Learn To Draw By Tracing

I admit I learnt to draw by tracing. At least, it was one of the tools I used to help me.

I also admit it helped me tremendously. I didn't do it without thought, I concentrated on each and every line I was copying.

With this in mind, I highly recommend tracing as a trick to use when you are learning to draw.

To begin with, I would draw the subject freehand. If I didn't like the outcome, I would go ahead and trace it to find out where I was going wrong. I probably traced for a month or two after I started to teach myself to draw.

Notice in the bear outline, I included the tail, ears, eye and nose. I do this to help me identify where things belong. The detail doesn't have to be exact, I just want the right location.

To explain my tracing procedure better, I decided to draw by tracing these outlines. I needed to show you what I copy when I trace. I found myself very reluctant to go back to tracing. That is a good sign. It means I'm way past that point. These days, I just look, copy and draw.

A lot of times, I am completely happy with my first draft. I feel very proud when my family and friends give me praise about my drawings. I will also take this opportunity to thank all the beautiful people who have written in to say they love my drawings.

Tracing will help you to "see" what you are drawing.

Once you train your brain to draw what you see and not what you think you know, you will be able to draw anything.

There is no set way of learning to draw, we are all so different. You have to do what works for you.

Just remember not to get dependent on tracing if you try this tactic. Experiment to find what suits you.

Tying shoelaces or reading and writing are all learned by repetition. You won't learn or master drawing unless you dedicate the time to practice.

Anyone can trace. Use it only as a learning tool to improve your freehand drawing.

You'll be amazed at how quickly you make progress.

It's very confusing who to listen to when you begin drawing. It is important that you decide what is right for you. Read everything you can and then pick out what you can use.

If you want to learn to draw by tracing, don't be ashamed to use it.

How To Trace A Picture

Use tracing paper to copy your subject.
Put your traced outline up to a window. (Of course, it has to be in the daytime!)
Place your blank piece of paper over the top.
With the light shining through, it makes it very easy to trace your outline.

Remember to pay attention to what you are drawing!

A 2B pencil would be the best grade to use as it has a good soft lead.

Your drawing skills can only improve. Keep in mind that tracing and drawing are two different things and you will go forward.

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