Drawing Templates

Drawing templates are patterns that serve as a guide to follow. You might notice that I refer to them throughout my site as outlines and that is not entirely correct.

As a matter of fact, drawing outlines are like a profile or the border of an object with no detail, as in the wine glass outline.

They look very boring and are sometimes unrecognizable as to what they represent.

On the other hand, it is contour lines that form the individual shape of an object whilst including basic details. However, they only show form and they do not indicate texture or color.

On almost all of the outlines I've included on my site, I've always put in a little bit of detail to show how to progress with a drawing.

So, I guess I should be calling my "outlines" by their proper name which is "contour lines" but I am not one for formalities!

In my mind, drawing templates are outlines that include a bit of detail.

To make sure I am covering all the bases, I have added the outlines here plus corresponding contour line drawings so that both of these together form a template to suit you.

Butterfly Drawing Template

A butterfly template is very popular for beginner artists and crafters alike.

Everybody loves to draw butterflies because they are considered a symbol for so many different things. We each have our own beliefs on what they represent.

These are 2 individual drawings so they are not exactly the same shape.

The first one is purely a butterfly outline which I then copied again and added a pattern to its wings.

Of course, you can design the pattern for the wings yourself to make it more interesting, plus it will be unique to you.

Flower Designs

You will notice when you copy an outline that it's not going to be a replica of your reference picture. Don't get frustrated by that, so long as your copy resembles the subject, then carry on.

Have a look at the difference between my outlines and the drawings - no two are alike.

The subtle changes should not worry you, so long as you get a good likeness, that is the main objective.

This flower template was selected for its simple lines.

A lot of flower varieties would be easy to do as an outline.

There are some beautiful reference pictures and photos of all types of flowers. I like to browse through gardening books for inspiration.

Once you have been drawing for a while you will be able to recognize what you are capable of drawing and what would represent a challenge, it is part of the fun of being a hobby artist.

Rabbit Outline

Here is a drawing template of a rabbit.

In the example on the right you can see how to use quick strokes to transform the template into a drawing.

Bunny drawings are popular because they are so cute.

In my opinion, the rabbit outline had the highest degree of difficulty. That should not deter you from trying to copy it though, it is good to test your skills by trying to draw anything and use that to measure how much you are capable of achieving.

Template For A Bird

This is an easy outline of a bird which makes great practice for beginner artists.

Only a few strokes are required to turn the outline into a simple drawing.

Now do a little test with yourself by grabbing a pencil and make a quick copy of this outline. This is called practice and it does not matter if you are not happy with your drawing, the fact is you will improve the next time you try.

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Practice Drawing Until You Drop

These are the types of exercises you need to do as steady practice. I am reluctant to harp but it is by beginning with drawing simple outlines that ultimately helps you to progress onto more elaborate drawings.

I hope you learn a lot from drawing templates because that is how I started and what I credit for giving me the confidence to continue.

It is only a matter of copying the drawing outlines and practice doing them until you get a good likeness.

Then you can progress onto doing yet another outline to add in small details. You will produce a very decent drawing, I have every faith in you!

In hindsight, I should have practiced drawing these contour lines several times and I would've ended up with better drawings to show you. In most cases, these outlines were done on the first attempt.

Please, don't keep reading about drawing, you have to get out your paper and pencils and start right now to really enjoy this drawing adventure.