Would you like to draw like a pro? You're in the right place!
Over the past 16 years, I’ve taken countless drawing classes and watched hours of art tutorials on how to draw or paint portraits and figures. Some were absolutely brilliant and inspiring. Others... not so much.
One thing I’ve noticed? Almost every tutorial teaches the same standard steps — how to sketch the basic structure, add shading, and then finish with details. But after years of practice (and many mistakes), I’ve realized that there are a few key principles that make all the difference between an average drawing and an impressive one.
Here are the 3 most important steps I wish every beginner artist knew.
Step 1: Focus on the Whole — Not the Details (At Least in the Beginning)
This is one of the most common mistakes beginner artists make: getting lost in the details too early. Remember, we weren’t born as floating eyes or noses. We are complex, whole beings. Your drawing process should follow this same logic.
Start by building the complete shape of your figure before refining any specific part. If you focus on perfecting just one eye or hand first, chances are you'll lose proportions or run out of energy before finishing the whole piece. Big shapes first — details later.
Step 2: Draw the Skeleton, Not Just the Outline
This was my biggest struggle when I first started drawing in my twenties. I thought I was doing great — carefully outlining every visible edge of the figure. But I wasn’t building the inner structure or capturing the movement of the body. The truth is, outlines alone won’t bring your drawing to life.
Everything in nature — from trees to people — has an inner framework or skeleton. Understanding that structure is key to drawing realistic, dynamic figures. It helps you feel the movement, balance, and proportions of your subject. Without this step, your drawing may look flat or lifeless.
Step 3: Ground Your Figures — Add Depth with Bold Lines
Bodies don’t float in empty space. They stand on the ground, sit in chairs, lean against walls — and your drawing should show that connection. To create depth, use slightly bolder lines on the sides of the body that are farther from the viewer. You don’t need heavy shading everywhere — just a few strategic strokes will do the trick.
Bold lines add drama, contrast, and dimension to your artwork — making your figures feel grounded and real.
These three simple (but powerful) steps completely changed the way I draw figures. I hope they’ll help you too!
Remember:
→ Start with the whole shape
→ Build the inner structure
→ Ground your figures with bold lines
Happy drawing! 😉
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