Drawing may seem like a difficult task to those who are untrained, but it doesn't have to be. Breaking a picture down into smaller, more navigable sections can help nearly anyone conquer the task of drawing. Before beginning a picture for art class, be sure to know what the teacher is looking for. Is there a particular style that should be followed? Should the picture be representational, stylized, or impressionistic?
Instructions
Basic Picture Drawing
1. If drawing a landscape composition, use a ruler to lightly draw an X across the entire paper. Make sure that the center of the X falls within the center of the page. This is the vanishing point of the composition.
2. Mentally divide the paper into four quadrants. Determine which elements of the drawing goes into which section. Some elements may cross section quadrants.
3. Lightly draw a horizon line on the paper through the center of the X. Use a ruler to keep the horizon line straight. This line helps determine which figures should be in the foreground and which figures should be in the background. This will also help to determine arrange the piece by determining what the size and spatial composition of each element should be.
4. Draw all elements in the pictures with simple geometric shapes. Every figure can start out as either a block, a circle, a sphere or a cylinder.
5. Draw the outside line of the closest figure in the picture plane. Always work from the outside of a figure to the inside of a figure. For example, to draw a face, begin with the outside line, and work inwards to the eyes and nose. This helps the composition flow.
6. Draw the remaining portions of the picture. Remember to work from the outside line to the inside portion of each figure.
7. Add details to all the foundational shapes. Use lines and shading to create shadows. Bold and emphasize areas by blackening the existing lines.
8. Use an eraser to remove any stray foundational lines and to remove excess color from sections. Highlight darkened sections by lightly erasing the color from these areas.
