Pencil Sketches

Pencil sketches help you to read in art terms and to spell in symbols. Is that cool or what?

I've admired pencil art sketches for years and since I taught myself how to draw, I decided to take up my next challenge and learn to sketch.

To start, I set about searching through a lot of old art books and I noted everything that made sense to me.

If anyone knows the best way to sketch, it is these artists from the past.

I decided to journal the steps I took to learn pencil sketching and created a book called How To Sketch.

It contains all of the most helpful information that I followed, along with some of my pencil sketches plus examples from past artists.

The sketches I show you here do not form part of the book, they are here to show you my progression.

The Difference Between Drawing and Sketching

If you have ever asked this question, or pondered the difference between drawing and sketching, you will find that everyone has a different answer.

I would say this is a sketch of trees and not a drawing...

It's still too neat but I'm getting there and learning how to illustrate things with very few lines.

Here is my interpretation of the differences:

Sketching

•   To sketch is to translate or record a scene or subject quickly. Your hand should move freely with no regard for neatness or perfection.
•   Sketching is usually something that is done rapidly in order to capture an instant.
•   Outlines alone can make up a sketch and they are not meant to be perfect.

Your aim is to capture the absolute basics of your subject, to drill down to its essence.

Here is another pencil sketch of a girl that I copied from an old book.

It didn't take long to finish, I wasn't concerned with background or even if it was proportionate.

To acquire speed, you only need to sketch anything that you're drawn to. When you see some easy sketches, copy them!

Sketching is a versatile hobby, you can make it whatever you want it to be. One thing is certain, it will always be delightful.

•   You can use any medium to sketch -- pencil, charcoal, ink and wash, whatever you like.

I'd recommend using pencil to learn to sketch, it's a lovely medium and it will allow you to concentrate your efforts on obtaining effect.

•   Sketches are often used to make a visual note to self.

You can do easy sketches or you can do dedicated sketches with tons of details. Again, the choice is yours and how you want to portray your subject. I'm all for easy! Well, you know how I love to reduce everything to its simplest form.

•   Pencil sketches are simple and can represent the bones of a drawing.
•   If you have felt that drawing is a little too complicated, then sketching will be a great alternative for you.

You'll find straightforward information in the How To Sketch guide.

Drawing

•   A drawing is done with thought and attention to detail, to arrive at a finished image.
•   Often a finished drawing has originated from a simple sketch.

I copied this drawing of a crabapple from an art magazine. I used a fine ink pen and I love this drawing.

You can use both sketching and drawing together in the one image. As the artist, you are the creator and you can decide which effect you want to achieve.

There is no right way or wrong way, it's the spirit inside of you that you listen to.

I did this tree drawing with a combination of drawing and sketching.

I took care to produce the main tree yet I scribbled to depict the grass along with the trees in the background.

Any medium can be used for drawings, whatever takes your fancy. I love using pencil and I also enjoy ink but it's up to you.

We can use erasers on drawings but I'd be averse to using an eraser on a sketch. I think the sketch would lose a little bit of its soul.

Learn to sketch

The How To Sketch book is based on the same information that I used to learn to sketch. It has an easy format with the simple sketching process outlined in stages.

There is no harm in copying sketches providing you don't claim the creation as yours and sell it.

Try to get into the habit of noting the title of a book or an artist's name on the back of your sketch. Do this lightly in pencil so you don't mark the paper in any way.

The quick sketch of a man was again copied from an old book.

I love the way the sketch was built with a series of lines - no outline was used.

I copy because I feel I need tuition on how to place lines within the subject at hand.

If you practice a lot at home, you will be more prepared when you venture outside with your sketchbook.

This bird sketch was one of my first pencil sketches.

You experience a certain kind of freedom once you decide to do a quick sketch.

The lines flow from your pencil and you don't feel obligated to make them right or perfect, it's a wonderful feeling.

These pencil sketches below were done as part of an exercise to practice sketching within shapes.

The girl was done within a quarter of a circle and you can see the Japanese sketch was done within a circle.

I sketched the circle so it's not exactly perfect!

At that stage of learning to sketch, you can see I was still struggling with letting go of my pencil and loosening up.

Liberation happens with plenty of practice, just wait and see. Don't quit, don't stop, believe in yourself.

If you're interested in owning a copy of the How To Sketch book, you will also receive four (4) bonus books.

Here is a little example of some of my drawings from one of those bonus books called How To Draw - Step by Step.

It was an extra challenge to follow the steps within a one inch square thumbnail (that was my choice) but they were great fun to create.

If you really want to do pencil sketches, read more about the How To Sketch guide and see if it's right for you.

The price of the book is reasonable and if you don't like it, I want you to ask for a refund - there is a 60 day money back guarantee - and don't worry, we'll still be friends. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!