When it comes to learning how to draw, there are so many skills and techniques to master. From mastering the basics of line drawing to experimenting with perspective and 3D drawing, the learning curve can often seem overwhelming to the beginner artist. Being aware of the fundamentals and slowly building up a solid foundation of technical drawing skills can help aspiring artists manage the learning process.
With this in mind, here is a breakdown of what a beginner should learn first in drawing.
1. Line Drawing Basics
Line drawing is a fundamental skill for all aspiring artists, and is the most basic form of drawing. It is a method of creating simple yet effective representations of an image using lines.
The main line drawing techniques used by novice artists are contour, gesture, and outline drawing. Learning these basic line drawing techniques will help artists develop competency with this fundamental drawing skill and build a solid foundation of technical drawing skills. Contour drawing focuses on the outline of an object.
This type of line drawing composes a drawing based on the exterior edges of an object. The focus is on the object as a whole, and some details can be omitted if necessary.
It is a great entry-level drawing technique for beginners that helps the artist become familiar with the basic shape of the object. Gesture drawing is a quick interpretation of the forms of an object. This line drawing technique is used to convey the essence and basic structure of the object, capturing the underlying energy and movement of the object.
This technique of line drawing is often done in a few seconds as a means of capturing the momentary idea. It is an excellent exercise for training one’s eye to observe an object’s energy and movement.
Outline drawing is line drawing that is completely based on the contours of the object or image. The focus is on the exterior contours and details of the base object, making this a more difficult line drawing technique for beginners to master. This type of line drawing requires a greater level of concentration and detail, so beginning artists should gain some mastery of gesture and contour drawing before they try this technique.
2. Hatching and Cross Hatching
Hatching and cross hatching are shading techniques used to achieve value and tone in an artwork. Hatching is a line drawing technique where the artist applies a series of parallel lines in the same direction, usually to represent an area of uniform tone. Cross hatching is a more advanced line drawing technique in which two sets of parallel lines cross to create a more intricate pattern of lines.
This technique of line drawing can also be used to create patterns and textures for different parts of a drawing. Hatching and cross hatching are essential line drawing techniques for any artist wishing to create tonal drawings.
They are especially important for novices, as they can be used to create and define value and shadow in a drawing. As a result, mastering these techniques will help the beginner artist create more dynamic, detailed and tonal drawings.
3. Perspective Drawing
Perspective drawing is a line drawing technique in which the artist utilizes one or more vanishing points to create a sense of depth and space. Using this technique of line drawing, the artist can represent an object or scene in three dimensions, creating the illusion of depth and distance. This is a complex line drawing technique and requires a great deal of practice and mastery in order to be successful.
Perspective drawing techniques such as one- and two-point perspective, as well as oblique and atmospheric perspective, are essential techniques for any beginner artist to learn. Learning these techniques will help the beginner artist create a more realistic and dynamic rendering of a scene.
Additionally, mastering perspective drawing techniques will help the artist gain a better understanding of three-dimensional form and space.
4. Composition and Negotiating Space
Composition is the arrangement of elements within an artwork, including the placement of lines, objects, and tones. It is a complex process that involves creating and negotiating the various elements of a drawing in order to create a cohesive and balanced artwork. It is an important element of line drawing and is essential for the artist to learn in order to create successful drawings.
Negotiating space is an integral part of composition in a drawing. The artist must consider how to utilize the given space in a drawing, such as how to best arrange the elements and how much space to leave around them.
This is a key line drawing skill, as it will help the artist create drawings that are visually balanced and harmonious.
5. Figure Drawing
Figure drawing is a technique of line drawing in which the artist creates a representation of a person or object. In order to successfully create a figure drawing, the artist must have a knowledge of the proportions and scale of the object or person being depicted.
This type of line drawing will help the artist create more accurate and realistic depictions of people and objects. Learning to draw figures is an invaluable line drawing skill for any aspiring artist. Figure drawing is not just about capturing accurate proportions, but is also about conveying the characterization and emotion of the figure.
There are numerous techniques for line drawing figures, such as gesture and contour drawing, that will help the artist create compelling and engaging representations of people and objects
6. Object Drawing
Object drawing is a type of line drawing in which the artist creates a representation of an inanimate object or scene. This technique of line drawing requires the artist to pay close attention to the details and contours of the object or scene.
This will help the artist create realistic and believable representations of an inanimate object or scene. Object drawing can be a useful line drawing technique for aspiring artists to master. This type of line drawing will help the artist become more familiar with the contours and details of an object, which will in turn allow them to create more lifelike representations of objects and scenes.
7. Proportion and Anatomy
Proportion and anatomy are two important line drawing skills that the novice artist should learn. Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of elements within a drawing. Having a knowledge of proportion will help the artist create accurate and visually pleasing representations of objects or scenes.
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human figure. Learning the fundamentals of human anatomy is an important line drawing skill for the beginner artist.
Having an understanding of the underlying structure of the human figure will help the artist create more lifelike and believable drawings.
8. Negative Space and Positive Space
Negative space and positive space are important concepts for any aspiring artist to understand. Negative space is the area of an image that is not occupied by the object or figure being depicted. Positive space is the area of the image that is occupied by the object or figure being depicted.
Understanding both of these concepts is an essential line drawing skill for nearly any artist. Negative space and positive space are very important in line drawing as they serve to define and describe the various elements of a drawing.
A good understanding of these concepts of line drawing will help the artist highlight the primary elements of a drawing and create compelling compositions.
9. Value and Contrast
Value and contrast are two important line drawing concepts used to create tonal drawings. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of an area, while contrast is the difference between the two.
Learning how to use value and contrast effectively is a key line drawing skill, as it can be used to create tonal and textural effects in a drawing. Learning how to use value and contrast effectively can be a difficult but rewarding line drawing skill for any beginner artist. Understanding how to use these concepts can help the artist create dynamic and interesting drawings that have visual depth, texture, and form.
10. Experimenting With New Techniques
The key to gaining mastery over line drawing is to constantly practice and experiment with new techniques. This can be as simple as doing gesture drawings or as complex as mastering perspective drawing.
No matter the technique, experimenting and practicing the many different line drawing techniques will help the artist become more familiar with the fundamentals and better understand the basics of drawing.
11. Setting Goals and Working Towards Them
Setting realistic and attainable goals is an important way for aspiring artists to push themselves and reach their creative ambitions. Goals can range from mastering new line drawing techniques to creating a certain number of drawings per day.
Having a goal and a plan for achieving it will help the beginner artist stay motivated and continuously hone their craft.
12. Drawing From Observation
Drawing from observation is another key skill that novice artists should strive to master. Drawing from observation involves looking at the object the artist wishes to draw and understanding the lines, forms, and proportions that make up the object.
This is an essential skill, as it will help the artist create accurate representations of what they are observing.
13. Patience and Persistence
Finally, the aspiring artist must remember that above all else, they need patience and persistence in order to become successful. Becoming a master of line drawing requires a great deal of practice and dedication. There will be moments of frustration and discouragement, but perseverance and faith in one’s ability will help the artist through the learning process.
Conclusion
Learning line drawing can be an intimidating process for a novice artist. However, with an understanding of the fundamentals and a steadfast dedication to practice, the aspiring artist can develop the skills and techniques necessary to become a successful artist.
By focusing on the core line drawing techniques outlined above, the beginner artist can develop a solid foundation of technical drawing skills that will help them thrive in the art world.