How to Learn to Draw

Draw a lot. Practice makes perfect, so draw whenever possible. Draw everything that inspires and even things that are boring. Be willing to start over and over again.

Get drawing books and drawing guides. Many of these are basic and cartoonlike, but they are a good place to start. They will teach the ability to look at all things as basic shapes.

Take a class. A class will not quickly transform a person into an excellent artist, but it will lay the foundation for more exploration of ability. Art teachers are specially trained to find and challenge budding artists through specific projects. Classes are available for all ages and can be as simple as the local park district or as in-depth as a class at a university.

Learn to be instinctual instead of mental. An artist learns to draw what they see and not what they think they see. This can be tricky and can be learned with the help of a teacher. Pay close attention to putting a line or shade that you actually see, not one that your mind says should be there.

Learn the difference between drawing and depicting. Depict by using the minimal amount of lines that it takes to describe a shape. For instance, if drawing a girl with long hair, do not draw hundreds of lines, trying to draw every last hair that you see when looking at her. Instead, draw locks of hair that are distinguished, keeping close attention to the shape and fall of the hair.

Copy other artwork and drawings. This may be a beautiful still life, a cartoon character or another persona??s drawing. Trying to achieve the same feeling and level of success that another artist did while looking right at the source is a great way to exercise artistic skill.