Click here to read the introduction to the course if you missed it!
Drawing is simply the process of layering shapes, lines, scribbles and values on top of each other until you get your desired result.
In this first lesson, we’re going to focus on the process of sketching. If you can make a mark on a piece of paper, you can learn how to sketch! You don’t need to be able to draw straight lines or perfect circles in order to be an artist.
Introduction to Sketching
Sketching is the process of roughly scribbling an idea on paper. It allows you to bring your ideas to life quickly so you can save time in the long run. It’s a great way to brainstorm!
So don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
This stage is meant for exploration! When I make a mistake, IÂ find ways to use that mistake to my advantage. If I can’t, I’ll simply move on.
How to Sketch
It’s best to use free flowing lines that are loosely and lightly drawn. To do that, adjust your grip on the pencil so that your hand is relaxed instead of tense. If your hand usually gets tired after you’ve drawn for less than an hour, you’re probably gripping it too tightly.
When making an initial sketch, you’ll want to leave your perfectionism behind and focus on general shapes. Think about the size, shape, angle, etc. The last thing you want to think about is detail!
Let’s Sketch Something Together!
Since this is a sketching tutorial for beginners, I’m using my left hand (non-dominant hand) to show you that you don’t need to have good control of your hand in order to sketch well.
Step 1: Sketch a circle loosely
I sketched a circle using a bunch of loosely drawn lines. Don’t worry if your lines are going in weird directions. It’s likely that you’re not going to draw something perfect the first time around. That’s totally fine! Remember, we’re supposed to work in layers.
Step 2: Refine the shape
After your initial sketch, find areas that need improvement and sketch over it until you get closer to your desired result.
Step 3: Keep refining
Keep repeating that step until you get even closer to what you want.
Tip: You can rotate your sketch book to help your eyes look at the shape differently. You might spot some obvious areas that need fixing.
Step 4: Define the shape
Happy with how it looks overall? Use more confident lines to define the shape of your circle. You can erase the scribbly lines or let them disappear naturally as you continue to work on your drawing.
Like That Example? Here are Some More!
I got used to moving my elbow and shoulder joint to draw which gave me much smoother lines. If you look at the images in the example above, you’l notice that my lines gradually become a lot less wobbly.
I thought it would be fun to show you the difference between a sketch made with my left versus right hand:
Your Homework Assignment
Things to remember while you draw:
- Don’t be a perfectionist
- Focus on the overall shape instead of the details
- Use a gentle amount of pressure
Assignment #1:
Fill an entire page in your sketchbook, following the steps in this lesson.
Step 1: Sketch Loosely
Step 2: Refine the shape
Step 3: Refine it further
Step 4: Define the desired shape
Find objects to draw around the house, outside or from a quick google search on “random objects”. Once you fill an entire page in your sketchbook, fill another one.
My challenge to you: If you can draw 50 things in your sketchbook and submit it to the facebook page, I’ll feature your artwork down below!
Here are some ideas for you to draw:
- Fork
- Apple
- Banana
- Laptop
- Jacket
- Hat
- Your hand
- Your foot
- Your eye
- Key
- Lamp
- Cat
- Dog
- Bird
- Boat
- Tree
- Flower
- Car
- Helicopter
- Plane
- Alligator
- Person jumping
- Person sitting
- Person standing
- My avatar picture
Done the assignment?
Let me know if/how you improved and how this lesson helped you draw better!
If you’re waiting for lesson 2, sign up to my special mailing list in the footage or follow me on facebook and I’ll notify you when it’s posted.
Update: Click here for lesson 2
Have any questions? Drop them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you shortly!
Readers Who Completed the Challenge!
Firoz Wadud <– he drew 80!!
Anahita Sharma
Ritwik Verma
Guylene Antoine
Darlene created RFA In 2013 with the goal of sharing simple yet detailed drawing tutorials with other artists on the world wide web. She is a self taught pencil portrait artist and Youtuber.
Hi Darlene! My name is Landon. I have always wanted to draw. One of my good friends is awesome at drawing, I have always tried too draw and it has failed. From a person who has watched ever drawing tutorial on Youtube and has tried ever drawing book I could find and failed, This has helped me SO MUCH!!!!
I love how easy and simple your tutorials are. I thank you for helping me, and so many others learn to draw and sketch. Thank You! BYE!!!
Hi Darlene… I am retired and live in Spain. I have always had a passion for drawings in all forms but I have never had the courage to try. I have been searching for a long time for tutorials that are free because at this stage I don’t want to invest in a course and then I am not artistic.
Thank you so much for these lessons as this will surely confirm to me weather I should continue or just give up.
I am busy with Lesson 1 and will post it on your fb page for some feedback.
Thank you again for these lessons.
Don’t give up Charmaine! If you have a passion for it, keep pursuing it or you’ll never forgive yourself. If you get stuck or have any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m here to help :)
you showed me the way!!
thanks a lot!!!
Just stumbled upon your website through looking up drawing tutorials on Pinterest. Love that you’re a self-taught artist and teaching others like myself who’s looking to get into drawing.
Subscribed to your mailing list!
Thank you so much for this, Darlene! I’m commiting to your course.
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
This tutorial are awesome, even your left hand draws better than my entire body.
-__________-”
Kidding, i’ll mark this site to learn more.
Hope you don’t mind.
Cheers
thank you so much for the tutorial, will be trying this out again thank you xxx
Hi Darlene, this is a very useful and simple tutorial. Thanks to your generosity of sharing it world wide. It is gonna do good to all amateur artists. Hoping to get to the next tutorial soon.
Thanks for your feedback, Wenester :)
Hi! I’m 42 yrs. old and stumble across your class on line. I got so excited I got started right away. I have always loved to draw but never advanced in it. You are such amazing person this will help so many. Thank you!
I’m so excited for you! I hope you enjoyed the lessons :) Let me know if you have any questions.
I’m new to drawing like most of the other respondents. I’ve look at a few of your tutorials and all are easy to follow and come out looking pretty good. I know with practice I will get better. Thank you for keeping it simple. and practicle. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for your support Jeff!
Hello Darlene, I am 751/2 years old and decided to draw. after looking the internet over,I find you at beginer level smart which is great for us pigheads who want to draw without the frenzy of not letting the information being asorbed. You have the talent to send the info to others and it be retained for the art education.Looking fwd to drain your brain. I want to draw. I know I am at the right place to learn. My pencil is standing up drawing but it looks like way before beginer stage, whjich is around 2 yr of age. C.D. newcomb,
Wow what a compliment, Dean! I hope I don’t disappoint with the upcoming lessons!
Lesson 1 is meant to build confidence so people are not discouraged when their sketch doesn’t turn out the way they want it from the get-go. I hope lesson 2 solves some of your current struggles. I find that practicing on a daily basis is great for retaining muscle memory. Keep practicing :)
Hello again… Yes, Darleen is also interested in drawing. We are looking forward to the second tutorial.. Best wishes, and God Bless you!
Thanks for your time and effort to show us how to draw.
Loving it.
Cheers
Christine
It’s my pleasure, Christine.
I wanna thank you again from the bottom of my heart for these tutorials, you’re the best and these tutorials are great and very easy to follow from the way you lay them out.
Thanks for taking your time to comment, Moses. It really means a lot to me! I look forward to seeing your progress :)
Hi, Darlene…. My name is Nelson… I am a retired English teacher, and I am very much interested in learning how to draw in pencil… Thanks for this tutorial.. I hope I can learn the skill in a short time… By the way, I have a daughter whose name is Darleen…. Greetings from Venezuela….
Wow, all the way from Venezuela! Welcome to RFA by the way!
This course shouldn’t take very long to complete. If you find yourself in a roadblock at any point, feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to help you out :)
That’s neat! I rarely come across people with the same name as me. Is your daughter also interested in visual arts?