#drawingmistakes

According to Andrew Loomis, there are 10 common mistakes beginners make when drawing:

1. Grey throughout

Pick out blacks and state them strongly for a base. Leave areas of white on the subject.

Don’t overstate greys.

Do not surround light areas with heavy lines.

2. Lots of small fuzzy lines

Don’t pet lines, use confident long strokes.

Use sides of pencil for even tone and shading.

3. Misplaced features

Learn the construction lines of the head and how they’re spaced.

Features should be placed accurately so the drawing is believable.

4. Dirty areas

Areas that should be white and clean have smudges. These are rest areas for the eye and should in no way irritate.

5. Start with one medium

Multiple mediums can look messy, stick to one medium for consistency. Pen or ink etc

6. Tinted papers

If using tinted paper, work with a colour that is harmonious.

7. Avoid copying publicised photos

The lighting is already flood lit and directed. Use a lesser known image where more natural shadows and lights will cone into play. This helps learn the form better.

8. Bad arrangement

If doing a head drawing, plan attractive and and interesting shapes. Leave good, well balanced space around the form.

9. White Highlights

After establishing the darkest areas in black, add highlights in white. It takes practice to make execute this skill successfully.

10. Make it interesting