There's no doubt you can draw. Everyone is born with the capacity to create something and anything with a pen and paper. What we can all do at this point is to improve our command of our drawing instrument in our effort to make more beautiful drawings. In this article, we'll share with you six creative ways to improve your drawing skills.
Draw upside down!
While it sounds and looks a little silly, drawing upside down helps you 'undo' the habit of drawing what WE THINK WE SEE as opposed to WHAT WE ACTUALLY see.
For instance, when drawing hair on a portrait, it's easy to create strips on either sides of the face. That's what we think we see when in reality, the hair can be behind the back, tucked between the ears or partially covers the face.
Try inverting your drawing the next time you are on a session. The new perspective will hopefully guide you make more accurate drawings. Watch this fun video to have an idea.
For instance, when drawing hair on a portrait, it's easy to create strips on either sides of the face. That's what we think we see when in reality, the hair can be behind the back, tucked between the ears or partially covers the face.
Try inverting your drawing the next time you are on a session. The new perspective will hopefully guide you make more accurate drawings. Watch this fun video to have an idea.
Drawing using a mirror
Another way to refresh your perspective when drawing (aside from drawing upside down!) is to use a mirror. This is the easiest way to know where you are going wrong with your illustration.
Interestingly, did you know that this was the drawing technique of Leonardo da Vinci?
Using a mirror when drawing is particularly helpful when checking the symmetry of your portraits. Unsymmetrical eyes and oversized nostrils for instance are easier to spot when you see it in reverse. Also, practicing this technique is a great way to practice ambidexterity. Check out this interesting video we found on mirrors and symmetry.
Interestingly, did you know that this was the drawing technique of Leonardo da Vinci?
Using a mirror when drawing is particularly helpful when checking the symmetry of your portraits. Unsymmetrical eyes and oversized nostrils for instance are easier to spot when you see it in reverse. Also, practicing this technique is a great way to practice ambidexterity. Check out this interesting video we found on mirrors and symmetry.
Employ light relief
Drawings are naturally flat, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, with the right technique, you can make your drawings super realistic. Use contour lines to indicate gradient, and this is particularly helpful when drawing portraits.
If you are drawing a face, obviously the highest point will be the tip of the nose so make sure to start drawing it with a small nose-tip shape. From there, start moving out using expanding shapes. Remember: lines close together indicate a steep gradient. Conversely, lines placed far apart from each other indicate a smooth gradient.
Check out this video for an illustration:
If you are drawing a face, obviously the highest point will be the tip of the nose so make sure to start drawing it with a small nose-tip shape. From there, start moving out using expanding shapes. Remember: lines close together indicate a steep gradient. Conversely, lines placed far apart from each other indicate a smooth gradient.
Check out this video for an illustration:
Use the grid method
Creating grids before drawing is one of the best ways to ensure you achieve perfect proportion. This eliminates the guesswork especially when you are drawing from an image.
If the size of the image you are copying is the same as the size of your paper, the grids should be the same. If the image you are copying is either smaller or bigger than your paper, you need to scale up or down. For instance, if you are copying an A5 image to an A4 paper, you need to scale up your paper up to 2 cm.
Check out this neat drawing by one of our students illustrating the use of the grid method.
If the size of the image you are copying is the same as the size of your paper, the grids should be the same. If the image you are copying is either smaller or bigger than your paper, you need to scale up or down. For instance, if you are copying an A5 image to an A4 paper, you need to scale up your paper up to 2 cm.
Check out this neat drawing by one of our students illustrating the use of the grid method.
Use different drawing instruments
It is important to be comfortable with a variety of drawing media. Experiment with pens, pencils, crayons, gouache, crayons, chalks - the options are endless!
This way, you can set the right mood, achieve the right textures and convey the emotions you have in mind for your drawing. For striking images, use a pen! For anything delicate, use a pencil!
This way, you can set the right mood, achieve the right textures and convey the emotions you have in mind for your drawing. For striking images, use a pen! For anything delicate, use a pencil!
Take care of your drawing tools
It goes without saying that the key to have the best drawings is to have the best drawing tools. Sharpen your pencils, store your colored pens properly or clean your brushes after painting. All the effort you put in taking care of your drawing medium will surely go a long way in helping you come up with the best drawings.
Improve your drawing skills
Here at Art Smart, we'll guide draw and teach you practical techniques to constantly improve your craft! We follow a 1 teacher: 2 student ratio to ensure you do it right every time! Below is our art class schedule for 2017 for your reference.
12 one-hour sessions
Marikina near Eastwood : MWF *9/10/11
Shaw: MWF 2/3/4/5*PM
Batch 2: Apr24-May24
Batch 3: May 29-June 26
8 sessions of 1.5 hours
Shaw : TTh9-10:30& 10:30-12
Mkna near Eastwood:2-3:30&3:30-5PM
Batch 2: Apr 25-May 18
Batch 3: May 30-June 22
SATURDAYS (once a week schedule)
You may do 1 or 2 hours
Marikina: 9/10/11 am
Shaw: 2/3/4pm
(No class on June 12)
To enroll or for any inquiries you may have, please call us at 0917-8784766 / 02 -6160305 / 0915-5948191 / 0995-260 8927. See you all soon in our studios!
12 one-hour sessions
Marikina near Eastwood : MWF *9/10/11
Shaw: MWF 2/3/4/5*PM
Batch 2: Apr24-May24
Batch 3: May 29-June 26
8 sessions of 1.5 hours
Shaw : TTh9-10:30& 10:30-12
Mkna near Eastwood:2-3:30&3:30-5PM
Batch 2: Apr 25-May 18
Batch 3: May 30-June 22
SATURDAYS (once a week schedule)
You may do 1 or 2 hours
Marikina: 9/10/11 am
Shaw: 2/3/4pm
(No class on June 12)
To enroll or for any inquiries you may have, please call us at 0917-8784766 / 02 -6160305 / 0915-5948191 / 0995-260 8927. See you all soon in our studios!
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