Tutorials Painting Tutorials THE ART OF DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS
THE ART OF DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS
Tuesday, 08 September 2009 18:30 Joan du Plessis
Posted in Painting Tutorials
THE ART OF DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS
To draw well requires not only constant practice on a daily basis but also using ones brain intelligently.
This means making it work as a lazy brain does not absorb all one sees with the eye and a poor drawing is the result. What we actually see and what think we should be seeing can be very different. As with learning to drive or use the computer, there seems to be so much to absorb at once but with constant practice in time it becomes almost automatic!
So we must use our eyes with our brains in gear and think about what we are looking at and not try to question it! e.g.
'That doesn't look right so I'll just change it a bit'!
Drawing is an important part of becoming a good artist. There is so much to consider when deciding on a subject, perspective, composition, light source, colour and the different tones and deciding on details to name a few. This is where drawing, often just preliminary sketches, are so vital to the final success of your painting. Capturing the essence of your inspiration with pencil or charcoal with good observation using, as said before, your eyes with your brain, is the initial exercise before painting, Whatever your choice of media. Seeing an experienced artist's preliminary sketches gives you a unique view into his or her inspiration and thoughts at the time of planning the picture. This is rather special don't you think? The completed work does not reveal these secrets! Some renowned artists have in the pastleft their sketches for one to see.
Sketches in charcoal are often more exciting and expressive than the finished work as they can be full of energy and depict the artists initial secret inspiration and his observations. To attain linear skills, with practice, will bring value to your drawings and is so rewarding.
Wherever you are, all you need is a sketch book and pencils, chalks or pen and ink. Use them often and the rewards may amaze you as you improve. Inspiration is everywhere around you whether indoors at home or outside somewhere. Just look around you,that old neglected watering can lying on its side with a hole in it or maybe it is a much loved and worn pair of boots or a tatty old hat that catches your eye! Indoors it could be an interestingly shaped jug on the table with a bowl of fruit that appeals. You can also try drawing your self portrait looking in the mirror! The ideas around you are endless so there should never be a reason for an excuse of 'I can't find anything to draw'!
Have a selection of pencils, 2 or 3B are ideal, charcoal or watercolours and a brush not forgetting some water to go with it in a containerif you prefer to sketch in this medium! Maybe pen and ink is your choice.
Everyone can draw if the desire is there! Just look at the amazing talents of the handicapped painters who use their mouths or their feet and produce such stunning works. They use their brains and lots of practice as well as their powers of observation. These artists are an inspiration to us all with their perseverance and determination to overcome all barriers to achieve success and this they certainly do.
