Learn How to Draw in Pencil
Drawing by John, Age 11
If you or your child wants to learn how to draw in pencil, this is the place to begin. Here you'll find a basic list of materials you'll need which you can find either in an arts and crafts store, fine art catalog, or online.
After you've gathered what you need, move down to the lower part of this page and try out the free drawing lessons.
Although we often call the tip of a pencil the “lead”, it's actually made of graphite. For this reason, the drawing in pencil is also referred to as drawing with graphite.
As with any media you try, you will find that the quality of the art supplies you use affects the final result. You can use a regular school #2 with an eraser on the end and an inexpensive spiral drawing pad, and sometimes I do that if I am just doodling or sketching out rough designs. But as with anything else, such as cooking, building, or crafting, you need the right tools to create a fine product.
Ready to learn how to draw with graphite? The supplies you need are
Drawing Pencils
Erasers
Paper
Tortillons
Once you have your supplies, let's get started! Try one or more of the free lessons, and remember to have fun as you practice, practice, practice!
LESSON 1: LET'S START DRAWING!
LESSON 2: DRAWING WITH SHAPES AND LINES
LESSON 3: MEASURING FOR PROPORTION
LESSON 4: DRAWING SYMMETRICAL OBJECTS
LESSON 5: USING A TORTILLON
LESSON 6: DRAWING A STILL LIFE
LESSON 7: DRAWING ANIMALS
LESSON 8: DRAWING FACES
LESSON 9: DRAWING PEOPLE IN ACTION (PART 1)
LESSON 10: DRAWING PEOPLE IN ACTION (PART 2)
LESSON 11: CONTOUR DRAWING
LESSON 12: DRAWING USING A GRID
LESSON 13: DRAWING UPSIDE DOWN
LESSON 14: GESTURE DRAWING
More Drawing Tips
Drawing From Photographs
Keeping Your Drawing Paper Clean
Preparing Your Drawing Surface
How to Transfer and Image
Using a Value Scale
Thumbnail Drawings
Mirror Help for Portraits
