Drawing FAQDrawing FAQ is a summary of all the different types of drawing questions that I have received by email. Pencil drawing is my hobby so I don't pretend I have all the answers, these are simply drawing techniques and tips that I learn along the way.
As you can see, there has been quite an array of Drawing FAQ that I have received over the last couple of years. I struggle to keep up with emails, so if you are thinking of emailing me with a question, please check this Drawing FAQ list to see if it has already been answered.
Popular Drawing FAQ - GeneralI like to draw but I don't know where to startWelcome to allaboutdrawings.com! Visit the Sitemap to select which page interests you the most. Start off with simple drawings of your favorite topic and you will know when you are ready to progress.
I struggle with drawing, do you have a secret?Well, it's not exactly a secret that you need to practice to improve your drawing skills. Since this is a common Drawing FAQ, here is a small tip to help all beginner artists... If you are copying from a picture, you can measure the picture with your pencil (or ruler) and make tiny marks on your paper for the size of the object you are copying. Make the marks light enough that you can see them and then you can either draw over them, or erase them. This is one way that will assist you when you are learning to draw. There's more information about marking points on the car sketch page.
I need to know more about Light and ShadeYou're in luck! There's a page devoted to learning about light and shade.
I am a beginner and I was wondering if the "ABC Of Art Skills" book is worth getting?I only recommend books that I have bought myself. Here is a list of drawing books that I own. Everyone likes different types of art books. I only promote books that I think are worthy enough to be mentioned. If you decide you don't like the book that you bought through my site, you have a total of 60 days to request a refund. You won't experience any hassles getting the refund, either. These books are called "e-books." That is short for electronic books. The beauty of an e-book is that you can print off as many copies as you like. This is a fantastic option, you can also print several practice pages for your art. A lot of them also offer free updates for life.
Can you send me more drawings?Believe it or not, this is a frequent Drawing FAQ that I receive. All you have to do is sign up for the free newsletter to receive all the newest and latest drawings that are added to the site.
Drawing FAQ TipsCan you give me more drawing tips?There's a whole page of drawing tips, take your pick. Also, you can sign up for the free newsletter, the tips in there are exclusive to subscribers.
What materials do I need to learn drawing?Here's a guide for which drawing supplies are required to start drawing.
I have a set of pencils but I don't know which one is light or dark.Experiment! A "H" is light and a "B" is dark. H grade stands for "Hard" and they are good for shading. You can't press on hard pencils or you will ruin your paper. The higher the number on H pencils, the graphite gets harder and lighter. B stands for "Black". A 2B is a very user friendly pencil when you are learning to draw. It can give light or dark strokes, depending on the amount of pressure you use. The higher the number on B pencils, the graphite gets softer and darker. HB is in between a "H" and a "B".
I have to look at something before I can draw it. Can you help me draw from my imagination?Most artists observe then draw. It's natural! It takes time before we become proficient with drawing well from our imaginations so be patient with yourself. You can use some tactics to use to get you started drawing from memory. Here's another trick to help you draw from memory.
How Should I Hold My Pencil?You can hold your pencil the same way as your pen - between the thumb and the first two fingers (generally). This way, your hand won't tire because of the perfect balance you are able to achieve with this comfortable grip. For light, feathery lines try holding the pencil lightly and half-way up the shaft. For rich firm effects hold the pencil firmly and lower on the shaft, rubbing the lead to and fro without removing the point from the paper. For minute or detailed drawing, you might like to hold the pencil lower still. Hold the pencil in a way that suits you. Some art tutors will advise you to hold the pencil between the 2nd and 3rd fingers. Don't you think it would be wiser to be comfortable while you wrestle with new drawing techniques?
How do I spot a flaw in my drawing?There are a couple of ways you can do a little test, to see where your drawing is going wrong.
How do I keep my drawing clean?One way to prevent smudging is to place a spare sheet of paper under your hand as you draw. This also stops the oil from your skin getting onto the drawing surface.
I can't draw a straight line. Any advice?If you sign up for the free newsletter, you learn all sorts of things. Find the tip to overcome this problem in the October 2007 back issue. You can also turn your paper. It's easier to draw a horizontal line than it is to draw a vertical line.
I can't draw animals, can you help?You could try tracing the outline of the animal to help you understand the form a bit better. Only use tracing as a tool to help you learn, don't become dependant on it. Here is more information on how to draw by tracing.
Drawing FAQ - Your GalleryHow do I send my drawings in?Unfortunately, this option is not available at this time.
How do I find my drawings?Type your name or the name of your drawing into the search box here and it will search this website...
If nothing comes up, try the search using your name - I've had success with that -- sometimes! All the categories are listed on Your Drawings page.
Who are the Masters?Copying an old master gives you the opportunity to study what they did to create the effect of a finished piece. 
Masters of drawing in the 1400's and 1500's included Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Durer, Michelangelo, and Raphael. During the 1600's, Claude, Nicolas Poussin, Rembrandt, and Peter Paul Rubens created important drawings. In the 1700's, great drawings were produced by Jean-Honore Fragonard, Francisco Goya, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, and Antoine Watteau. The masters of drawing during the 1800's included Paul Cezanne, Jacques Louis David, Edgar Degas, Theodore Gericault, Jean Ingres, Odilon Redon, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Vincent Van Gogh. Great drawings in the 1900's have been created by Max Beckmann, Willem De Kooning, Jean Dubuffet, Arshile Gorky, Paul Klee, Oscar Kokoschka, Henri Matisse, Jules Pascin, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock. Thanks Wikipedia for providing this information for our Drawing FAQ.
Drawing FAQ - What Is ...?What is a gesture drawing?That's the term used to describe the quick strokes of a pencil to capture movement. You won't see much detail in a gesture drawing, they are done rapidly. What is shading? Add depth to your drawing by adding darkness to a surface, opposite the light source. What is overlapping? That is when an object is drawn in front of another object (partially concealing a piece of the back object) to make it appear closer. What is a tonal drawing? Tonal drawing shows gradual blending of light and dark areas together. What is value drawing? Value drawing shows the light and shadow and surface tones, and it creates a three-dimensional illusion. What is a line drawing? A black and white drawing that is constructed solely by using lines, without details or shading. Usually a line drawing is the outline of an object or form. Line drawing is also referred to as Linear Drawing and Line Art. What is an ellipse? An Ellipse is a curved figure like a circle, but it has one diameter greater than the other. An Oval is a kind of ellipse, with one end narrower than the other. A Circle viewed sideways appears as an ellipse. What is diffused light? Diffused light is the light of an ordinary room or the (absence of) light noticed on a cloudy day. What is perspective? Perspective is to demonstrate how an object appears as seen by the eye. Objects appear smaller according to distance. What is foreshortening? That is the art of shortening lines in a drawing to create the illusion of depth, to illustrate that something is actually closer to your eye. I would say it's a relative of perspective. For example, if you draw someone pointing a finger at you, the finger and hand are foreshortened and they appear larger than the arm or head. What is chiaroscuro? It's an art term, describing the contrast between light and shade. Drawing FAQ About This WebsiteWhat is the aim of this website?
I started this website to encourage everyone to start drawing. I have always been interested in drawing but just didn't think I had any talent. Imagine my delight when I started to draw and people could recognize what I drew? It makes you feel powerful! Unfortunately for me, I'm in the later half of my life. I don't want that for you. I want you to discover drawing now and to experience the richness it brings to your life. I'm no expert, but I plan to improve, everyday. This is a perfect time for you to join me and we can learn to draw together.
How did you build this website? Do you earn money?Here's how I found out how to build a website. I earn a commission when a book is purchased via any direct link on this site. Here is a list of the drawing books that I have bought for myself. I make sure they are good books before I recommend them. When was this site established?I started building this site in 2005. It's not finished yet! I'm guessing neither is this page for Drawing FAQ.
I am writing to ask permission to use your drawings for a school project.You are most welcome to use any drawings for your school projects. Students (who have previously asked permission) give credit in their projects, to www.allaboutdrawings.com as their image source. Drawing FAQWell folks, that's it! Those are the Drawing FAQ (frequently asked questions) that I have received so far. I hope you've found the answers in this Drawing FAQ to be helpful to you. As I said, I don't profess to be an expert but I have a love of drawing that I hope to pass on to you. It really is easy, if you want to draw, you can. Just try it! You'll be amazed by your own efforts.
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An Art Quote ""Every artist was first an amateur." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Your CommentsDear Kerry,I just happened upon your site while perusing some ideas for drawing. I always threw my doodles away until my husband convinced me to keep them. I didn't realize until I looked over your site, that drawing really can be self taught, and that is sort of an engineering enterprise. I just wanted to say thank you for your site and information. I look forward to receiving your newsletter! Thanks again, Martha, USA |
