When first learning how to draw, don't get too distracted by materials. The key to learning to draw is using your eyes. You'll find many lessons on this site directed at helping you learn to look at your subject. Don't skip over them, because these will really help you learn to draw.
As children, we draw stick-figures which are symbols for people. We know a face is roughly round and has a smiley mouth. But when we want to start drawing realistically, we have to draw what we see instead - we discover that faces aren't really round, and that eyes are actually in the middle of the head, not towards the top. Even if you are interested in abstract art, learning to draw will help you achieve the effects you are looking for.
Ready to get started? Here are the first drawing lessons. We begin with simple exercises, and later we'll practice developing observational skills. What's important at this stage is getting a feel for following the shape with your eyes and pencil.
Lesson 1 - Exploring Mark Making
Find out what your pencils can do with some fun mark-making. Really this is what artists call scribbling, but it sounds much more important!
Lesson 2 - Simple Contour Drawing
Contour drawing is the name artists give to outline drawing. This lesson explains how to get started drawing objects.
Lesson 3 - A Simple Still Life
This simple drawing lesson starts with an easy contour and adds some shading. Follow along to create a finished drawing.
Lesson 4 - Blind Contour Drawing
Blind Contour Drawing is a classic exercise used to help develop hand-eye coordination. It's fun, too!
Tips:
- Don't be disheartened with 'failures'. How many times will someone fall over learning to rollerblade?
- Practice often. You need to train your hand and eye.
- Don't think of everything as a masterpiece. Exercises might just be scribbles, but will help your technique. Think of a musician playing scales.
- Enjoy! Draw subjects you like, and have fun!
