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I prefer to sketch while cross-legged on the floor. Others feel more comfortable seated at a desk or kitchen table. Wherever you choose, make it free of distraction. You do need a level of concentration when starting out but don't worry. Once you've mastered the basics you can take your tablet anywhere and not be distracted at all.

Now, play with your pencil, marker, etc. on the paper. Make various lines, circles, scribbles, etc. Experiment with what happens when you press hard or vary your line. How does it look when you cross those lines in the opposite direction? Get a feel for what you can do with your instrument. How are you holding the pencil? Are you too rigid and trying to perfect your lines as you do when writing letters? If so, adjust your grip and hold it differently so that the pencil is loose in your hand but you can still maintain control. (As with the eraser, holding a pencil too tightly and trying for perfect lines can be an inhibitor.) Remember this part too as you advance in your skill. Each time you try a new pencil grade, marker, etc, you should repeat this step to learn how to use it.

Next, find something to draw. Fruit is a popular choice for the first item though you can find any utensil from the kitchen. Try to keep it simple. If drawing an apple is difficult right now imagine what that corkscrew will be like. Set it in front of you. Make certain that you do not disturb it nor move your head too much while you are sketching it. Shifting your head even slightly will change the perspective but sitting in one position without movement at all will cause cramping. Just be aware of what will change if you change your perspective.

Now draw the object using the basic shapes I discussed earlier. Don't press too hard and don't worry if that circle isn't quite right or that square has one line longer than the other. You are not drawing a technical manuscript with rulers and compasses. And unlike what they taught you in kindergarten, you are permitted to color outside that line if you want to. Once the basic shapes are in place connect them with contour lines. Sometimes squinting your eyes makes it easier to see the outline of an object. Don't get obsessed at this stage either. It's okay for it to look lopsided and imperfect. Just because you have learned to see what you are looking at, doesn't mean that you have trained your hand to draw it yet.

The most important lesson to learn is to have some patience with yourself and celebrate your successes. There's no harm in placing that first masterpiece on the refrigerator. Being an artist is not just about skill or talent, it is about building self-confidence and expressing your inner child by remembering how to have fun and be good at something all at the same time.

These are the basics for learning how to draw. Once you are comfortable with these then it is time to learn all the nuances like shading, perspective, the use of colors, etc. I do warn you however, drawing is addictive and once you start, you will be sketching everything under the sun.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Brinkle.
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