How to Learn How to Draw

How to Learn How to Draw: A Beginner’s Guide

Learning to draw is a journey, not a destination. Whether you are picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to a forgotten passion, drawing is a skill that anyone can develop with practice and patience. Many people believe that artistic talent is something you are born with, but the truth is that drawing is a skill that can be learned and improved over time.

I know this because I had to relearn how to draw myself. There was a time when I believed I wasn’t good enough to be an artist, and that doubt kept me from drawing for years. If you have ever felt the same way, I want you to know that you can learn how to draw—no matter your age, background, or previous experience.

In this post, I will guide you through the essential steps to learning how to draw, from understanding the basics to developing your unique artistic voice. Along the way, I will also share my personal journey with drawing—how I lost confidence, stopped making art for years, and eventually found my way back.

If you are looking for practical tips, you can jump straight to the sections below. But if you have ever struggled with self-doubt or fear of failure, I encourage you to read my story as well—I hope it inspires you to pick up your pencil and start drawing today.

I struggled with my confidence too

1. Start with the Basics

Before jumping into complex drawings, it is essential to build a strong foundation. Even experienced artists revisit the basics from time to time to improve their skills. Here are some fundamental techniques to practice:

Understanding Shapes and Forms

Everything in the world can be broken down into basic shapes—circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles. Learning to see these shapes in objects helps you understand how to construct a drawing.

A great exercise is to take a reference image, like a photo of an animal or a flower, and break it down into simple shapes before adding details. This technique helps you build strong compositions and makes drawing less intimidating.

Practicing Lines and Strokes

Confidence in drawing comes from control over your pencil. Start with simple exercises:

• Draw straight lines without a ruler.

• Practice different pressures to create thick and thin lines.

• Experiment with hatching and cross-hatching for shading.

Drawing lines might seem basic, but it builds muscle memory, making your hand more steady over time.

Learning About Proportions

Proportions help create realistic drawings. Whether you are drawing a face, a figure, or a landscape, getting proportions right makes a huge difference.

A good exercise is to draw from observation and measure proportions using a pencil held at arm’s length. Compare the height and width of different objects and check how they relate to one another.

2. Develop Observational Skills

Drawing from observation trains your eye to see details that you might otherwise overlook. Here are a few exercises to improve your observational skills:

Contour Drawing

Contour drawing focuses on outlining the shape of an object without lifting your pencil. It trains your hand-eye coordination and improves accuracy.

Blind Contour Drawing

In this exercise, you draw an object while looking only at it—not at your paper. This practice forces you to trust your eyes and improves observation skills.

Still Life Sketching

Arrange a few simple objects (like fruit, a cup, or a book) and draw them from life. Pay attention to light, shadow, and proportions.

3. Experiment with Different Mediums

While a pencil is a great starting point, experimenting with different drawing tools can open up new possibilities. Try:

• Charcoal for bold, expressive lines

• Ink for precise and clean drawings

• Coloured pencils for vibrant sketches

Each medium offers unique challenges and advantages, helping you develop a versatile drawing skillset.

4. Learn the Importance of Light and Shadow

Shading gives drawings depth and realism. Start by understanding:

• Light source: Identify where the light is coming from.

• Highlights: The brightest areas where the light hits directly.

• Midtones: The middle values between light and shadow.

• Shadows: The darkest areas where the light does not reach.

A great exercise is drawing a sphere with a strong light source and shading it to create a realistic effect.

5. Use Reference Images and Draw from Life

A common mistake beginners make is relying too much on their imagination. While imagination is valuable, drawing from references builds accuracy and confidence.

Use photographs, real-life objects, and even other artists’ works for inspiration.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, drawing improves with consistent practice. Set aside time daily or weekly to sketch. Keep a sketchbook where you can freely experiment, make mistakes, and track your progress over time.

Fun Practice Ideas:

• Gesture drawing: Quick sketches of people in motion.

• Drawing upside down: Copy an image flipped upside down to improve observation.

• Timed sketches: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes per sketch to build speed and confidence.

7. Learn from Others

Taking classes, joining an art community, or following tutorials can help you learn faster and stay motivated. At Makings and Musings, I offer online and in-person classes where I guide students of all levels through different drawing techniques. Engaging with a supportive community makes the learning process more enjoyable.

8. Find Your Unique Style

As you grow in confidence, you will naturally start to develop your own artistic voice. Explore different subjects, techniques, and themes that interest you. There is no right or wrong way to draw—what matters most is that you enjoy the process.

My Journey: How I Learned to Draw (After Thinking I Couldn’t)

A Childhood Full of Creativity

I have always loved drawing. As a child, I attended a Steiner school, where art was an integral part of education. We learned through making—knitting, pottery, painting, and storytelling. Looking back, I realise how special that was.

Losing Confidence in My Drawing

Everything changed in high school. My art teacher was not particularly encouraging, and I started feeling unsure of my skills. I wanted to learn how to draw realistically, but I struggled.

I applied to art school but wasn’t accepted. That rejection stung, and I convinced myself that I wasn’t good enough. I studied law instead and stopped making art.

Letting Go of Art

For years, I barely made any art. I still had a sketchbook, but I rarely used it. I convinced myself that art was for “real” artists, not for me.

Finding My Way Back to Drawing

Everything changed when my grandmother passed away. She had always been creative, and when she died, she left behind a collection of art materials. I was the only one in my family who wanted them, so I took them home.

At first, using them was just a way to feel close to her. But then, something shifted. I started drawing again—not with any big expectations, just as a way to process my grief. Slowly, I found myself enjoying the process. And something surprising happened: I started improving.

How I Finally Learned to Draw

Looking back, my biggest barrier wasn’t a lack of skill—it was fear. Once I let go of that fear and allowed myself to practice, everything changed.

Here’s what helped me the most:

1. Drawing every day (even for 10 minutes).

2. Embracing mistakes.

3. Using the right materials.

4. Learning from others.

5. Keeping a sketchbook.

   
   

It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Draw

If you feel like you have artistic potential but struggle to bring it out, I want you to know that it’s never too late. You don’t need to be naturally talented. You don’t need to have gone to art school. All you need is the willingness to practice and the patience to keep going.

Drawing is a skill, just like any other. And with time, practice, and the right mindset, you can learn it.

So, pick up your pencil. Your journey starts today. ✨

Join My Creative Community

Learning to draw is a journey, and it is so much easier when you have support and encouragement along the way. If you want to continue developing your skills, stay inspired, and connect with like-minded creatives, I invite you to join my Makings and Musings online community.

For £15 per month, you will get access to:

✅ A welcoming and supportive group of artists at all levels

✅ Monthly live sessions where we create together

✅ Exclusive drawing and painting prompts

✅ Feedback and guidance to help you grow

Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, this community is a space where you can explore your creativity without pressure. Come and be part of a group that nurtures your artistic journey!

👉 Join today at: https://www.makingsandmusings.com/community