The Ultimate Guide to Learning Sketching on YouTube
Sketching is a fundamental skill for artists, and finding the right tutorials can make all the difference. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, YouTube offers an extensive array of resources. Here are some top channels, along with expert tips to help you on your artistic journey.
Top YouTube Channels for Sketching
YouTube is a treasure trove for aspiring artists. Some of the best channels for sketching tutorials include:
Proko Draw with Jazza: Jazza covers a wide range of topics from basic techniques to advanced skills. Art for Kids Hub: Perfect for young artists and those who want to rekindle their childhood creativity. Alphonso Dunn: Offers step-by-step tutorials and practical advice for beginners. Art of Wei: Provides insightful step-by-step guidance and tips for both beginners and intermediate artists. Skillshare and Udemy: These platforms offer comprehensive courses on sketching, making it easy to advance your skills systematically. Circle Line Art School: A great choice for structured art tutorials that cover various techniques. Leontine van Vliet, Teoh Yi Chie, Sketchbook Skool, SHUVRO ARTS, and Scott Robertson: These channels are tailored to different preferences and skill levels, ensuring you find something that suits you.Essential Tips for Effective Sketching
Sketching, like any artistic pursuit, requires both technique and practice. Here are some key tips from an experienced artist to help you improve:
1. Know Your Tools
Investing in the right tools can enhance your sketching experience remarkably. While there are many types of pencils, erasers, and papers to choose from, starting with the basics can help you familiarize yourself with the essentials:
Three different pencil grades (e.g., HB, 2B, and 6-8B) Drawing/sketching paper or a sketchbook Soft rubber graphite eraser Better quality erasers like the Tombow Mono Zero Blending stumps or tortillons (optional for smoother blends) A kneaded eraser (optional for detailed adjustments)Experiment with different supplies to find what works best for you, but don't get overwhelmed by an extensive variety of options. The basics are often sufficient to start with.
2. Start with Simplified Large Shapes
One of the most significant challenges for beginners is focusing on small details too early. Instead, start by identifying and drawing large, simplified shapes. This approach will help you align individual elements correctly before adding finer details later:
Visualize your subjects as combinations of simple shapes such as cubes, cylinders, rectangular prisms, and cones. Forget about intricate details until the basic structure is established. Focus on accurate proportions and placement of elements, refining the sketch as you go.Practicing this method will significantly improve your ability to draw realistic and well-proportioned subjects.
3. Hold Your Pencil Correctly
The way you hold your pencil can greatly affect your drawing. Contrary to writing, which requires neat and legible lines, drawing often involves laydown and refinement:
Position your hand further away from the tip of your pencil. Use your entire arm for drawing, not just your wrist. Stay relaxed and move loosely.Try to practice different hand positions and grips to find what works best for you. This practice will help you draw more comfortably and effectively.
Remember, perfection is not the goal. Embrace imperfection and enjoy the process. The fear of making mistakes can hinder progress, so don't let it hold you back. The key is to keep practicing and improving.
Exploring these YouTube channels and following these tips can significantly enhance your sketching skills. Whether you are just starting or need to refine your techniques, YouTube provides a wealth of resources to help you achieve your artistic goals.