So, You Want to Draw? Let's Find the Easiest Path!
1. Getting Started
Ever felt that urge to just create something? To put pen to paper (or stylus to screen) and bring an image from your mind into the world? Drawing can seem intimidating, especially when you see those hyper-realistic portraits or sprawling landscapes. But fear not, aspiring artist! We're here to explore the easiest routes into the wonderful world of drawing. The goal isn't perfection right away; it's about having fun and building confidence. So, where do we start?
Think back to childhood. Remember doodling in the margins of your notebooks? Those simple, repetitive patterns and shapes are actually fantastic starting points. Circles, squares, triangles, and lines are the building blocks of almost everything. Start by practicing these fundamental shapes. Try filling a page with different sized circles, or experiment with creating various types of lines — thick, thin, dashed, wavy. Don't worry about them being perfect; the point is to get comfortable with the basic movements and develop muscle memory. This is probably the easiest drawing to embark on.
Another super-easy exercise is blind contour drawing. Without looking at your paper, slowly trace the outline of an object with your eyes and simultaneously move your pencil across the page. The result will likely be wonky and distorted, but that's the point! It forces you to really see the object and improves your hand-eye coordination. It's a great way to loosen up and break free from the pressure of creating a "perfect" drawing.
Finally, consider drawing simple, everyday objects. A coffee mug, an apple, a houseplant. These items are readily available and offer a variety of shapes and textures to practice with. Focus on capturing the basic form and proportions rather than intricate details. Remember, the goal is to ease yourself into the process and build a solid foundation.
