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From Doodles to Masterpieces: A Beginner’s Guide to Drawing

Are you that friend/family member who always takes care of the cards and the presents in the name of the whole group? Or, you’re a crafty parent, always looking for new games, projects, and craft ideas for your children? You’re creative, fun, and love exploring, yet you’re unsure of your drawing and painting skills besides everyone telling you how good you are. I know I am. 

No matter the situation, it’s time you roll your sleeves, take things under your control and start creating masterpieces (or fascinating doodles if that’s more your cup of tea). Here’s what you need to know, and do, to start drawing and use this excellent pastime to enter the art world.

How to Start Drawing as a Beginner?

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Every artist needs his arsenal with the right tools to start creating. So, the first step is to gather the supplies you need. Then, you must understand several drawing principles such as shapes and proportions, learn basic techniques, and practice what you’ve learned. You’ll be drawing as a pro in no time.

Gather Your Supplies

An art pencil collection, eraser, paper, and sharpener are all you need to begin. Once you progress and want to grow your skills, you can expand your toolbox by adding other interesting materials.

Art Pencils

When browsing the range of art pencils in Australia, you’ll come upon a massive selection of both beginner-friendly and student-grade options. These are some types you can find in most well-equipped specialised art stores.

  • Graphite pencils. Since a major graphite deposit was discovered in England in 1564, graphite pencils have been a standard tool for daily writing, sketching, and drawing. The B and H grading system is used for these pencils; darker lines are produced by B (soft) leads and lighter lines by H (hard) leads.
  • Coloured pencils. With origins dating back to the 1820s, coloured pencils have completely changed the art and craft industries. Made from a combination of pigments and binders based on wax or oil, these pencils provide various colours and mixing options, making them perfect for both utilitarian and creative work.
  • Watercolour pencilsWatercolour pencils combine the fluidity of watercolour paint with the accuracy of coloured pencils. Since they include water-soluble pigments, they have the special capacity to blend, layer, and produce colour gradients. Illustrators frequently choose them because of their adaptability in both dry and wet forms.

Start with a pencil range from 2H (hard) to 6B (soft). HB is the pencil that falls precisely in the middle of the range where H represents Hardness and B represents Blackness. Because the harder pencils smudge less, I choose pencils with higher B numbers for drawing with graphite and higher H numbers for watercolour painting. 

While you can shop for artist pencils piece by piece, you can also shop for a set of art pencils in Australia available in specialty art stores. Since different sets catered to various artists’ needs are available, you can choose one with everything you need to start and avoid the decision fatigue or paying too much for pencils.

Other Supplies

  • Eraser. A normal eraser for erasing broad areas and a kneaded eraser for delicate repairs.
  • Sketchbook/sketchpad. While many artists prefer smooth paper, I like to draw on paper with some roughness. Some sketchbooks incorporate various paper kinds into one sketchbook, which is a terrific opportunity to experiment with your personal preferences.
  • Sharpener. For intricate details, keep your pencils sharp. 

Master the Basics: Shapes, Proportions, and Contour

Every drawing begins with simple shapes. Start by sketching basic forms like circles, squares, and triangles to represent objects such as faces, buildings, or roofs. Simplifying complex images into these shapes makes the drawing process much easier. Practice by sketching objects using these forms, adding details later to refine your work.

Understanding proportions is essential for realistic drawings. Use your pencil or a reference to compare sizes. Start simple—try sketching objects like apples or books before progressing to animals or people. Draw what you enjoy; this keeps you motivated and improves your skills. 

For figures, remember some handy tips: an adult figure is about 7.5 heads tall, and eyes are typically halfway down the head. But instead of memorising proportions, focus on observing and measuring what you see.

Contour drawing sharpens your observational skills. Outline the edges of your subject, then add interior details like fabric folds or facial features. Using chunkier tools, like a brush pen or thick pencil, can help you focus on overall shapes rather than small details.

Add Depth with Shading and Light

Shading breathes life into your art. Techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, blending, and stippling create depth and texture. Mastering light and shadow is key—identify the light source, highlights, and shadows on your subject. Over time, experiment by changing light sources to enhance your skills.

Leverage References

Drawing from references is a great way to learn. Use photos, still-life setups, or live models to practice. Make sure your references are clear and well-lit, and if you plan to share or sell your art, ensure they’re copyright-free. When confident, combine references with imagination to create unique designs.

Keep Practising and Stay Inspired

Consistency is crucial. Dedicate time daily to sketch, take on challenges, and seek constructive feedback. Learn from books, tutorials, or classes, and connect with art communities to grow and stay inspired. Most importantly, enjoy the process! Progress takes time, but with patience and practice, your skills will flourish.