How to learn to draw with a pencil – 6 tips for beginners

The content of the article

• Prepare the tools
• Master the basic techniques
• Learn to arrange the composition
• Create contrast
• Add details and imperfections
• Trust Intuition

The childhood dream of graduating from art school does not come true for everyone, but you can learn to draw with a pencil at any age. The ability to use a graphite rod is the main skill necessary to start learning. Simple tips for beginners to help you get further..

Prepare the tools

Before you start, pick up pencils to create a sketch. Mechanical should be used where accuracy is needed, simple – when filling large areas. It is important for a beginner to hold the stylus correctly: if you put your fingers closer to the end, this will give control, but will make the strokes heavier. Grasping the rod further, you get less accuracy, but more air lines.

The hardness of graphite is indicated by the letters:

• M – soft;
• T – hard;
• TM – middle.

A letter is added to each letter indicating the degree of rigidity: the larger the number, the softer the stylus. You should start with medium TM in order to learn how to control the force of pressure. An eraser is used to correct, shade, or apply special effects. It is better to choose a soft one, so that when erasing it does not scratch the sheets. The first drafts should be done on inexpensive paper for sketches, for the final work you will need a more dense and high-quality material.

Master the basic techniques

Sketching methods differ for different styles and effects: the depth, shape of objects is shown in many ways. It is important to try new things, find something that improves your style of image. The ability to control strokes and create a holistic look will come with experience. Alternate dark and long, short and light lines – this technique of drawing with a pencil will create a dynamic, interesting picture..

Methods of invoice image:

• hatching;
• grain;
• finger shading;
• cross hatching.

Try different types of pencils, from 3M to 6T, hold the rod at different angles. When shading, put a clean sheet under the brush – this will protect against stains that the hand leaves on the pencil lines. Use rubbing to smooth out shadows using a piece of tissue paper.

There are four types of object outlines. Thin and hard look like solid borders. Intermittent – with fuzzy edges, the object almost merges with the background. Blurred contours of the audience only guess. Practice to understand how to draw correctly, combine ways to create interesting work.

Learn to arrange the composition

Apply principle 70/30. The idea is that 30% of the sketch is filled with the main focus and its detail, and the remaining 70% with the background. The emphasis should occupy a smaller part of the picture – this will help to prepare a spectacular drawing. The image as a whole should be symmetrical, it is also important to monitor the proportions of individual elements.

Sometimes you can violate this rule by slightly changing the size of objects. Leave the general lines mirrored, but not small details: “play around” with them, try to make something unusual. The asymmetry of some elements will help to avoid the boring repetition characteristic of perfectly even images..

Create contrast

There is a technique that helps to draw attention to a certain part of the picture: a sharp transition from dark to light areas directs the viewer’s eye to the desired part of the sketch. Strong contrast is best placed in the central zone of the picture – use this technique to highlight textures, individual objects.

Effectiveness can be achieved by creating contrast:

• forms;
• shades;
• saturation;
• textures;
• proportions.

Resist the temptation to use the difference in textures throughout the picture: light shading just as effectively demonstrates shape, detail. Softer contrast allows the gaze to wander, does not focus it. Smooth color transition is visually pleasing, creates an accent. To make the graphics look voluminous and bright, apply a subtle gradient: the significant difference between dark spots and light highlights attracts attention.

Add details and imperfections

Make your objects different, not just recognizable: quirks and shortcomings give character to the sketch, offer the viewer to conceive the story. Realistically depicted figure, with underlined dents and bumps, is of interest. To make it fun and fantastic, paint imperfections.

Trifles and unique details will help to make the sketch memorable: the artist’s heart and soul are revealed in the details of the drawing. The introduction of elements that may go unnoticed creates a surprise for the audience involved in their search. Great art is impossible without elaboration of trifles: work through each picture in detail to learn how to masterfully draw with a pencil.

Trust Intuition

Creativity requires courage: not everyone decides to express themselves through art, only a real artist is capable of this. Work that reflects genuine feelings is of great interest. Look for your unique approach, trust feelings, express yourself by creating sketches yourself. Do not think about the reaction of the public, get rid of internal restrictions, draw without fear – only in this way you can achieve success and be realized creatively.

See detailed instructions on how to draw a horse with a pencil in stages.