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, I 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.
Hii Darlene , my name is Ankita n I want too learn more about sketches n drawing like creative type becz I want to beacame a cartoon artists one so u can help me ? I love drawing n sketches bt m very poor about I this line so plzz can u help me .
Hi Darlene,
Thank you for the amazing lesson. I’ve been drawing for a long time and am using this as a refresher, plus there are certain things I’m not good at, at all. I just started tonight and I’m really excited. I’m also glad we don’t have to do this with our non-dominant hand, I’m horrible. Actually, not quite as bad as I thought I’d be, but I did learn a few things doing that. I’m a veteran and haven’t been able to go to my groups because of all of this and this has been great to get me back into this. Plus I’m also writing a novel and loving all this time to do this. I don’t usually have this kind of time!!! Please stay safe, and again, great lessons. From Vermont!
This is great. Thank you.
Wow!! This is amazing tutorial..
But i couldn’t download the pdf for offline purposes. Please how do i do it??
Thank you.
I’m a Fine and applied Arts students from Nigeria (Africa) and I’ve learnt alot during this Quarantine period…. Thank You Darleene!! You da best.
Hi miss Darlene! thank you for your tutorials on youtube! it helps me a lot mostly in this tough time. God bless you more and hope I can contact you through private messages to ask you some advices about my drawings :)
hi I liked this website and I love to draw but I cannot use Facebook so can I send my pictures on email please share your email so that I can send the pics to you
I’ve found this side just now. I am beginner and also would like to ask a question. If I can draw pencil art well, does it mean that I will also be able to draw digital art? After all, I want to draw comics.
Thank you.
Here are my 50 challenge picture, because for some reason Facebook won’t post my comments or pictures :(
Hey there! Can i know how to make a person sitting ; person jumping ; person standing! Please!!
Hello Darlene, I have drawn a couple of video classes on YouTube. I was surprised how well I did to the point my granddaughter’s Art teacher invited me to come to her school and class as a visiting artist (big eyes). I wouldn’t consider myself an artist just yet. I need to get the beginnings under my belt and found this website off one of your videos. I can’t wait to get started and share with you my drawings. Thank you so much for these free lessons. Please keep up the good work, because I sure don’t want to lose a wonderful teacher like you.
Hi Darlene my name is Salome. Thanks for this tutorial. I am beginner, and would like to learn drawing. I hope your lessons can help me. Right now situation is giving me and not just me the more time to have find new skills. (I hope you are safe) as a beginner I did your first lesson. I have been done some paintings and want to share it, can I share them and find out your opinions?
Thank you in advance.
Best wishes Salome.
Hello Darlene. I really wanna learn how to draw and your lessons look pretty good. My only problem is that I don’t have facebook so is it possible for me to reach you anywhere else?
i am a beginner and want to learn all about pencil sketch to anything by pencil easyly
Thank you Darlene for the beginning tutorial. I am a retired engineer. I finished my first drawing lesson last evening and shared it with my kids and grandkids. Looking forward to completing all your courses and YouTube videos.