How to Draw: Complete Free Drawing Course for Absolute Beginners

Master drawing basics with this comprehensive, 100% free drawing course - no signup required

Watch the complete 2 hour 45 minute video course above, then use this guide as your reference while you practice.

Learning how to draw doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to strengthen your drawing basics, this complete free drawing course will guide you through essential techniques that form the foundation of all great art.

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Drawing is the gateway to creating amazing artwork. Without solid drawing skills, your paintings and creative projects will lack the strength and stability they need to truly shine. The good news? With the right exercises and techniques, anyone can learn to draw effectively.

Why Drawing Basics Matter

Before diving into complex subjects, every artist needs to master fundamental drawing skills. These basics include:

• Hand-eye coordination - The connection between what you see and what you draw
• Line quality - Creating confident, purposeful marks
• Value control - Understanding light and shadow
• Shape construction - Breaking down complex forms into simple shapes
• Perspective - Making flat drawings appear three-dimensional

This free drawing course covers all these essential skills through practical exercises you can do anywhere, anytime.

Getting Started: Essential Supplies

You don't need expensive materials to begin. Here's what you'll need:

• Pencils: Start with an HB (medium hardness) and a 6B (soft, dark)
• Paper: Any drawing paper will work
• Eraser: A standard eraser
• Paper towel: For blending (optional)

Part 1: Hand-Eye Coordination and Line Exercises

Video timestamps: 2:30 - 15:45

The Proper Grip

As demonstrated in the video, the proper pencil grip is crucial. Use an underhand grip rather than a writing grip. This allows for:

• Lighter, more controlled lines
• Better range of motion
• Less hand fatigue
• More natural shoulder movement

Hold the pencil loosely, working from your shoulder rather than your wrist. This fundamental change in approach will immediately improve your line quality.

Connect the Dots Exercise

Video timestamp: 4:20

This classic exercise builds hand-eye coordination while improving line control, as shown in the demonstration above.

How to do it:

1. Draw a series of dots across your paper
2. Try to connect each dot with straight lines
3. Practice in all eight directions:
   • Left to right
   • Right to left
   • Top to bottom
   • Bottom to top
   • Four diagonal directions

Line Quality Practice

Once you're comfortable connecting dots, practice different line qualities:

• Light lines: Use minimal pressure
• Dark lines: Apply more pressure or use cross-hatching
• Long lines: Challenge yourself with extended strokes
• Short lines: Practice control with brief marks

Vary your practice by changing directions frequently. This prepares you for the diverse line work you'll encounter in actual drawings.

Part 2: Shape Exercises and Ellipses

Video timestamps: 15:45 - 25:30

Ellipse Practice

Follow along at timestamp 16:20

Ellipses (ovals) appear everywhere in drawing - from wheels and cups to facial features and architectural elements. Watch the video demonstration to see the proper motion and rhythm.

Exercise steps:

1. Start with small ellipses, gradually making them larger
2. Practice drawing ellipses at different angles
3. Work both clockwise and counterclockwise
4. Try vertical, horizontal, and diagonal orientations

Key technique: Draw through your shapes. Don't try to draw just the visible portion - complete the entire ellipse, even if parts will be hidden. This creates more natural, flowing forms.

Box Shading Exercise

This exercise combines shape control with value practice.

How to practice:

1. Draw a grid of squares on your paper
2. Shade each square using lines in different directions
3. Keep your shading within the square boundaries
4. Practice with all eight line directions

This exercise builds stamina and control while teaching you to work within defined spaces - a crucial skill for realistic drawing.

Part 3: Value Control and Shading

Video timestamps: 52:15 - 1:20:30

Understanding Values

See detailed demonstration at 55:40

Value refers to how light or dark something appears. Watch carefully as the instructor demonstrates different pressure techniques and blending methods in the video above.

Five-Value Scale Exercise

Create a simple value scale to understand your materials:

Steps:

1. Draw five connected squares
2. Leave the first square white (lightest value)
3. Make the last square your darkest possible mark
4. Fill the middle squares with gradually darker values
5. Use a paper towel to blend smooth transitions

Practice variations:

• High-key drawing: Use only light to medium values
• Low-key drawing: Work primarily with dark values
• Regular scale: Use the full range from light to dark

Gradient Practice

Square gradients: Practice smooth transitions from dark to light within square shapes. This teaches value control and prepares you for realistic shading.

Rectangle endurance: Use long rectangles to build stamina while maintaining consistent value transitions. This exercise strengthens your drawing muscles and improves consistency.

Part 4: Basic Shapes and Form

The Foundation Shapes

All complex drawings begin with simple shapes:

• Circle → Sphere
• Square → Cube
• Rectangle → Rectangular prism
• Oval → Egg or cylinder

Making Shapes Three-Dimensional

Transform flat shapes into convincing 3D forms by adding:

Shadow patterns: Learn where shadows naturally fall on basic forms Perspective lines: Understand how shapes appear to recede into space Value gradations: Use light and shadow to suggest volume

Perspective Basics

Eye level and vanishing points are crucial for realistic drawing:

• Objects above your eye level show their bottom surfaces
• Objects below your eye level show their top surfaces
• Objects at eye level appear flat from the front

Practice drawing cubes and cylinders from different viewpoints to understand these relationships.

Part 5: Measuring and Proportion

The Pencil Measuring Method

Your pencil becomes a measuring tool for accurate proportions:

Proper technique:

1. Extend your arm fully (elbow and wrist locked)
2. Close one eye for consistency
3. Line up the pencil tip with the top of your subject
4. Use your thumb to mark the bottom
5. Compare this measurement to other parts of your subject

Critical points:

• Keep your arm extended at the same distance
• Always use the same eye
• Maintain consistent pencil position

Practical Application

When drawing any object:

1. Find the overall proportions first (height vs. width)
2. Locate the center of your subject
3. Break down complex shapes into basic forms
4. Check angles using your pencil as a straight edge

Part 6: Drawing Real Objects

Video timestamps: 1:45:20 - 2:35:15

Now comes the exciting part - applying everything you've learned! The video shows three complete drawing demonstrations that bring together all the techniques covered.

Coffee Cup Exercise

Video demonstration: 1:48:30 - 2:05:45

Watch the complete step-by-step process in the video, then use these notes as reference while you practice:

Step-by-step approach:

1. Identify the basic shapes (cylinder for the cup, curved rectangle for the handle)
2. Establish proportions using the pencil measuring method
3. Draw the basic construction lightly
4. Add details like the rim, handle attachment points
5. Apply shading to create form

Key considerations:

• The cup opening is an ellipse, not a perfect circle
• The handle has thickness and perspective
• Cast shadows help ground the object

Tube of Paint Exercise

Video demonstration: 2:06:15 - 2:18:40

Follow along with the instructor's approach to this more complex cylindrical form:

Construction approach:

1. Start with a cylinder for the main body
2. Add the cap section (slightly wider cylinder)
3. Include the crimped bottom where paint is squeezed out
4. Add surface details like labels and text bands

Shading notes:

• Cylindrical objects have predictable light patterns
• Text and labels follow the curved surface
• Metallic caps reflect light differently than the tube body

Hammer Exercise

Video demonstration: 2:19:15 - 2:42:30

The most complex example in the course. Pay close attention to how the instructor breaks down this challenging subject:

Breaking it down:

1. Identify the perspective - everything follows vanishing points
2. Start with basic boxes for the head and handle sections
3. Refine the shapes - tapered handle, claw details
4. Add construction details - where handle meets head
5. Apply comprehensive shading

Quick Reference: Exercise Checklist

Use this checklist while watching the video to track your progress:

✓ Line Exercises (Practice daily)

• [ ] Connect dots in 8 directions
• [ ] Vary line pressure
• [ ] Practice short and long lines
• [ ] Work from shoulder, not wrist

✓ Shape Exercises

• [ ] Ellipses in all orientations
• [ ] Box shading in 8 directions
• [ ] Rectangle endurance exercises
• [ ] Draw through your shapes

✓ Value Studies

• [ ] 5-value scale with your materials
• [ ] Gradient squares and rectangles
• [ ] High-key and low-key variations
• [ ] Smooth blending practice

✓ Form Construction

• [ ] Basic shapes to 3D forms
• [ ] Perspective cube studies
• [ ] Cylinder orientation practice
• [ ] Measuring with pencil method

✓ Complete Objects

• [ ] Coffee cup construction and shading
• [ ] Paint tube with cylindrical form
• [ ] Hammer with complex perspective
• [ ] Apply all techniques together

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"My lines are shaky" → Rewatch timestamp 3:15 - focus on shoulder movement, not wrist

"My ellipses look flat"
→ See video at 16:45 for the proper drawing-through technique

"I can't get smooth values" → Check your pressure technique at timestamp 58:30

"My proportions are off" → Review the measuring demonstration at 1:32:20

Working with Different Materials

Graphite pencils: Great for detailed work and smooth blending Charcoal: Excellent for dramatic contrasts and loose techniques
China markers: Unique texture and limited blending capabilities

Test your value exercises with different materials to understand their unique properties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Drawing from the wrist instead of the shoulder
2. Pressing too hard from the beginning
3. Ignoring basic shapes and jumping to details
4. Inconsistent measuring techniques
5. Not practicing regularly

Building Your Skills

Daily practice routine:

• 10 minutes of line exercises
• 10 minutes of shape/ellipse practice
• 20 minutes working on a simple object
• 10 minutes of value studies

Progressive challenges:

• Start with single objects
• Move to simple still life arrangements
• Practice outdoor sketching
• Attempt figure drawing basics

Where to Go Next — Fun & Relaxing Drawing Tutorials

Now that you’ve got the fundamentals down, here are some creative exercises to loosen up your line work and add more personality to your sketches:

• Beginner's Guide to Contour and Blind Contour Drawing – Train your eyes and hands to work together with this classic artist’s exercise.
• Beginner’s Guide to Negative Space Drawing Techniques – Learn to see shapes differently and sharpen your accuracy by focusing on the spaces between objects.
• Try These Fun Drawing Exercises to Improve Your Skills – Quick, enjoyable drills you can do anytime to boost confidence and control.
• Elevate Your Drawing Skills with this Semi-Blind Contour Exercise – A playful twist on contour drawing that builds line quality and observation skills.

Also...

This 2 hour 45 minute course provides a solid foundation, but your learning doesn't stop here. Here's how to keep improving:

Daily Practice Schedule:

• Week 1-2: Focus on line exercises and basic shapes (30 minutes daily)
• Week 3-4: Add value studies and simple objects (45 minutes daily)
• Week 5+: Tackle more complex subjects using these same principles

1. Apply these techniques to subjects around your home
2. Join online drawing communities to share your progress
3. Study master drawings to see these principles in action
4. Take life drawing classes to work with more complex subjects

Remember: Every professional artist started exactly where you are now. The techniques demonstrated in this free course are the same fundamentals taught in art schools worldwide.

Bookmark this page and return to the video lessons as often as needed. Each time you watch, you'll notice new details and insights that will advance your skills.

Ready to start? Grab your pencil, play the video above, and begin your artistic journey today. No cost, no signup - just you, your pencil, and the desire to create.

Share this free drawing course with anyone who wants to learn. Art education should be accessible to everyone.