2 Drawing tips for beginners that are easy but powerful!

Several objects in a composition

Has it happened to you, that you start a drawing and as you advance, objects are in the wrong place, out of proportion, the strawberry is suddenly bigger than the tomato?… I think we all have been there. Here comes the good news. These two simple drawing tips for beginners will help you with this. So let’s focus on observing connections and how to deal with several objects in a composition.

First drawing tip for any beginner is – CONNECTIONS

The key is, not to draw one object after the other, but look at the whole picture. How are they positioned in relation to each other and how they connect. So, DO NOT FINISH EACH ITEM COMPLETELY. Observe how they link to each other and draw the outlines following connections. (video below)

Where to start your outline drawing

There isn’t a rule where to start your drawing but the following can be considered.

Start with the outlines of the biggest object
Start in the middle and work yourself outwards
Start with the object you like most to make sure it is on your page

Step by step to get your contour drawing in place

Start drawing the outlines but do not finish your object completely
The moment another object is interfering with the outline, take that connection
Continue on that following one until another line is connecting and so forth

First step of a outline drawing — Observing where your object connects

Second drawing tip for a beginner is- NEGATIVE SPACE

As you advance in your drawing always check the negative spaces or even draw them consciously. You will see how your objects fall in place.

And most of all, have fun! The drawing doesn’t need to be perfect!

Image from Masha Rostovskaya (Unsplash) to show drawing tips for beginners

If you feel like practicing some more and draw along with me!

Negative space

The negative space is everything that is around an object. It is very helpful to observe the negative space while practicing drawing to get everything in place.

The line quality of your outline drawing

It is perfectly ok to search for the correct lines, to get a feeling for it. As you advance, you can define them more and more. Start by drawing light lines. ( I made them dark so you can see them)

We will look at a later stage how to make the lines more expressive, here we are just practicing.

Pear sketch — Searching for the main shape.

What if my drawing doesn’t come out as I wish?

It is completely normal, that even though you know how it is suppose to look, that you just don’t seem to get the lines right. Still the critical voice inside of you…YOU ARE PRACTICING and getting better every day! At this point, it is all about drawing outlines and getting as many sketches done as possible. The connection between your eyes and what your hand is doing will get more and more precise.

Comparing it to tennis usually helps. Imagine, someone will explain to you very detailed how to hold the racket, how to swing it etc. You will perfectly understand. But if you have never played before, there is no way you will do a perfect shot. After practicing and trying hundreds of swings you will slowly get there and even after taking a long break, it will take some time to get back into it.

That is something I experience all the time. When I start drawing it takes me some time to warm up. Only after some time, I become more confident and it shows in my lines.
If you have taken a long break from drawing, do not worry, your skills will come back just give it some time an keep sketching.

Practice suggestion: Drawing tips for beginners

All I can say is draw, draw and draw!!
Drawing form real is always best. Set up in you house little still lifes. Place different objects and draw them. Spreading out your fruits and vegetables, your children’s toys, shampoos and creams or your art supplies. There is so much you could draw.
You can also use the reference pictures. Draw as much as you can!

It could be fun if you share your drawing practices: Join my closed FB group : Yvonne Morells ART Community

Reference pictures: