How To Draw

1. Gathering Materials

Pencils: To be more specific, it’s better to use pencils with the hardness level ranging from H to B. H pencils are preferable for fine and faint lines; whereas, B pencils should be preferred for darker and smoother lines.

Erasers: Kneaded eraser can be used for recalling of the graphite and making the highlights. Of all the kinds of erasers, the rubber eraser is best at erasing large surface areas.

Paper: Detailed work is performed with the appropriate type of paper, smooth and textured paper is used for more expressive works.

Pens/Markers: If you are going to do ink details or to color, you have to select the types of pens and markers that gives your desired results.

2. Starting with Basic Shapes

Sketch Lightly: When drawing shapes, respectively, be very faint to enable you to erase easily once you have perfected the drawing.

Use Guidelines: Scribble on it gently to mark the major contours of your figure. For instance, to write a cartoon, it may be draw a circle to represent the head part and two parallel lines to represent positions for eyes, nostrils, and mouth.

3. Adding Details

Facial Features: For a face – put the eyes in the middle of the head, the nose in the middle of eyes and chin, and the mouth one third the distance from the nose.

Body Proportions: The most preferable method to determine the nutritional needs of children is the “head-count” approach. For instance, the average tall of a human body is approximated as 7/8 heads high. The above steps should be followed with the right proportions depending on the postures and points of view that the image is viewed at.

Texture and Patterns: Draw lines on body parts that are covered by hair or other material e.g hair texture on head, folds on clothes or any other object behind them.

4. Refining Your Drawing

Line Work: Take the pencil or pen you used and darken over the lines and create more of the shapes in the picture.

Erase Guidelines: You have to be very cautious while rubbing out the lines and guidelines which are not required and has to make sure they do not affect the main lines drawn.

Adjust Proportions: If something seems inaccurate, amend it incrementally, that is a rule of thumb. Change is not something to fear It will also be pertinent to make changes where necessary.

5. Practicing Shading

Understand Light Source: Remember what is the source of light so as to produce shadows and high lights.

Shading Techniques:

Hatching: This is because when you draw parallel lines you are bound to create shadow. The closer the lines the darker the area looks.

Cross-Hatching: Stack parallel line for either a more subtle gradient for building up the shadows.

6. Experimenting with Styles

Study Artists: Look at different artists’ work to understand various styles and techniques.
Try Different Mediums: Experiment with colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, or digital tools.
Incorporate Personal Touches: Develop your style by adding unique elements or techniques that you enjoy.

7. Regular Practice

Draw Daily: Set aside time each day to draw, even if it’s just a quick sketch.
Keep a Sketchbook: Document your progress and ideas in a sketchbook. This will help you track improvement and experiment freely.
Seek Feedback: Share your work with others for constructive criticism and encouragement.