How to Learn to Draw Professionally Without Art School

Learning to draw professionally without the constraints of attending art school is entirely possible with dedication and the right resources. This comprehensive guide covers the art fundamentals you need to focus on, suggested practice materials, and a daily routine to help you develop your skills effectively.

Art Fundamentals to Practice

Drawing Basics

Begin with simple lines and shapes to build a strong foundation. Practice drawing circles, squares, and triangles. Focus on controlling your lines to achieve consistency and precision.

Forms

Progress to three-dimensional forms such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders. Understanding how to represent these forms is crucial for more complex subjects. Study the different perspectives and vanishing points to create depth and space in your drawings.

Practical Steps for Learning to Draw Professionally

Dedicate Time to Daily Practice

Consistency is key to improving your drawing skills. Dedicate time each day to practice art fundamentals. This daily routine helps solidify your techniques and build muscle memory for better control and precision.

Warm-up

Begin your practice session with a 10-15 minute warm-up. Start with gesture drawing or quick sketches to loosen up your hand and focus on capturing the essence of the subject quickly.

Practice Fundamentals

Allocate 30-60 minutes to work on one fundamental each day. For example, focus on perspective, anatomy, or shading. Use references from books or online resources to practice these techniques.

Draw from Life

Set up still lifes or draw from nature to practice with real subjects. Alternatively, practice figure drawing with live models or using online figure drawing resources. This exercise enhances your ability to visualize and translate three-dimensional objects onto a two-dimensional surface.

Personal Projects

Allocate 1-2 hours to work on a project that interests you. This could be character design, landscapes, or still life. Apply the fundamentals you have practiced to deepen your understanding and refine your skills.

Review and Reflect

Closing each practice session with a 15-30 minute review is essential. Analyze your work, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for your next session. Reflection helps you track your progress and refine your technique.

Recommended Resources

Books

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson Figure Drawing: Design and Invention by Michael Hampton

Online Courses and Tutorials

YouTube: Channels like Proko, Drawabox, and CtrlPaint offer free tutorials on various drawing fundamentals. Skillshare and Udemy: Look for courses focused on specific skills like figure drawing, perspective, or digital art.

Reference Websites

Line of Action: Great for figure drawing practice with timed sessions. Unsplash and Pexels: For high-quality reference images for still life, landscapes, and more.

Practice Tools

Sketchbook: Keep a dedicated sketchbook for daily practice. Digital Software: If you prefer digital art, programs like Krita, Clip Studio Paint, or Procreate are excellent choices.

Additional Tips

Join online communities on platforms like Reddit and DeviantArt for feedback and support. Setting short-term and long-term goals keeps your practice focused and motivated. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and mediums to find what resonates with you.

By consistently practicing these fundamentals and utilizing the recommended resources, you'll be well on your way to developing your drawing skills professionally. Remember, the key is persistence and a willingness to learn and improve. Happy drawing!