Learn How To Draw Pt 1: Lines, Lines, Lines

Lesson 1: Drawing Warm-Up

Emily introduces the first lesson in a beginner drawing course designed to build practical skills for drawing from observation. This warm-up focuses on making different kinds of marks and noticing how the hand and arm move, rather than drawing a specific subject.

Treat mistakes as useful observations, not as evidence that a drawing is “good” or “bad.”

Materials

• Sketchbook, to keep exercises together and write notes
• HB pencil (Emily uses a darker pencil so the marks show clearly on video)
• Eraser, optional

Drawing Exercises

• Draw straight vertical lines, first using the fingers and wrist, then using movement from the elbow.
• Practise parallel lines at different angles and in different directions. Aim for an even gap between each line.
• Draw perpendicular lines that cross at right angles, using both wrist-based and elbow-based movements.
• Repeat lines in a steady rhythm, alternating between wrist and elbow movement and gradually aiming for more even spacing.
• Draw wavy lines, first with the wrist and fingers, then with the hand moving continuously from the elbow.
• Draw “pinwheels” by spiralling outward while trying to keep an even distance between turns. Notice when the movement shifts from wrist to elbow.
• Draw zigzag lines, experimenting with hand position and page direction to find what feels most comfortable.

Creative Assignment

Make an abstract pattern using a combination of straight lines, curves, wavy lines, pinwheels, and zigzags. Start by dividing the page into larger shapes, then fill parts of those shapes with patterns or lines.

You can add tonal areas using parallel or intersecting lines. Lines placed closer together appear darker, while wider spacing makes an area appear lighter. The pattern can remain abstract or develop into a more imaginative image.

Key Advice

• Use the wrist for smaller movements and the elbow for larger, freer marks.
• Try drawing in both directions; one may feel more natural than the other.
• Turn the page or change your hand position if it helps.
• Notice which movements feel natural, awkward, steady, or uneven, and note what you may want to practise.
• Keep practising, including by repeating exercises that feel challenging.

The next lesson will introduce sketching with basic shapes.

Featured creator and instructor: Emily, The Pencil Room Online.