how to draw tutorial

For my own drawing and in work with students both young and old

I continually go back to these basic drawing techniques to begin the 

process.  They are easy and encourage fluent drawing with no 

need for erasing. By doing all three we build the techniques of 

contour, geometric shape and mass drawing. Best of all this can 

be done with simple plastic figures.  A bag of these from the dollar
store can supply hours of easy drawing practice. Here is a picture

of my chosen plastic animal. 

Contour drawing focuses on the edge of the object or the outer 

line of the object being drawn.  Begin with a small plastic figure.

(I used a dog) Observe the edge of the figure and begin drawing,

frequently looking back at figure to confirm detail in the contour edges.  

The writing tool should remain on the paper  working in a continuous line 

 until the figure outline is complete.

Geometric Shape Drawing:

This type of drawing entails looking carefully at the figure and drawing 

component parts using only two dimensional shapes such as ovals,

triangles, rectangles and trapezoids. 

Mass drawing shows the weight of the thing being drawn. It requires depth

to add a 3d quality or weight to the figure.  Draw in a series of connected

ovals to show all parts of the body with more and more ovals drawn in the 

heavier  portions of the figure. 

I would love to hear what you think!