Darren Chow is the founder and developer of MyArtPassion.com, an online website that offers free drawing lessons, home study courses, and other drawing related resources.
For more free resources like the one you've just read, please visit MyArtPassion.com for free online drawing lessons.
First, let's talk a little bit about what makes a good pencil sketching exercise.
Well, I don't know about you but I personally find shading squares and basic shapes to be the most boring pencil sketch exercises in the world. But you still find them around.
Some pencil sketch tutorials will ask you to shade squares just to get some blending practice. But I find that ineffective and exceedingly boring. And I tell myself there must be a better way to learn pencil sketching.
The problem with shading squares is that squares have no meaning. They don't represent still life, and they don't represent a living thing. Therefore, such exercises don't really stretch the muscles of the artist.
And anything that's not a real challenge isn't going to help anyone become a world class artist. If you're a beginner, you may want to consider some alternative exercises.
What you can do is that you may want to pick just one simple subject that you would like to draw. Don't be too overly ambitious if you're just starting out. Just one good one will do. I suggest choosing something like a soft toy or a plant. These subjects have simple basic forms and shapes and are perfect for sketching exercises.
Next, when you proceed with your drawing, keep in mind that this is just an exercise. So your primary goal is not to create the perfect sketch. Instead, you should constantly remind yourself that since this is just an exercise, you should try as much as you can to experiment. Be adventurous! This is just an exercise, so there's no need to be timid.
Draw all kinds of lines if you can. Experiment with all the different shades of pencils. Use different types of drawing paper and observe what happens.
This will keep you busy for hours, and in my opinion, even though the approach is a little hap-hazard, it's still much better than just shading squares. No boring squares for you and me. Geez
Well, I don't know about you but I personally find shading squares and basic shapes to be the most boring pencil sketch exercises in the world. But you still find them around.
Some pencil sketch tutorials will ask you to shade squares just to get some blending practice. But I find that ineffective and exceedingly boring. And I tell myself there must be a better way to learn pencil sketching.
The problem with shading squares is that squares have no meaning. They don't represent still life, and they don't represent a living thing. Therefore, such exercises don't really stretch the muscles of the artist.
And anything that's not a real challenge isn't going to help anyone become a world class artist. If you're a beginner, you may want to consider some alternative exercises.
What you can do is that you may want to pick just one simple subject that you would like to draw. Don't be too overly ambitious if you're just starting out. Just one good one will do. I suggest choosing something like a soft toy or a plant. These subjects have simple basic forms and shapes and are perfect for sketching exercises.
Next, when you proceed with your drawing, keep in mind that this is just an exercise. So your primary goal is not to create the perfect sketch. Instead, you should constantly remind yourself that since this is just an exercise, you should try as much as you can to experiment. Be adventurous! This is just an exercise, so there's no need to be timid.
Draw all kinds of lines if you can. Experiment with all the different shades of pencils. Use different types of drawing paper and observe what happens.
This will keep you busy for hours, and in my opinion, even though the approach is a little hap-hazard, it's still much better than just shading squares. No boring squares for you and me. Geez
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Innovative Styles of Wedding Photographers
By: michaelrussell | 06/07/2009Gone are the days of stiff poses and cliché settings that would make all wedding albums look alike! These days much stress is laid on innovation and creativity by making maximum use of the latest photography techniques.
Hiring Wedding Photographers - A Few Handy Tips
By: michaelrussell | 06/07/2009Your wedding snap shots would be the lasting impressions of the most memorable day of your life and you cannot afford to make any slip-ups in hiring a wedding photographer. Picking up the right photographer could make or break your wedding moments.
9 Easy Steps To Learn How To Draw
By: Kristine Reeves | 06/07/2009There are many times when we say that I can’t draw. But are you really interested in learning how to draw and would you be interested in learning it? Are questions you should ask yourself? If you have answered 'Yes' to both these questions, then it is for sure that you can learn drawing without much difficulty. You have the spirit and the confidence to learn drawing.
Combining the eye-catching quality of custom canvas with subtle beauty
By: Conrad McKee | 04/07/2009Canvas prints are noticed. Though the level of attention they attract
Combining the eye-catching quality of custom canvas with subtle beauty
By: Conrad McKee | 04/07/2009Canvas prints are noticed. Though the level of attention they attract
Finding The Best Canvas Printing At Canvas Print UK
By: Conrad McKee | 04/07/2009You may have found the perfect image for canvas printing
Canvas Picture - Frame Your Memories with Elegance and Grandeur
By: Conrad McKee | 04/07/2009If you want a unique, quality piece of art for your wall consider canvas.
The Start Up of an Art Gallery
By: kristine | 04/07/2009Planning what can further conceptualize and enhance your exhibit adds a great deal to your promotions. With prints and interior that help brighten the moods of your audience will also bring positive results.
Useful Tips on Preventing Hair Loss
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Alternative MedicineHair is an important element of our overall appearance. This is important as our outer appearances have an impact in our daily lives.
Article Writing- 3 Pointers on How To Get Your Editors Attention
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Article MarketingHave you ever wanted to know the 3 top pointers to getting your editors attention? Are you frustrated that other articles are chosen and not yours? Well here are a few easily implemented tips to use in getting your work noticed and selected...
EMR Software Features to Look Out For
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Computer ForensicsAn Electronic Medical Records software or EMR is a complete suite of applications that are designed from the ground up to be compatible with the demanding situations of a real world medical facility. No matter the size of the facility, it can easily match up to the demands in both scale and speed. So every medical facility stands to gain from a good EMR software.
Losing Your Excess Weight Through an Amazon Acai Berry Weight Loss Plan
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Alternative MedicineThere is an effective fitness program in particular which could work well for almost any type of individual and that would be the acai berry fitness program or weight loss plan. This fitness program incorporates the natural ways of losing weight permanently and safely with the use of acai berry supplements to ensure best results and excellent health.
Internet Business-How To locate A Profitable Niche
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Affiliate ProgramsWhen you look at starting a Internet business, one of the first things that you must decide on is the niche that you will build your business in. But how do your decide on a niche and how will you know if that niche can be profitable for your new Internet marketing business?
Your Good Reputation and How to Market It
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | International MarketingTo make your business grow in the right way, many things have to be taken into consideration. Marketing and advertising your products and services are the most important. Without developing and implementing intelligent brand marketing and promotional strategies, it will be impossible to see an increase in you customer base. Reputation marketing is one technique that can create an impact.
What Are the Symptoms and Remedies of Oral Thrush?
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Alternative MedicineOral thrush is a discomforting occurrence in the mouth. You may have never heard of it, but you are almost certainly aware of it.
Selling - Rewarding Steps to Making Money Selling in a Business
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009 | Ask an ExpertThe world is already looking for your products and services. You are doing them a favor telling them about how they can solve their most pressing problems and life challenges. This is a key to making high sales. People start a new business around the world each day, 365 days a year, somewhere. The ones that thrive are...