How to improve your drawings instantly
Introduction:
Drawing is a beloved hobby for millions of people around the world. It is one of those things that, while seemingly simple, requires years of practice to master. But what do you do if you’re struggling to make your drawings look the way you want them to? In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks that will help you improve your drawings instantly.
Tip 1: Use Better Tools
First things first, if you want to improve your drawings, you need to invest in better tools. While it’s true that drawing can be done with any writing tool or even a pencil, there’s no denying that using proper drawing tools can make a world of difference. Investing in good-quality pencils, markers or digital tablets, and pens, can make your works look clean, more detailed, and professional.
Moreover, the better the quality of your tools, the easier it becomes to correct errors and make changes to your artwork, which can greatly enhance your drawing experience, and hence the overall result. If you’re just starting, a beginner’s drawing set like Prismacolor Scholar Pencil Set or a starter drawing tablet like the Huion H610 Pro V2 is a good place to start.
Tip 2: Practice Sketching
Practice makes perfect— and that certainly applies to drawing. Sketching is a great way to practice and improve your art skills, particularly if you’re new to drawing. By sketching regularly, you can become more comfortable with different drawing techniques and styles, and learn how to properly use your tools, experiment with new color tones, and explore shapes and shading patterns.
One of the most beneficial things you can do is practice with figure drawing such as drawing human figures and other creatures. It will help you learn how to draw different human poses and creatures, which are commonly used in different drawing styles. Joining an online art community or taking part in workshops can also help you to critically analyze your own work and get feedback from peers.
Tip 3: Use Reference Materials
If you’re struggling with your drawings and can’t seem to get them to look the way you want, using reference materials could be all you need. Choose a reference image that appeals to you and draw it, focusing on the details such as the positioning of the shadows and highlights. Pay attention to the proportions and form of the objects or figures you are drawing. By practicing with reference materials, you can improve your drawing skills and develop your style.
There are also many books, online tutorials, and courses available that provide guidance on how to use references effectively, assisting beginner and intermediate artists with building upon their existing skillset.
Tip 4: Embrace Your Mistakes
It’s essential to embrace your mistakes, regardless of whether you’re new to drawing or a seasoned professional. Many beginners become discouraged when their work doesn’t turn out the way they want it to, citing the mistakes as evidence that they are not “talented enough.”
The truth is, everyone makes mistakes— it’s only human. Instead of berating yourself, try to learn from your mistakes. Use them as a guide, apply what you learned next time, and continue to practice.
One way to overcome this is to take a step back from your drawing, and return to it after a day or two and review it again. This approach can sometimes help you spot errors and other areas that need additional attention.
Tip 5: Simplify Your Art
If your drawings are looking cluttered or too complicated, try simplifying them. Simplifying the composition, use of color, and basic shapes can often lead to more pleasing results. Simple sketches are usually easier to correct and look cleaner when finished. Not only that, they tend to catch the attention of viewers, as their reduced detail urges others to fill in the blanks themselves, making the artwork appear more imaginative and engaging.
Tip 6: Break the Rules
Art doesn’t have to be perfect, and art “rules” are just guidelines. If you’re planning to work on a piece, but can’t seem to make it look the way you want, try breaking the rules instead. Experiment with different techniques, color compositions, and layout patterns until you find one that resonates the most with you. This will help give your drawing unique flair, and could help you discover a style that you might not have considered.
Tip 7: Practice Daily
If you want to improve your drawing skills, practice is crucial. Consistently drawing for just 15 minutes a day can quickly add up, and you’ll start seeing significant improvements in a matter of days. Practice stimulates your brain, develops muscle memory, and improves hand-eye coordination.
If practicing for half an hour a day seems daunting, try breaking it up into smaller increments and work towards creating 10-15 minute sketches several times per day. The more you practice, the quicker your skills will develop, and the more you will enjoy your hobby.
Tip 8: Go Outdoors
Going outdoors and drawing from life can be a refreshing change of pace. Not only will you be immersed in your surroundings, but you might also find inspiration in your surroundings that you haven’t found before. Draw from real-life landmarks, natural shapes, and environments, and pay attention to details such as architecture, skyscrapers, mountains, and trees.
You don’t have to go to elaborate locations, even small places like the park, street corners, outside your house, or an alleyway can double as creative spaces. Taking your art pad or sketchbook outside will also help your creativity and let you experiment with lighting conditions, and draw inspiration in different settings.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to improve your drawing skills, there are several approaches to achieving your goal. Start by investing in better tools, and engage in daily practice to develop your skills. Embrace your mistakes, break the rules, simplify your art, use reference materials, and make it outdoors to find inspiration in your surroundings. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert artist in no time. Happy drawing!