Pencil drawing technique for beginners. Drawing Lessons for Beginners: Free Videos for Home Study

First, a little theory. It may probably seem that theory is not very important, but studying theory is one of the main stages in the development of artists. To learn how to draw realistic sketches, you need to know the nine basic laws of drawing:

1. Perspective: those figures that are closer seem large, and those that are far away seem small.

2. Position: those figures that are located lower on the sheet, they visually seem closer.

3. Dimensions: the larger the figure is drawn, the closer it will appear.

4. Overlap: the object that is drawn in front of another object visually appears closer

5. Shadow: the plane on which the figure is located should be darker on the opposite side than the light source.

6. Fill: that part of the figure that will be located on the other side of the source from which the light will come, this part should be the darkest in order to produce the effect of depth.

7. Contour lines: in order to draw round shapes, you need to draw contour lines.

8. Horizon line: you need to draw a horizon line to draw a three-dimensional image.

9. Distance: to create an imitation of the distance between figures, distant figures need to be depicted a little lighter and drawn less clearly.

Without following these laws, you will not be able to draw a picture. Knowledge of the nine basic laws of drawing is the basis for successful learning to draw. The more often you draw and apply these laws, the sooner you will begin to remember them, and it will become increasingly easier to use them and apply them in practice.

Important Principles

The next step after learning the basic laws of drawing is to know the three tricks that you should always remember: attitude, detail and practice.

1. Mood: in order to tune in to positive work, you need to convince yourself that you are ready and say that everything is within your power! Only with positive thoughts can you learn and apply new artistic skills.

2. Details: adding different details makes the drawing more alive, and if you try to add something new, perhaps the drawing will turn out much more unusual.

3. Practice: in order to master perfectly the skills that you have learned, these skills must be used every day at work to consolidate them.

Training these principles is very important for developing artistic skills.

Tools

The next stage is the selection of the necessary drawing tools; they should be convenient and practical:

1. You will need a notebook or album. Although any paper can be used to start drawing, it can be plain white or it can be tinted, thin or thick. If you decide to use special paper, you will certainly be able to achieve much better results than with plain paper. It is important to know what raw materials the drawing paper is made from. Paper tester, test grain size has
greater value.

There are two types of paper, fine grain paper and coarse grain paper. If you take fine-grained paper, then this type of paper will be suitable for any type of drawing, but coarse-grained paper is suitable for writing on it with watercolors. The artist himself chooses to draw on coarse-grained or fine-grained paper. Premium grade paper is marked with a watermark in the corner.

2. School pencils, which have four degrees of hardness: No. 1 - 2B, No. 2-B, No. 3-H, and No. 4 - 2H, are perfect for drawing sketches. In order to get good drawings, it is better to use pencils numbered 2 and 3. If you are serious about learning, it would be better to buy a complete set of top quality drawing pencils. There are 19 degrees of hardness: H - hard, HB and F - medium hard, B - soft.

3. Calendar and planning – one of the most important stages. In order to achieve good results in the future, you need to draw for at least twenty minutes every day. So for this you will need to create an action plan and constantly monitor the implementation of the plan.

Drawing stages

First step

First, you will need to take your pencil and calendar - now you will need to create a schedule for the lessons that you will do throughout the week. Of course, you need to take into account that there are other activities besides drawing, so even these twenty minutes can be divided and made into two 10-minute classes.

To achieve success, you need to work hard every day, acquire new skills, learn techniques, and look at the works of famous artists for inspiration. After just a month of hard work, results will be visible.

Second step

The most important thing is to just sit down at the table and start drawing! When you sit down at the table, you will need to take a deep breath, and then you need to smile. Then take a piece of paper and put it in front of you and now try to draw.

Now you need to check yourself. First you will need to draw a few objects. You need to relax! You must also understand that you are doing this for yourself, and only you can draw this picture. It is necessary that you now draw just such a drawing, which will then help you improve your skills in the future. But even if you feel lazy or just don’t want to draw this part of the picture, you will definitely have to force yourself to draw this moment of the picture. Then, by the end of the month, you yourself will understand that this was not done in vain!

Third step

Don't forget to show your work to more experienced artists, ask them for advice and listen carefully to their criticism, and then correct your mistakes. If you don't know any artists, there are many sites on the Internet where you can post your work and ask for advice.

Fourth step

Try different drawing techniques and choose the one that suits you best. If something doesn’t work out for you, don’t despair and try again, because you’re just learning and the skill will come with time.

Video lesson

Welcome to the site "Drawing School", our slogan "Learning to draw is easy".Our website contains the best drawing lessons, oil painting, graphics, pencil drawing lessons, tempera drawing.You easily and quickly learn to draw still life, landscape, and simply beautiful paintings Our Art School for adults and children also offers to start learning remotely, right at home. We conduct weekly the most interesting courses on drawing with pencil, paints and other materials.

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Our drawing lessons compiled by the best artists peace. Lessons are clearly explained in pictures how to learn to draw even complex paintings.. Our teachers are highly qualified designers, illustrators and simply experienced artists.

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In any of these sections you will find interesting information on how to quickly learn how to draw with different materials, such as oil paints, watercolor, pencil (colored, simple), tempera, pastel, ink... . Draw with joy and pleasure, and may inspiration accompany you. And our Art School will do everything necessary for maximum convenience in learning to draw with pencil, paints and other materials.

Did you know that learning to draw is easy? It is enough to allocate 20 minutes of time for 30 days! The desire to learn this is natural for absolutely any person. Lack of experience is not a stumbling block. Through the basics of art, one can learn aspects of the larger techniques of fine art through just one simple pencil. Moreover, over the past couple of years, more than 700,000 thousand of these paintings, including portraits, have been sold at exhibitions.

After all, it really turns out that the internal impulse to study practical developments in this form of art for beginners is nothing more than an opportunity to earn money, which does not contradict one’s own beliefs. The pencil drawing school http://nizniy-novgorod.videoforme.ru/designschool/drawing will help you significantly increase your acquired skills.

What is needed for this?

In addition to the mentioned tool, you need to find or purchase:

  • Whatman paper, album sheet;
  • diary;

Necessary for marking each day and allocated time. After all, the most ordinary tick for drawing from scratch with a pencil can motivate no worse than fiery speeches.

  • eraser;
  • sharpener.

If there are a lot of basic tools, it is better to buy an automatic trimmer.
How to learn to draw with a pencil step by step?

Step One: Schedule

Due to the busy workday, it is better to divide the daily twenty-minute lesson into two ten-minute ones. The main thing is to practice every day, 7 days a week! A more detailed examination of two or three lessons on “how to draw beautifully with a pencil for beginners” over the course of one week is even considered optimal!

Step two: starting point

It is necessary to depict up to five objects on the first page, any, completely taken from your head. This is necessary for further comparison of the acquired skills. If the desire to skip it prevails, ignore it! This step is required.

Step three: knowledge of simple geometric shapes and objects in three-dimensional space

This is done in accordance with the basic rules of perspective, light and shadow. The idea is to create a proportional object with a cast shadow. A more detailed consideration of this issue, divided into a thirty-day course, is displayed in the book, Mark Kistler’s practical guide “Learn to Draw in 30 Days!”

For example, even a schoolchild with a ruler can draw a cube on a piece of paper consisting solely of lines. A novice master uses only a pencil and imagination.

If the idea of ​​the drawing is daylight, the shadow from the object is equal to a third of it, while increasing by 1-2 mm near its right side. It is absolutely not necessary to show daylight in the picture - the main thing is to have an idea in your head. It is highly recommended that you read the above-mentioned book.

Also, the third step involves a personal definition of the artistic impulse that has arisen:

  • portraits;
  • landscapes;
  • anime and manga;
  • People.

Step Four: How to Draw Color Theory with a Pencil Correctly

By shifting the first colors (physical impact on the instrument in the desired area), you can convey not only color saturation, but also emphasize the three-dimensionality of the image. In this way, you can get the desired combination. If mistakes were made in the process, using an eraser you can pinpoint this or that area.

Pay attention! It's better to use a white eraser. One side should always be pointed for precise adjustments.

Who said that mixing colors with just one simple pencil is impossible? It is enough to highlight the desired area (make it darker), without pressing it too hard against the canvas. After this, tear off a small piece of paper or a dry napkin and begin rubbing this area to the desired boundaries. As practice shows, long blending looks very effective on images with landscapes, as well as drapery backgrounds.

Step five: how to learn to draw the main objects with a simple pencil

You need to start training with large objects. If this is a portrait - the shape of the head, nose, eyes, ears, mouth. And only in this sequence. In general, drawing a portrait is very difficult, since true masters of their craft can convey reality. Conveying the depth of the eyes, as well as their exact shape, will prove to be an unusually difficult step. In this case, up to 30 days are spent studying each part of the body, starting with the schematic drawing of parallels and ending with the shadow recesses around the drawn object.

If we are talking about the landscape, then it is better to start with the largest tree or building. After its schematic representation, you need to select an area to depict the shadow, and only then draw the terrain and geographical features. The latter always begin with drawing an inconspicuous horizon line. At this stage, it is important to correctly divide the horizon line and the ground. If the choice is incorrect, the proportions of all other objects will increase significantly.

  • 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. It is better not to choose pencils that are too hard (3H, 4H and more): 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. Another 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. To those who do not believe in their own abilities at all and think that all artists know some secret of 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

Every person needs to have an outlet in life. Even if a hobby is a job, it is still impossible to devote 24 hours a day to it. A great way to relax is drawing. How to learn to draw from scratch? It will take a lot of patience, a good eye and, of course, a lot of practice.

Choosing material

Of course, a professional artist will be able to draw a masterpiece with a simple pencil on an ordinary napkin, but people who are wondering how to learn to draw from scratch should not try such experiments. Otherwise, you can be disappointed in your abilities, never knowing what Mother Nature really put into you.

For the first lesson, you need to purchase an album with thick paper or buy a sheet of Whatman paper. Of course, you can draw on the “Snegurochka”, but the sheets intended for printing are so thin that the pencil will “stumble” on the backing, which is a table or easel. By the way, about the backing: you should not draw on the table; it is advisable to purchase (or make your own) an art tablet. Drawing at an angle is always more convenient, as the viewing angle becomes larger. And, of course, answering the question of how to learn to draw from scratch at home, one cannot help but mention pencils. The artist must have at least 5 of them. It is advisable to have 2 pencils of different hardness, 2 of different softness and one hard-soft.

There should also be 2 washing machines: one is a standard soft one, the other is a kneaded one.

Basics: learning the stroke

How to learn to draw from scratch? The first thing you need to do is train your hand. There are a lot of different exercises for this, for example, drawing eights, zigzags or straight lines. These simple exercises, if done 3-5 minutes before the start of class, can loosen your hand and it will listen to you better.

The next exercise is to study shading. It can be straight, inclined or crosswise. In the process of work, each artist develops his own unique style, but at the first stage it is too early to think about style, you need to get better at it, which means trying different stylistic solutions.

Once the shading has been studied, you can move on to the form. But you need to draw it not with contour lines, but with strokes. This way a person will better perceive the volume, and at the same time perfect his stroke.

Sketches

Sketch books are very popular today. Moreover, both beginning artists and professional illustrators draw in them. Why do you need such a notepad? Everything ingenious is simple. The purpose of a sketch book is to always be at hand. After all, you never know where you might find interesting sketch topics. Beginning artists who are tormented by the question of how to learn to draw from scratch just need to get a sketchbook. Here you can create fantastic images or sketch surrounding objects. It doesn’t matter what will be depicted there, the main thing is daily drawing. And since in the modern rhythm it is difficult to find a free minute, if you always have a sketch book at hand, the task becomes much easier.

Geometric bodies

Anyone can learn to draw from scratch with a pencil. You should start your creative attempts with the image of geometric objects. After all, everything that surrounds us can be divided into cubes, spheres or pyramids. And if you have experience in drawing a base, then drawing, for example, a portrait will be much easier.

The first step is to learn how to draw a cube.

It is advisable to draw from life, and not from the monitor screen. After all, the image on a computer is two-dimensional, and it will not fully convey reality. It should be remembered that it is worth constructing the geometry, and not sketching the outer shell, otherwise it will be simply impossible to achieve an understanding of the form. After the cube, you need to learn how to build a ball, then there should be a cone, a pyramid and all the other geometric bodies that exist.

Bodies of revolution

How to learn to draw from scratch? By working step by step first on geometric objects and then on a body of rotation, you can achieve significant results.

First of all, try to depict teapots and mugs. Most of these objects have a simple shape that will be easy to depict even for a novice artist.

The next stage is drawing vases and glasses. But you need to choose not elegant crystal objects, but rough clay products. Their form is easy to read, so drawing them graphically is much easier.

Having mastered fairly simple subjects, you can move on to more complex objects. For example, depict a still life. This task is given so that the novice artist understands how objects interact with each other. After staged still lifes, you can move directly to more lively drawings. For example, sketch before or after breakfast.

Landscapes

Having learned to draw well all the space in the house, you can go outside to paint. Drawing architecture and landscapes is a rather complex and time-consuming process. How to learn to draw landscapes for beginners from scratch? Do your preparatory work at home, look at similar drawings in textbooks. Many artists post on the Internet not only ready-made sketches, but also step-by-step storyboards. Analyzing their work, it is quite easy to imagine what simple forms this or that bush can be divided into. As a workout, you can walk around the park from time to time and imagine how you can draw a tree, pond or bench. Before the image leaves your head, immediately upon returning home, draw from memory the object that interests you.

Animals and people

We figured out how to learn to draw with a pencil from scratch step by step, and now you need to understand where to start drawing a person or animal. Of course, the first thing you should do is sit down with an anatomy textbook. Only by understanding the structure of the human face and body can an artist create a realistic figure or portrait.

Of course, you can draw the contours of the body, but in order to accurately depict the figure, you need to build. The first thing to do is to redraw as many sketches as possible from an anatomy textbook and, of course, carefully study and master the proportions. It is necessary to have an idea of ​​how many times the head fits into the body, on which line the tips of the fingers end, etc.

To learn how to draw portraits, you need to do some preparatory work. A cut-off will help here - a plaster cast of a human head, the face of which is laid out on planes. Any artist, when drawing a portrait, must keep in mind the cutting diagram.

And of course, the same goes for animals and birds. To draw any four-legged or feathered creature, you need to look at what it looks like without fur and feathers. It is by knowing anatomy that an artist will be able to professionally draw any living creature.