Five ways to learn how to draw better!

When learning to draw observing your subject correctly can be a challenge in itself. This is because you can get in a habit of making ‘mental notes' about objects. Usually there is too much information for our eyes to take in and process so you mind registers only the essentials. If you choose a subject that is familiar it does not become easier as your mind becomes lazy. There is a few approaches that can fool your mind out of drawing what it remembers so that you draw what you really see.

1. Measuring Relative Proportions
The ‘thumb and pencil' method of measuring the relative lengths of the subject. You can then use the established guidelines you have drawn to sketch in the features or objects in the correct space.

2. Use a Grid
Prepare a grid of one inch squares on white cardboard to place behind the subject or make the grid up on glass to place in front of the subject. You will be able to use this grid as a point of reference. This will help you make more accurate judgements. This grid can also be used on your canvas, paper, etc.
 
3. Checking the Mirror Image
It is surprising how different your drawing will look when viewed with a mirror. This is a good way to check your accuracy. Everything will look unfamiliar and errors will stand out.

4. Drawing Upside-Down
This is another way of fooling your mind while it is upside down it looks much less familiar. This can be an effective warm-up exercise. Take a picture or photo turn it upside down, Copy it carefully the drawing you are producing would also be done upside-down.

5. Hand & Eye Warm-up
Start drawing the following geometrical shapes:

As you practice these concentrate on the point at which the pencil is touching the paper. More precisely where the graphite leaves the pencil and remains on the paper. When your attention strays you will notice wobbles or gaps in your lines. Performing this exercise for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin drawing will help you to get into the right head space.

Drawing Courses:

Pencil Drawing Made Easy
What really makes this course stand out from the rest is that it goes much deeper than any of the other courses I have seen. There are even classes on how to draw material textures and hands. For more info click here

Drawing Secrets Revealed
Incorporates brain research and proven drawing techniques to provide the more organized, easy-to-grasp training for artists who want to improve their drawing skills. For more info click here

IllusionMage
Create your own 3D animations. For more info click here

Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery Home Study Course
A "truly" step-by-step guide showing you how to achieve a certain outcome with helpful descriptions. For more info click here








Hopefully what you have read will help but I have also included a couple of links that will go into more detail. They are definitely worth a look.

• Drawing Techniques by Old Masters & Contemporary Artists (Pdf)
• 50 Clever Tutorials and Techniques on Traditional Drawing

While continuing my journey to improving my own drawing ability i have been keeping a blog if your interested in seeing how i have been going please click here.

About the Author
I am by no means an expert or established artist. I am just sharing what has helped me as i teach myself to draw better. I have no free time to attend classes so have been learning from reading books and online websites.

Article Source: Five ways to learn how to draw better!