Step by Step Drawing Guide (Sketchbook Ideas #20)

Braided Branches on Long Lake (pastel) by Polly Castor

A lot of people get very intimidated by drawing, so here is a failsafe method. Follow this simple step by step process when you are trying to draw something:

1. Examine carefully first what you are going to draw.
2. Lightly block in the basic shapes
3. Check your proportions before moving on (this will be easier to fix now!)
4. Draw in the subject with more confident lines.
5. Add values and color.
6. Have what is further away paler and more desaturated.
7. Add detail at the focal point and in the foreground.
8. Stop before you overwork it.

With this general rule of thumb you will do well. Give it a try, one step at a time!

Memorial Day at New Pond Farm (pastel) by Polly Castor