Learn to Draw with Online Drawing
Tutorials, Exercises, and Lectures

Realistic drawing may seem like magic,
but it is a skill that you, too, can learn.

Why learn to draw?

Because drawing is a creative means of communication, self-exploration, and self-expression.

It is a visual language that, with knowledge, practice and experience, you can learn to speak gracefully and fluently.

This website provides online drawing tutorials, exercises, lectures and inspiration that you can use to begin your artistic journey, and learn to draw.

To become fluent in the visual language of drawing, you will focus on three areas: learning to 'see', obtaining essential drawing knowledge, and acquiring the drawing skills to translate your ideas onto paper.

Learning to See as You Learn to Draw

Detail from Rembrandt van Rijn Self-Portrait (1640)

"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself."

-HENRY MILLER

How often do you notice the delicate reflection on a window, the subtle gradation on a wall, or the intricate shadow cast by a tree?

To become a skilled draftsperson, one must learn to pay close attention to the world around them, because...

Drawing begins before you even pick up a pencil.

It begins when you give yourself the time and space to observe your subject, and find the shapes, forms, gradations, and subtleties that fascinate you.

A great deal of drawing is learning to see in new ways, noticing that which you previously had not, and finding something that thrills you in everything that you observe. The exercises on this site will help you do just that, and turn drawing into a meditative, yet exciting experience of discovery.

Acquiring Essential Knowledge

To learn to draw, you require certain knowledge that will allow you to look upon your subject and understand what it is that you’re seeing.

For representational figure and portrait drawing that means having an understanding of value, form, composition, anatomy, proportion, and more!

Without this knowledge you will be merely copying what you see instead of making the critical decisions that make drawing a creative, artistic and captivating process.

When you understand what you're looking at, you are able to decide what to include in your drawing, and what to leave out; what to exaggerate to add interest, and what to play down that detracts from the overall idea of the picture. These decisions are what make your drawings unique to you. They are the beginnings of self-expression and individuality in your artwork.

Drawing Technique

Finally, studying drawing technique will allow you to translate your vision onto paper.
Technique begins with learning all about your drawing materials.

Knowing their properties, how to prepare them and when to use them is essential in order to draw efficiently and effectively.

You can then build control, confidence and dexterity with your drawing tools, and finally combine these new skills with your knowledge and vision.

Please note ...

The methods presented on this site are based on my own experience and education in representational drawing. They are by no means the only way to draw, or learn to draw!

When I decided to become an artist, I resolved to become fluent in the visual language of drawing. While this is a life-long process, I would like to share with you what I have learned so far in my journey, and hopefully encourage you in yours.

Thank you so much for visiting The Drawing Source!