Beginning in Art: How to Draw
Do you feel like you are an artist deep inside? Do you doodle and sketch all the time? Did you love art class in school? If so, you may have a gift for art. If you haven’t had any formal art education, you haven’t practiced much, or you just want to learn how to draw, there are several ways to do it. Learning how to draw means different things to different people. One person might want to become a cartoonist while another enjoys pen and ink, realistic pieces. If you need to do a project for school that requires some sketching you need to learn how to draw. You can learn to draw no matter what, but if you want to be great, you have to have the talent and put in the work.
The Right Tools
Before you get started learning how to draw, you need the right tools and supplies. As a beginner, you don’t need to have top quality supplies, especially just for sketching. Get a pad of cheap paper for sketching on. Also, get a nice quality sketchbook. Carry it around wherever you go for sketching new ideas and practicing. I recommend a Moleskine Sketchbook
Pencils are the next important tool you will need. In fact, it is probably the most important. You can use a basic number 2 pencil, but there is only so much you can do with it. A great beginner package is a mix of a variety of pencils. Get a few soft pencils and a few hard pencils. You can choose the type to use depending on what you are doing, shading, sketching, etc. For a longer-lasting drawing, use a sketching pen. They are best for drawings after you have practiced for a while.
Instructions
You can start learning how to draw by just sketching what you see, or you can get a little bit of instruction. A drawing class is a great start. Check out local community colleges for available classes near you. If you can’t afford classes or you can’t make the schedule, books are a great idea. Try The Draw 50 Way
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing is one of the best things you will do while learning how to draw. Take your sketchbook around with you and take it out to sketch when you find yourself with free time. Don’t just draw the same thing all the time. Branch out with figure drawing, portraits, and landscapes, even if you’re trying to be a cartoonist. Ask friends for their opinion and use the criticism constructively. Only ask those that you trust and not people who will fail to offer constructive criticism. The more you draw, the better you will be.
Painting Techniques
Have you ever gone to an art Museum, maybe the Louvre, the Met, or even a local art museum or art show? What did you think of the paintings? Everyone may have different definitions of a beautiful painting whether they use abstract painting techniques or realistic painting techniques.
There are many different kinds of paintings. You might like the old paintings by Picasso and Monet, or you might prefer the new modern of art of today. Both are beautiful and interesting. There are plenty more painters and types of painting techniques than them.
Have you ever wanted to try painting yourself? If you have and aren’t sure if you’d be good enough, just go for it! You don’t have to be “good enough” to paint. You can be a horrible painter and still enjoy it. You will never know if you like it until you try!
In the following sections we will discuss different kinds of painting, mainly different kinds of paints to use. Search through them and figure out which one is right for you. Some are similar, some are very different. Either way, there are pros and cons to each kind of paint.
Within each type of paint there are many different painting techniques. You can use different brush strokes, layering, etc. There are no write and wrong painting techniques. You may come up with something that has never been used before. There is only so much instruction and learning you can get. Eventually, you just have to jump in head first and paint.
Oil painting is a well-known type of painting. It can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it can be fun, relaxing, and fulfilling. Try it out and see how you like it!
Acrylic painting is very similar to oil painting with a few critical differences. Whether you prefer it to oil paint or not, it is a great paint to start in and to create beautiful works of art.
Watercolor painting is very different from the rest. It relies on water to produce a unique look. It can be very hard to master, but some people are naturally gifted in this paint. Maybe you are one of them?
