Move quickly and perfect your strokes as you go.

2. Draw in the details. Once the sketch of the object is ready in general outline, start drawing out its details. Try to identify distinctive features or marks on an object, for example, a chip on a cup or a tuft of hair on a dog, based on which you can place other nearby details in the drawing.

   Apply shadows. Applying shadows will be a little more difficult, but they allow you to reflect the play of light and shadow in the drawing, and also create volume. Look from which side the object is illuminated by the sun. Then take a sharp pencil and evenly shade the penumbra areas. Once the pencil tip becomes dull, move on to shading the darker areas. To make the pencil leave darker strokes, press harder.

   • You can practice applying shadows by drawing a smooth scale of shadows. Start drawing the scale from the edge of the sheet. Move the pencil back and forth as you work. As you work, begin to press harder on the pencil to gradually make the strokes darker.
   • It is also useful to practice drawing a scale of achromatic colors. Divide the elongated rectangle into five sections. Leave the first section white. Paint the last section as much as possible dark color, as far as possible. In between these two sections (in the three central sections), distribute your strokes so that you get transitional (light to dark) shades of gray.

3. Connect different geometric shapes into shapes. Learn to compose individual blocks from which the contours of an object are formed. For example, a table can be represented as a series of rectangles and cylinders, and a snake as a series of circles. As soon as you learn to identify individual geometric blocks in objects, you will be able to draw them even from memory (without nature).

   • Spend some time looking at the objects carefully and trying to fit them into individual geometric shapes.

4. Sketch the subject from different angles. Assemble a drawing object from various forms. While working on the sketch, erase the unnecessary ones and draw the necessary lines so that the object in the drawing acquires the required shape. Once you've finished drawing this sketch, try drawing the same subject from other angles. For example, in profile, a horse's head may consist of a square nose, a circle of cheeks and a triangle of ears, but the same head can be drawn from many other angles.

   • Return to these sketches later to improve the rest of your drawings.

5. Re-draw the selected object. Next time, correcting various errors on sketches from different angles, draw the object again. At first, you can even rely on prepared sketches. Build an object from basic geometric shapes, then draw its details and correct it possible errors. Once you have some experience, you will be able to draw this object in various poses, even from memory.

   • It is quite acceptable to make some simplifications in the drawing, they may even become yours individual style. For example, remembering the location of every single muscle on the body can take too much time.

Part 3

Learning drawing techniques

1. Explore information about various techniques ah drawing. Your local library should have books about different styles drawing from realism to Japanese manga. Similar books can also be purchased in bookstores. For free drawing ideas and demos, search "how to draw (subject)" on Google or YouTube.

   • Books on anatomy can also serve good source information for realistic drawings. Learn to schematically draw the skeleton and muscles using them.

2. Start working with additional materials. It's usually best to stick with one thing before you gain experience, such as pencil and paper. Then you can find alternatives that you like better and will help you develop your own style, for example, start working with colored pencils or charcoal. Moreover, even simple pencils They come in different hardnesses, which allows you to expand your options for applying shadows.

   • TM (HB) pencils are considered standard. T-category (H) pencils are harder and suitable for drawing light lines. M-category (B) pencils are softer and suitable for drawing darker lines.
   • The degree of hardness and softness of pencils is expressed by a number. For hard pencils (T or H), the highest hardness is expressed as a nine, and for soft pencils(M or B) nine indicates the highest softness.
   • Vinyl erasers and scratch marks don't damage paper like regular rubber erasers, but they won't erase colored pencils. Due to the plasticity of such erasers (they have a dough-like consistency), they can be given any shape to accurately remove individual small details of a pencil sketch.

3. Learn to imagine the drawing process itself. When you're not busy drawing, look around. Think about how you could reflect environment in the drawing. For example, imagine how you apply shadows around the drawn eyes, draw in the pupils and irises. This line of thinking will allow you to think about working on the lines and creating your own style.

   • The goal is to learn to see details, not just general forms. Instead of thinking about the eye itself, think about the lines and colors that will allow you to draw that eye.

4. Practice. Drawing is a lot like skills like playing the piano. musical instrument or cycling. As soon as you have free time, sit down and sketch. Practice shading and using different painting techniques. Work on sketching things from different angles. In between drawing sessions, simply spend time with objects that interest you so you can learn more about them without becoming overwhelmed.

• Make it a habit to draw every day. With this habit, it will be easier for you to force yourself to practice, and you will improve your skills faster.
• Don't be discouraged by realizing you've made mistakes. This perception stops many aspiring artists. Remember, even experienced artists continue to learn through their creativity.
• It will take time to master the precise coordination of hand movements. Keep practicing, apply short strokes to the basic ones geometric shapes, and the results will improve over time.
• There is no need to purchase expensive art materials. A notepad and simple pencils will be enough for studying.
• Developing the skill of identifying individual geometric shapes in objects also takes time, but it helps to make more accurate sketches.

Warnings

• Someone, or even you yourself, may try to talk yourself out of this idea. But don't listen to those who say you don't have talent. Drawing needs to be learned, and if you enjoy doing it, just keep working on it.

Do you look with envy at those who can draw? Do you often look at beautiful object and sigh that you can’t portray him?

Then our article today is just for you, because we will tell you how to learn to draw, explain where to start and what to do to get closer to your artistic dream.

The first thing you need to start with is to realize that the ability to draw is not a talent. First of all, it's hard work. Even if a person has a natural inclination towards drawing, music or poetry, this does not mean that he does not need to do anything at all. Hard work and a lot of desire are the real key to success, and once you realize this, you will master the most main lesson drawing.

1. Draw always and everywhere

When starting the path to developing artistic skills, first of all you need to “get your hand.” To do this, we recommend purchasing an A5 notebook, which you should always have with you. Spend at least 20 minutes drawing every day. Draw silhouettes, lines, aliens, doodles, cats, sketch whatever your imagination allows. Draw the environment around you while you wait in line, remember - the main thing is to do this every day. Daily drawing should become a habit, like a cup of morning coffee.

2. Draw from life and photographs

For some reason, there is a belief that drawing from a photograph is harmful and that it does nothing to contribute to your development and development as an artist. This is a myth. By copying from a photograph, you have an excellent opportunity to study every detail. The only thing is that we do not recommend getting carried away with copying from photographs; most of the time, try to use images in your head or make sketches from life. When moving from photography to drawing from life, first choose stationary objects, gradually moving on to more complex ones - moving ones. This will help develop your spatial thinking and eye.

It is useful to make small sketches of architecture, and also pay attention to drawing parts of the body (arms, legs, etc.).

3. Be diverse

Try drawing different styles, this way you can quickly develop your own style. Use all the materials available to you - pencils, crayons, gouache, watercolors, pens, felt-tip pens. Try copying styles famous artists, don't get stuck on one thing until you find your own drawing style.

4. Learn

Buy good educational books for artists, for example, we recommend Natalie Ratkowski’s excellent book “Draw Every Day”. This book became a kind of experiment, during which the artist promised herself to draw every day for a year. This book will inspire you to repeat such a feat, and will also provide answers to many questions from aspiring artists.

Watch training videos on Youtube, search in social networks group for artists and join it, so you will be charged with motivation from other people and will not want to give up everything at the very beginning of your journey.

5. Track your progress

Choose one picture, photograph, landscape or person that you will draw periodically. For example, spend time only on this topic every month. Track changes. Also save all the drawings you make. Believe me, you will soon experience a great sense of pride in the results you were able to achieve.

The most important thing is to believe in yourself and stay with us, remember, you just have to start, and then inspiration will find you.

To apply the lesson in practice, you will need simple pencils of varying degrees of hardness, an eraser and paper.

Different hatching intensity

In the shading technique, different shades are created by changing the density of the lines drawn on paper, applying different pressure on the pencil and using pencils different types. Shades can change from light to dark and from dark to light, depending on the design. This lesson requires many hours of practice.

You will have to spend many hours drawing simple lines with a given distance from each other. Need to try different angles tilt and press, rotate the sheet and change the angle and direction of the hatching lines. Only after this will you be able to find comfortable lines, angle of inclination and degree of pressure.

Basic types of shading

It will be more convenient to train if you know the main types of shading used by artists.

The very first type of shading - the lines are short and located far from each other. In this way, the properties of pencils of different softness are studied. Lines located at some distance from each other create the illusion of a light tone.

The lines are then drawn closer together and longer. Visually, this shading looks darker.

In the third option, the lines are almost adjacent to each other, but the paper is still visible between them. Here, the accuracy of the hand and the ability to draw parallel lines of different types are tested - long and short, distant from each other and located next to each other.

Then you should practice drawing the longest and neatest spirals possible, unwinding them from the center or, on the contrary, twisting them into the center. This exercise gives the artist's hand firmness and flexibility.

Creating a bar scale

This activity helps you understand the boundaries of color. It consists of applying 7-10 groups of strokes on paper from dark to light and vice versa from light to dark. The transition should be smooth; appropriate tables for comparison can be purchased at art stores along with pencils and other teaching aids.

To achieve the result, both different degrees of pressure on the pencil and pencils of different degrees of softness are used. You need to be able to draw in such a way that the hatching lines are visible, and in such a way that a smooth effect is created, without gaps between the lines.

After all three of these exercises do not cause difficulties, you can safely take on one of the many step by step lessons images of something: everything will turn out great. For an artist, practice and a steady hand are especially important; everything else is done by a great desire to create.

• Pencil. You will need the simplest and most intuitive drawing tool in any case. Even if you want to learn how to draw with paints, you will need a simple pencil to create a sketch. Not all pencils are the same. Some are for drawing, others for drawing, others for everyday tasks. Too much hard pencils(3H, 4H and more) is better not to choose: they can easily scratch and tear the paper.

• Watercolor. Water-soluble paint is known for its lightness, transparency and wide palette of shades. However, painting with watercolor is quite difficult: you need to learn how to use its properties and have a good idea of ​​how the paint will behave on paper. On the other hand, if you put in enough effort, you will learn to draw in one of the most impressive techniques.

• Gouache. This is a thick matte paint that is diluted with water. It is perfect for the first steps in drawing. Thanks to the dense texture of gouache, dark tones can be easily covered with darker ones. This is very important, because then all the flaws and shortcomings can be corrected. One more good news: gouache is inexpensive.

• Pastel (dry). These crayons are used to create designs in soft colors. Due to its texture, pastel is very easy to shade, which allows you to create beautiful transitions between shades. You should immediately prepare for the fact that your fingers and table (at a minimum) will be stained with dust and pastel crumbs. The finished pastel drawing is easy to smudge, so the pigments on the paper will need to be secured with varnish or fixative.

• Markers (“copies”). We asked artist-illustrator and teacher Anna Rastorgueva to tell us about this instrument, relatively unknown to most. Because she draws with markers and does it great. We are not talking about text highlighters or simple felt-tip pens, but about alcohol markers, which, thanks to their base, do not deform the paper and allow you to achieve smooth transitions between shades.

Kolidzei / Shutterstock.com

There are many manufacturers of such instruments, including Japanese brands, German, Chinese, Korean, and Russian. The price also varies - from 160 to 600 rubles per piece, so even a novice author can pick up a small kit to get started.

The palettes of this type of markers are unusually wide, with an average of 300 colors, so in order not to get confused, you can purchase a ready-made set, usually selected on a specific topic: architecture, nature, manga.

What if I don't know what to draw?

If you don’t know what to draw, but really want to, copy, draw and repeat after others. There's nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, this is a normal process. Take a picture that you like, put it in front of you and start.

Video instructions help a lot. Unlike advice in the style of “draw a circle, add sticks, add details - you will get a great canvas,” these notes do not lie. You will see exactly how the drawing is created.

Remember: creativity is an international thing. Don't be afraid to check out the YouTube channels of English-speaking bloggers, even if you don't understand what they're saying.

Try starting with these channels:

• Proko. An absolute must-have for anyone who wants to learn how to draw. The artist clearly, simply, and clearly explains the most difficult thing - how to draw a person. This is the base and foundation, so the channel will probably be in your bookmarks.

• Mark Crilley. The artist works in a cartoon style, so those who want to learn how to draw cute, cute drawings will find everything they need here. The artist shows different techniques and in detail, frame by frame, demonstrates the simplest techniques for creating an effective drawing.

• Sycra. The channel will appeal to everyone who loves japanese cartoons and wants to learn how to draw anime. Video tutorials cover the topic inside and out: body structure, facial features, costumes and everything, everything, everything.

• Bob Ross. Bob Ross is an American television legend. Perhaps the most inspiring program in the world was created by this man, who for 11 years taught people to create miracles on canvas. You may not understand what Bob says in his soft voice, but you cannot resist the artistic talent that penetrates you directly from the screen.

In general, choosing a topic is the second fundamental issue after choosing the material. And here it is not at all necessary to limit yourself to traditional genres: portrait, still life or landscape. These days, daily household sketches are becoming increasingly popular. Like Instagram photos, artists fluently capture exciting topics in their notebooks, post them on social media, study and communicate together. The subject of interest can be absolutely any object - from macro-sketches of insects to travel diaries detailed in every detail.

Anna Rastorgueva, illustrator, teacher

"You Can Draw in 30 Days" by Mark Kistler. One of the most famous books about drawing. As many years of observations show, after reading it and, importantly, following the instructions, everyone learned to draw.

"Discover the Artist in You" by Betty Edwards. Those who have doubts can immediately be informed: from this book, about 2 million of those who considered themselves “armless” have already learned to draw. For those who don't believe in anything at all own strength and thinks that all artists know some secret beautiful paintings, we say: yes, the secret exists. It's hidden in this book.

“A sketchbook that will teach you how to draw!”, Robin Landa. As a teacher himself, Robin knows that students draw best on the pages of their textbooks. This is where fantasy comes into full play! Therefore, he created a book in which you can (and should) draw. And learn along the way.

I want to draw, but I don't have time or extra money

Eugenio Marongiu/Shutterstock.com

The first step can be taken without much investment or effort. Download creative apps and get started right now.

Tayasui Sketches. One of the most beautiful and simple applications with numerous tools will teach you how to draw in different techniques.

Bamboo Paper. Wacom, a company that creates drawing tablets, has developed its own application for artists. Sketches, sketches and full-fledged drawings - this program will be needed at every stage of learning.

Zen Brush. This application will not help with learning, but it will put you in the right creative mood. With a brush you can draw characteristic strokes, and the finished drawing looks like a work of art from some distant eastern country.

We’ve sorted out the materials, the sources of inspiration, too, the books have been studied, and there are applications for the laziest. It's your turn - it's time to get down to business.

The main thing is to find what you really like. Go for it!

Anna Rastorgueva, illustrator, teacher

If you want to learn something new interesting activity and learn to draw with a pencil from scratch, there are special methods for beginners. They make the process of creating an image easier. Even if you have never gone to an art studio or art school, with desire, patience and perseverance, it is quite possible to master this technique.

Choosing the main tool

If you decide to learn how to draw with a pencil from scratch, first of all, you will need leads of various hardnesses. Most often, HB or TM in the Russian version is used, but it is also necessary to have H (T), B (M), 2B (M). The marking indicates softness, and the number corresponds to its degree. The number is 2H (2T) the hardest that is usually used. It leaves a very thin, barely noticeable line. If you press hard with a well-sharpened pencil, it may even leave a scratch on the paper. The designation HB corresponds to medium hard-soft. The larger the number of the marking B (M), the darker and wider the line on the sheet will be.

To learn, three different styluses are enough. It is worth noting that graphite can be sold both in a wooden frame and in the form of rods for mechanical tools. They also produce sticks with a diameter of a regular pencil, which are coated on the outside with a special non-staining layer. In this case it is convenient to use lateral surface sharpened part for shading large surfaces. They are often purchased for quick sketches. You can choose any option.

What else is needed?

If you're trying to learn how to draw with a pencil from scratch, be sure to have a good eraser. It should be soft so as not to further injure the layer of paper.

For the same purpose, draw contours with thin lines. Keep in mind that pencils should always be kept sharp. It is permissible for a beginner to use a sharpener, but professionals only use a knife. This is due to the resulting shape of the pointed part. To perform correct shading, it is recommended to sharpen the tool hollowly, that is, the lead is freed from the wood by one or even two centimeters, making a gradual transition of the cut to the sides of the pencil cylinder. A beginner should know this only for general information. Do what is easier and more convenient for you.

Possible execution techniques

The easiest way to learn how to draw with a pencil from scratch is linear. easier to do than with tonal elaboration.

Sometimes an inexperienced artist thinks that he has made a portrait very similar to the original, but during the shading process his opinion changes. For training, you can perform several works exactly linearly, applying only light shadows in some places. It will give the impression quick sketch. After all, you don’t have to tell everyone that you just don’t have enough experience yet.

As you practice, your hand will gain confidence, and you will be able to move on to working out the form in light and shadow. In the manuals “How to learn to draw with a pencil for beginners,” they often suggest using shading. It involves rubbing graphite over a sheet.

In this option, you will not see individual lines, and the transitions between tones will be very smooth. Hatching is more difficult to master. Each individual element must be located very tightly next to the neighboring one, otherwise the integrity of the object will not be obtained, but there will be an impression of stripes, hairiness - anything but a single shape.

So, at the first stage, use shading. You can rub the pencil mark with a soft piece of paper or even your finger, but it is worth remembering that professionals do not do this. If you are planning to study at art school, you will have to forget about this method of drawing. If you have serious intentions, it is better to immediately master the technique of shading, gradually developing your hand. This will come in handy in the future.

How to do shading correctly?

If you decide to use a professional method, it is better to practice first on regular sheets.

Try pencils of different softness in action. Try to make tonal transitions using the same lead. The main thing is to try to ensure that the strokes fit tightly to each other, do not use lines crossed at right angles. It is better to apply them according to the shape, that is, if you have a cube in front of you, then the shading should be done either in a vertical direction or parallel to the lines of the edges. Do more exercise. Remember, mastery comes with experience.

How to fix errors?

If during work you are not satisfied with the quality of something, the pencil is easily erased.

However, in order not to remove excess, it makes sense to make a cut on the eraser with a knife, forming a thin edge. If you start to actively erase the shading, you can smear too much of the work done or seriously injure the paper. A new layer of graphite does not fit well on a damaged surface. To delete large quantity shading or partial weakening of the tone, if the object is too dark, use a special erasing mass. It resembles plasticine or is called a nag in professional slang. It easily absorbs excess graphite. A lump of crumb of ordinary bread has the same property. So, even if you overdid something in your first experience, mistakes can always be corrected. The main thing is to try not to repeat them next time.

What is better to draw for beginners?

If you are interested in how to learn how to draw with a pencil step by step, everything is simple - the work should always be done from simple to complex and from general to detail.

Whatever plot you choose, the sequence of steps will be similar. Of course, it is better for beginners not to use too complex motifs with a large number of constituent elements. This can only be done by having a clear visual step by step instructions. For independent drawing, choose simple objects and compositions from them, for example, a still life of household items, fruits, vegetables lying on a table or in a basket.

It's worth being patient if you decide to learn how to learn how to draw portraits with a pencil.

This is one of the most difficult tasks even for a professional. It is very difficult for a beginner to master it. Of course, everyone has objects that, regardless of skill level and experience, they want to depict. Choose your favorite subjects, just try to find and study as many tips and tricks for drawing them as possible. It's about about such complex objects as animals, flowers, architecture, cars, motorcycles, boats, people.

How to learn to draw cars with a pencil? You can copy them from a photograph (for example, by cells; the technique is described in more detail in the next section). It will be easiest for novice artists to depict a car from the side.

pencil?

Making a person's face is one of the most difficult tasks. A beginner can be offered a method of creating an image using cells from a photograph.

It allows you to more accurately convey proportions. To do this, take the following steps:

1. Draw a cellular structure on a transparent film.

2. Place it on the photo and secure it so that it does not accidentally move.

3. On your sheet of paper prepared for the portrait, also make an auxiliary construction in the form of cells.

4. Compare how the lines on the original intersect the cells, try to repeat them as accurately as possible with a pencil.

So, you have learned how to learn to draw with a pencil. It's quite easy step by step. The most important thing is to follow the sequence of work from general to detail, and also first try to choose simple objects to complete.