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!