Artistic talent is not, contrary to popular belief, a magical gift bestowed only select few. Being creative is something that ANYONE can do if they are willing to try, make mistakes, grow, learn, and - most of all - enjoy it.
The following techniques are meant to be used as a basis for developing methods that work best for you. There is no "wrong" place is to begin when it comes to art. The most important thing is to begin.
Let's begin with sketching, one of the most basic, beautiful, and useful skills an artist can have. Sketch as often as you can - a free minute is enough. Try sketching during commercial breaks on TV, in a restaurant while you wait for your order etc. The results of these "sketch moments" may not be masterpieces, but they will help to relax you, make you more comfortable with drawing, and help you come up with new ideas.
Relaxed Lines & Shapes
Try to be relaxed when drawing and make many light lines so you have a choice of the best lines to darken for the finished sketch. For example, Drawing a perfect circle with just one line can be hard (top left fig. 1). Instead, the easiest way to make a good circle is if you make a number of passes (bottom left fig 1).
The same method applies to other shapes and lines. You can also adjust shapes by bending the lines inward or outward (squares and triangles in fig. 1). Each new shape you master can build on previous shapes you have learned.
Fast and Fun: Skulls & Crossbones (fig 2)
- Begin with just a circle.
- Add eyes with two ovals (the same or different sizes) or by drawing X’s.
- A line crossed with other small lines can be use for a "stitched" mouth.
- A light X and more circles can be used to place crossed bones
Fast and Fun: Creepy Cats (fig 3)
- Start with a rounded triangle shape for the head.
- For the ears use triangles with lines bent to the inside or outside.
- Cat faces, like the skulls, can be made up of ovals and short lines.
- You can erase parts of the ovals to create other expressions (sad cat eyes shown top right of fig. 3).
- The body is a triangle-like shape, with the back legs added on and half circles for the feet. Remember the T shaped line that separate the legs.
- Details can be added for personality, like the tail and a collar. You can create different cat charcters by changing the shapes used.
Bonus shapes:
You can use some "bent" rectangles to create a sign base for your own whimsical signs (fig. 4).
The "C" shaped "hook" shape can been added to create more advanced skulls (fig. 5).
Suggested Materials for Sketching
Pencils: Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils with HB or F lead.
Paper: Find a small pocket sketch book to carry with you for your “sketch moments” and something larger for more finished drawings at home.
Creativity Activity: Fruit Characters
Next time you go shopping get as many kinds of fruit as you can find. Try to spot the basic shapes each fruit becomes - use those shapes to draw your own "fast & fun" characters. Then make a fruit salad as a reward for your hard work!
