Get a Free Width vs. Height Measuring Stick

Regardless of whether you are just learning how to draw or you are an accomplished artist, all artists use a measuring stick to get accurate proportions Width vs. Height of whatever it is they are trying to draw. They close one eye and put their pencil at arms length over their subject, noting the width and height using the tip of the pencil and their thumb position as the gauging distance marker.

There's just one problem with this technique: you'll find that the pencil just isn't long enough.

So what's better?

Well, you can use a coffee stirrer stick instead. It doesn't have to be sharpened, it's inexpensive, and can be marked repeatedly using your pencil or charcoal to mark your width and height.

But here's even one better idea.

Although coffee stirrer sticks are available from your local Office supply store inexpensively, they are only 5 1/2" long.

But if you go down to Starbucks and order your favorite latte, you'll find they have coffee stirrer sticks a whopping 7 inches long. You'll find that makes a terrific difference in your ability catch even the overall proportions of your subject.

Now, if you are just starting out in drawing and you want to learn the exact details of how to use this Comparative Measuring techniqe, go find out more at How to Draw Step by Step
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Outlines vs. Mass

I read all over in many art books the different styles that artists use.

I'm almost amused as to how they "teach" in their drawing books. Admitted their drawings are many times very good, but to teach the way they "do" misses the point for beginning students learning how to draw.

Here's what I'm talking about.

I find in these books "outlines" to the figure they are drawing, and once they do the outline they fill in the mass (the shadings and details). This technique is great for speed if you are already an accomplished artist who understands how to accurately draw what you see.

But for many artists who are trying to get a handle on the basic proportions, this will only frustrate you and you really won't learn much.

It's always better to learn how to draw "artifical" circles through and around points in your drawing without actually first trying to draw the objects. That speed will help you relate the objects later on in your drawing.

If you want a simple example of this technique, go to http://www.how-to-draw-online.com/draw-step-by-step.html

In short, draw what you see, not what's in your mind!