Drawing is a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can enjoy. Drawing can help you improve your creativity, observation, and communication skills. It can also reduce your stress and boost your mood. To start drawing, all you need is a pencil and paper. You can draw anything you like, from your surroundings to your imagination. You can also learn from books, websites, courses, and podcasts. Drawing is a great way to express yourself and have fun.
Drawing
as a hobby
Reviewed by:
Drawing is the artist’s most direct and spontaneous expression, a species of writing: it reveals, better than does painting, his true personality.
Edgar Degas
Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with drawing as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with drawing.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
More videos
Podcasts
Play an episode while exploring the page.
More podcasts
Results indicate that art making resulted in statistically significant lowering of cortisol levels [a stress hormone].
Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making, Art Therapy
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Axis line: A straight line, either implied or visible, that runs through an object in its dominant direction. An axis helps to give structure to an object or composition.
- Blending: A painting technique where the transition between colors and shades appears smooth or gradual.
- Blocking in: A painting process where the artist roughly establishes the composition and structure of the subject. It’s a popular technique with portrait artists.
- Composition: The arrangement of elements in a piece of art that creates a sense of balance, harmony, and unity.
- Contour drawing: An outline that shows only the edge and not the volume or mass of an object.
- Gesture drawing: A quick and expressive drawing that captures the movement, posture, and energy of a subject.
- Perspective: A technique that creates the illusion of depth and distance on a flat surface by using lines that converge at a vanishing point.
- Shading: A technique that uses different values of light and dark to create the appearance of form, texture, and dimension in a drawing.
- Sketch: A rough or unfinished drawing that is used to capture the basic idea, shape, or movement of a subject.
- Value: The relative lightness or darkness of a color or tone in a drawing.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Watch some YouTube videos to ensure and establish interest and inspiration.
- Buy a great drawing beginner’s set with everything needed, including a sketchbook and tutorial.
- Try the Strathmore Learn to Draw Series.
- Choose between a free full 40-lesson course, a reputable how-to book, or an award-winning app that incorporates AI for teaching you to draw.
- If you ever get into a creative block, try drawing inspiration and ideas apps.
💡 TIP: Try a digital drawing app paired with a stylus.
First Steps Videos
Products
Essentials to have.
Drawing Supplies
Learning to Draw
Digital Drawing
Product Demos
More product demos
How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
How-To Videos
More how-to videos
Drawing is an excellent way of documenting our observations, thoughts, experiences, and inspirations. Drawing can help us to record what we see, remember what we learn, and reflect on what we do. Drawing can also inspire us to explore new possibilities and perspectives.
Books
Get read-y.
Learning to Draw
Drawing Inspiration and Ideas
Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
More video articles
Websites
Go-tos for information.
Digital Drawing
- Draw | Free Online Drawing Tool | Adobe Express
- Krita | Digital Painting. Creative Freedom.
- Sketchpad – Draw, Create, Share!
Drawing Inspiration and Ideas
Website Previews
More website previews
Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
More movie trailers
Drawing helps us to find interest in the mundane. Drawing can make us more attentive and appreciative of the ordinary things that we often overlook or take for granted. Drawing can reveal the beauty and complexity of everyday objects, scenes, and people.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: Do I need any special talent or skill to start drawing?
A: No, you don’t. Drawing is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and guidance. Anyone can start drawing as a hobby and enjoy the benefits of it.
Q: What drawing tools and materials do beginners need to get started?
A: You will need basic supplies like a sketchbook and drawing pencils or pens.
A drawing set for beginners is a great start.
Q: How can I learn how to draw better?
A: There are many ways to learn how to draw better, such as observing other drawings, photos, or real-life objects; practicing regularly and consistently; following tutorials and courses online or offline; getting feedback and critique from others; studying the fundamentals of drawing, such as perspective, proportion, shading, composition, etc.; and trying new techniques, styles, and ideas. There are great books, apps, and courses for learning to draw.
Q: What are some good sources of inspiration for drawing?
Q: How can I overcome the fear of making mistakes or not being good enough?
A: The fear of making mistakes or not being good enough is very common among beginners and even experienced artists. The best way to overcome it is to embrace it and learn from it. Mistakes are part of the learning process and they help you grow and improve. Don’t compare yourself to others or judge yourself harshly. Instead, focus on your own progress and achievements. Remember that drawing is a hobby that should bring you joy and satisfaction.
FAQ Videos
More FAQ videos
Apps
Smart start.
Learning to Draw
Drawing Inspiration and Ideas
Digital Drawing
App Trailers
More app trailers
Courses
Get smart.
- Beginner’s guide to life drawing | Love life drawing
- Draw from life, for life. | The Royal Drawing School
- Drawabox | A free, exercise-based approach to learning the fundamentals of drawing
- Drawing and Sketching for Beginners | Udemy
- Drawing Lessons – Learn How to Draw | The Virtual Instructor
- How to Draw From Beginner to Master | Udemy
- Online Drawing Courses in Drawing | Domestika
- The Ultimate Drawing Course: Beginner to Advanced Class | Udemy
Video courses and trailers
More video courses and trailers
Community & Near You
Get together.
Related Videos
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
- Practice observing. One of the most important skills for drawing is observation. You need to train your eye to see shapes, forms, values, colors, and proportions. You can practice observing by looking at other drawings, photos, or real-life objects and trying to replicate them.
- Don’t aim for perfection. Drawing is a process of learning and experimenting. You don’t have to get everything right the first time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new things. Enjoy the journey and have fun.
- Take time to doodle. Doodling is a great way to warm up your hand and brain before drawing. It can also help you unleash your creativity and express your emotions. Doodle whatever comes to your mind, without worrying about the outcome.
- Start with stick figures. Stick figures are a simple and effective way to sketch out the basic structure and pose of a human figure. You can use circles, ovals, and lines to represent the head, torso, limbs, and joints. You can then add details and flesh out the figure later.
- Play around with light and dark. Light and dark are essential for creating contrast, depth, and mood in your drawings. You can use different values of light and dark to show the shape, form, texture, and direction of your subject. You can also use light and dark to create focal points and draw attention to certain areas.
- Vary your line quality. Line quality refers to the thickness, smoothness, and sharpness of your lines. You can use different line qualities to create different effects and expressions in your drawings. For example, you can use thick and bold lines to show confidence and strength, or thin and soft lines to show.
- Try a digital drawing app, paired with a stylus.
Video Tips
Drawing can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a meditative and relaxing activity. When we draw, we enter into a state of flow that takes our mind off our worries and focuses it on the present moment. Drawing can also be therapeutic, as it allows us to express our emotions and cope with difficult situations.
Related Hobbies
Explore related hobbies.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | |
| Fields | |
| Locations | Anywhere, Beach, Garden, Home, Nature, Park, Social Club, Studio |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Concentration, Creativity, Cultural Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Hand-eye Coordination, Imagination, Mindfulness, Motor Coordination, Patience, Perseverance, Self-esteem, Spatial Ability |
Feedback
We rely on your feedback.
Thank you!
We value your feedback.
Want to discuss something?
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast.