Learn How to Sketch
If you’re a beginner who’s interested in learning how to sketch and improve you’re art and drawing skills, then you’re in the right place.
And hopefully you find it an enjoyable way to relax and unwind as well.
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What is Sketching
The difference between sketching and drawing is in the level of detail. Sketching is done quickly with little detail.
In contrast, a drawing takes longer and is much more detailed.
A sketch is basically a rough draft of a final work of art. And is a great way to practice drawing different objects as well.
The definition of sketch as defined by the Collins English Dictionary is, “A drawing that is done quickly and without much detail”.
Of course terms like quick and without much detail are highly subjective. But that’s perfectly fine because you are the boss of your artwork so you decide what they mean.
Benefits of Sketching
- Increases ability to focus and pay attention
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Improves creativity
- Builds self confidence
- Improves mood
- Relaxation
- Improves communication skills
- Helps develop ideas
- Improves drawing skills
As you can see there are many benefits to sketching and they don’t stop there. Several more benefits could be added to that list. But I’m sure you’ve already gotten the idea that sketching is worth the time and effort.
Can Anyone Learn to Sketch?
Learning to sketch is a skill just like anything else. Therefore, anyone can learn to sketch, draw, paint, or just create art in general.
If you’re willing to take the time to learn and have the motivation to work at it, then you absolutely are capable of learning how to sketch.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it should be fun. Don’t get too hung up on the outcome. Especially when you’re just starting out.
And learning to sketch is a great way to improve your drawing skills. As well as speed the learning process up a bit.
Learning How to Sketch – First Steps
Learning to sketch is simple. Just do it. There’s no way to fail unless you never start.
Get a piece of paper and a pencil. Then find something to sketch. It can be a photo, or something from real life. Drawing from life is the best way to practice but isn’t always possible.
Or you could use a pen. Sketching with a pen opens you up to a completely different experience. If you’ve never drawn with a pen, without making a pencil sketch first, you really should give it a try. It’s a great way to practice drawing and sketching.
You want your sketches to be made up of loose, quick, free flowing strokes. Don’t overthink what you’re doing. Relax and enjoy it.
You can begin your sketch by quickly roughing in the basic shapes and layout. From there you can refine your sketch and add a bit more detail.
How much time you spend on your sketch, and how much detail you include is entirely up to you. Keep working your sketch until you get to a point where it feels “finished” to you.
However, the quicker you can make your sketches the more time you’ll have for additional sketches or more refined drawings.
It really just depends on you and what your art goals are.
Learn Sketching
You could just sketch random shapes. This is a great way to learn sketching. If you’re just making random shapes on paper, there’s not as much pressure for the outcome to be good.
Sketching is a great way to practice making perfect circles as well.
Or you can draw cylinders and cubes. See how many you can sketch out in three or five minutes.
You could also set a timer and do one minute quick sketching.
With one, three, or five minute sketching you can draw objects as well. It doesn’t have to be just for random shapes.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
There really aren’t many rules for learning how to sketch. It’s just a method of practice that’s a little more relaxed and free than doing actual drawings.
The more drawings you can do, the better you will get at drawing. And sketching will help speed up the process.
Keep in mind that drawing is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.
