Learning To Draw The Simple Way

By Author: Ruediger Schmidt
Total Articles: 35
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One of the most important things to learn when learning to draw is realizing the process nearly every artist applies to fill a white sheet with more and more lines till she completed the drawing. Though seemingly complicated this process consists of several separate and simple tasks.

Most artists pursue intuitively these individual tasks stepwise in the right order. Unluckily while beginning to learn drawing, you maylack the experience to follow this strategy intuitively. But instead of waiting for the essential experience, you can use the following shortcut.

I created a system close to this formula most artists understand and stick with intuitively. It consists of four steps: Placement, Outlines, Shapes, Illumination. These four steps are quite simple and pursue the common forumla to make a drawing. I shortened this formula P-O-S-I - a POSItive way to learn drawing.

So let's get going:

1. Placing the objects in your drawing

This is the opening move. Have a look at the complete scene, distinguish the different objects in the scene and seek to understand the scene. Concentrate on the different ...
... objects' positions and their position relative to each other. Ultimately if you think your understanding of the scene is good enough, mark on your paper where you would like to lay out the different objects.
Seek out to be as accurate as possible unless you possess already some competence in the art of pictorial composition. Advanced artists know how to alter the scene for a stronger impression without hurting realism at the same time.

2. Drawing Outlines of the different objects

Now you know where to lay out the objects it's time to sketch them as mere outlines. Look carefully at each part of the scene and attempt to realize its outline and shape. Then depict its outline - only the silhouette - in a couple of light lines. Limit yourself to the outer lines of each object. Repeat this step for every element in the scene. Ideally you begin on objects in the background and continue to the foreground areas.
After finishing the sketch of the whole scene this way, it's time to have a final judging look (but not too judging although!). In this stage it's still easy to shift any element or to correct some lines. Only do not be overly critical and keep in mind: every outstanding drawing lives thanks to minor deviations.

3. Draw the Shape of the different objects

Now it's time to turn our attention to the objects' shapes. Start adding the internal structures of the scene's parts with few and fine lines. Aim strokes in the proper directions to follow and build the shape of the components of every element.
For arced objects use curved lines and in plane parts use straight lines. But still restrict you to only some and light lines. Just attempt to get the shapes properly. As there are still only fine and faint lines on the paper you still have the opportunity to correct some lines.
In the end your picture will have gained a more substantial perspective and depth impression. Time to fill the white spaces and perfect your drawing!

4. Illuminate your Drawing

Thus far we merely worked on arraying the scene utilizing light lines. Sketching the outlines and shapes of all objects in the scene we produced a line drawing that portrays the scenes outlook reliably.
But for producing realism something is missing: texture, light and shadow. In that last step we will fill out these elements that give volume and depth to our drawing and finally make it seem realistic. So in this last step our chances for completing a great picture are great but as well is the risk of damaging it beyond repair.
What to do? Once again look carefully at each section of the scene. Notice how light, shadow and the different surfaces are forming the textures and what the colors look like. Most important is the surface - because even if a surface is all one color, its structure and texture creates different shades.
The same goes to shadows. Look how the objects cast dark areas on themselves and on objects close to them. Add these darker areas by first sketching their outline, adjusting and honing it and then filling it with dark shades.
While adding all the shadows and textures to your picture always seek to work from the background to the foreground. While following this strategy travel from lighter tones and weak contrasts in the background to dark tones and contrasts in the foreground. This creates a more substantial three-dimensionality.

Congratulations! With this terminal step you completed your drawing. Go one step back and enjoy the result. But keep in mind: if the petty critic in you awakes, put your drawing away, the more you will enjoy it in a few months!
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