How to Draw Like a Pro

Many people believe that drawing is a talent that some people either have or don't. Many individuals believe they are not able to draw. However, they did learn to draw and became success stories by working hard and using basic step by step processes. Follow some steps to draw like a pro and realize your dream of being a talented artist.

Instructions

1. Begin by learning the basics of perspective. Pick up a book at your local bookstore or online specifically geared toward learning perspective, since it is the foundation to professional drawing techniques.

2. Gather together all of the tools you will need to draw: sketch paper, pencils (charcoal, graphite and basic lead), erasers and straight-edge materials. Prepare an area for yourself that you are comfortable with to do your drawing.

3. Decide what you want to draw: people, animals, buildings, landscapes or still life. Pick something you are interested in and pay special attention to the realistic proportions and perspective of the subject's position. It will make the difference between an amateur sketch and a professional one.

4. Pay special attention to depth when drawing buildings or landscapes. Review drawing techniques for depth perception and visual illusions when rendering these subjects. Learn how to effectively use shading to give your drawings a sense of drama and realism by altering light gradations.

5. Use light sketch strokes when first sketching an object. Look more at the object you are drawing than the sketch itself at first to capture the proper positioning of the subject. Spend a great amount of time rendering the details on your drawing. Finally, pay the most attention to shading since it will distinguish your sketch from an amateur.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider taking a series of basic drawing classes to help you in the beginning with perspective and shading.

• Draw with someone whose skills you admire and notice how they work to help you develop your own style.

• Always start with the mass shapes in a drawing first and work down to the finer details. Pay special attention to light differences and make sure you have a firm grasp on composition, since it is a foundation for drawing professionally.

Resources

• Learn drawing basics for the beginner.
• Here's a great resource for artists of all levels.