How To Draw What You See
As time-honored as the art of drawing is, knowing how to draw what you see around you is a skill that takes patience and dedication. While being able to make an image look accurate isn’t something that comes overnight, with a few guiding tips, you can become a skilled artist adept in drawing whatever your eyes take in.
For starters, training your eye to accurately identify and perceive shapes and sizes is a major key. Once you’ve noticed the structure of what you’re looking at, break it down into sections in your mind – the eyes, nose, the mouth and so on. Separately sketch out the sections, being mindful of the subtle shifts in size and shape when you go to put them together. The shapes don’t have to be exact; abstracting the sections gives your drawing personality and a unique look.
After you’ve mastered the basics of recognizing shapes and space, it’s time to move on to line work. Experiment with different types of lines and the impact they have on an image – from the thinnest and lightest ones to the boldest and heaviest. Creating a sense of movement with your lines can give your drawings energy and movement and can totally change their underlying feel and mood. Look for texture as well as angles and curves, and practice in moderation until you get the hang of it.
Mixing and matching different techniques and mediums can also add to your drawings, while also spicing up your art style. Incorporating different techniques, such as watercolor washes and ink work, will let you create truly unique works of art. Be sure to choose slightly more complex images when combining mediums and techniques to ensure accuracy in the final product.
Pay attention to the details too! In addition to shape, lines, and color, details such as highlights and shadows will refine your drawings and bring them to life. Much like making use of all the brushstrokes and line possibilities, there are also a variety of ways to add highlights and shadows. Picking up on the details will vastly improve your artwork and let you capture even the most intricate of visual elements.
Finally, practice and have fun with it! Drawing is an art form and must be approached with enjoyment and with plenty of trials and errors. Drawing is about letting your creativity and skill to shine through on paper, so try to push your comfort zone and explore different drawing styles until you find one that suits you best. With enough practice and skill, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to draw whatever your eyes take in.
