by Harold Sink

Created on: February 03, 2009

If there is one thing I have heard so many people say to me it would have to be, "I am doing well at drawing stick figures." By golly! That is more drawing than you think you are doing. Some people won't even attempt that. The truth of the matter is that anybody can draw. Therefore, if you are nervous about drawing here are some tips to get over that nervousness.

The first thing to do is to get some drawing paper and pencils, and if you want, an eraser or two. You do not have to be all technical in your drawing or materials at first. A few number two pencils, any blank paper (even ruled), and which ever sort of eraser you feel comfortable using will do for now. Don't forget to have a pencil sharpener nearby.

The first hurdle is to get used to drawing...and frequently. Maybe you are the type of person who lives on a time schedule. With that in mind, set aside at least 30 minutes a day to draw. The more time you practice drawing the better you will become. You may even find that keeping an art journal may help for reference on how you are progressing. Date the pieces to help you remember when you did them.

You may draw whatever tickles your fancy. A good suggestion for any nervous artist is to work on drawing shapes. Cirlces will help you learn to draw curved lines, while squares, rectangles, parallelagrams, etc. will help you learn to draw staright lines that intersect and also improve your eye for angles. Spend a week or two just working on shapes. Of course, this is just a suggestion. Only you will know how you are progressing along with your art.

Hold off on shading for now. Take the next step and find things inside or outside your home to draw. Nervous artists may want to stick with simple line work. Try drawing your fence line. Drawing the outline of your house with outlines of the plants will bring you more confidence. Pick out simple items inside your home.

Many people try their hand at fruits and vegetables. Put yourself on the line and try your hand at drawing those curtains around the window including the window, too. Do not worry about shading them in. Be more concerned how the lines interact with each other. Understand that drawing and shading are two different things.

Each time you feel more confident about drawing a different subject go onto the next subject. See if you can draw your dining room table and chairs. Draw that indoor plant you have been putting off. Pull out some photos of people or whatever you have and see how well you can draw them.

Again,

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