| Before starting on your sketch, understand that it's | | | | erasers are dust free and behave like plasticine. You |
| important to know and master your tools well. If you | | | | can pinch them into any shape you want and use it to |
| do not know your tools well enough, your sketch will | | | | ease off dark areas or create highlights in your |
| not turn out the way you want it. I can guarantee it. | | | | drawing. |
| First, let's start by choosing some drawing paper for | | | | If you like, you can also get yourself a straight ruler and |
| your sketch. A visit to the art supplies store will tell you | | | | a circle template (for drawing round things), although |
| that there's a wide range of art paper available. Some | | | | this is not mandatory. |
| are multiple purpose drawing paper that you can use | | | | Once you have all the above ready, you're ready to |
| for pencil, charcoal, watercolor or paints. Those are | | | | start drawing. |
| more likely to be costlier. | | | | First, decide on the subject that you want to draw. |
| However, if you're just going to do some practice | | | | This has been discussed in detail in Home Study |
| sketches, all you need to have is a pad of smooth | | | | Course, so I'm not going to go into detail here. Do |
| drawing paper. They don't have to be exceeding high | | | | choose something that you enjoy drawing. In the |
| quality but they do have to be smooth on the surface | | | | Home Study Course, you'll learn how to choose |
| so that it's easier for you to blend. I've also noticed that | | | | subjects to make your drawing more interesting and |
| smooth drawing paper have different grades. My | | | | exciting. |
| advice is, choose something in between. | | | | Once you've decided on your reference subject, do |
| Once you have your drawing paper, you'll need to | | | | some warming up exercises with your pencils before |
| equip yourself with some pencils. I personally prefer to | | | | you start. Create some shades, blends, etc. on the |
| work with 2B to 8B pencils. These pencils give me a | | | | drawing paper until you feel you're ready. |
| wide range of values and will allow me to create just | | | | When you're ready, it's time to apply the techniques |
| about any effect I want. | | | | that you learn from to draw anything and everything |
| You will also need some kneaded erasers. Kneaded | | | | you want. |