15 sketching and drawing tips to help you draw like a pro!

Having a hard time creating your artworks as per your interest? Drawing with the perfection you long for? then this is all for you..here, I will discuss 15 sketching tips to help you make your artwork look what you desire them to look like! Yes, like a masterpiece(if applied well)! So, welcome to BlossomyLeaf...Let's begin!

01. Know your pencils or medium!

There's a big difference between 4B and 4H
Having the right pencil for your sketch is essential. The hardness of the graphite is indicated on the side of the pencil: 'B' pencils are softer, 'H' are harder, and 'HB' sits in the middle – there's a big difference between a 4H and a 4B. It is mostly recommended to start somewhere on the H scale as a foundation and then finishing with the darker B scale.

02. Take control of your pencil
If you position your hand closer to the end of the pencil, you have more control and precision, but heavier strokes (darker markings),Gripping further up the pencil will give you less control and precision, but lighter strokes (lighter markings).

03. Vary your lines

Shifts in the width and darkness of your lines will create interest.Use varied lines, Not all lines are equal. Subtle shifts in the width and darkness of your lines will create a dynamic, visually interesting drawing. Controlling the kind of mark you put down can be tricky in the beginning, but with practice you will be able to create a variety of marks that work together to make a cohesive image. Experiment with different pencil grades (from 3H to 6B) and with holding the pencil at different angles.

04. Avoid smudging
When shading, use an extra piece of paper underneath your hand,This will minimise the amount your hand smudges your pencil lines. If you're right-handed, start shading from left to right; if you're left-handed, start at the right and move to the left.

There's nothing more frustrating than trying to make a clean-looking drawing that loses its brilliance and value, thanks to smudging. Instead, use smudging to your advantage every now and then to smooth out shading. You can do this with several tools. a simple piece of tissue paper to get the job done can be a satisfying option!

05. Control your edges
A thin and hard edge give objects solid borders. Lost edges occur when the object and background values start to blend together, so the edge is implied rather than defined. Undefined edges need to be deciphered by the viewer themselves. It is suggested to explore all types of edges, and combine them to create interest within your work!

06. Use a blending stick for smooth shading
It is possible to create smooth, blended effects using pencils – for example, to capture a sky. Sometimes it's preferable for your shading to be less sketchy and more smooth and subtle, Pencil lines don't blend perfectly unless you're very careful.

To avoid your initial scribbles showing through, Use spare paper to doodle a big swatch of soft graphite or charcoal pencil, then use a large blending stick to pick up the soft dust to use for your image, Keep using the blending stick and adding more scribbles as you need more graphite. You can then build up darker areas to create definition.

07. Apply the 70/30 rule
Less can be more! The 70/30 rule helps you create effective compositions. The idea is that 30 per cent of your sketch is filled with the main focus and detail, and the remaining 70 per cent is filler. This less interesting area helps direct attention towards the main subject of your artwork. 

08. Create contrast
Contrast helps direct the viewer's eye within a sketch. When people talk about contrast they're usually referring to a difference in value, where light and dark areas are juxtaposed. However, you can also create contrast in hue, saturation, shape, texture, edges, proportion and so on.
Heavy contrast will demand attention, it is recommended placing the highest value contrast in your area of intent focus. You can also add contrast to separate forms and distinguish different subject matter.

09.… but not everywhere!
Contrast is a powerful tool – but don't be tempted to create high contrast everywhere in your drawing,. Subtle shading can be just as effective when it comes to showcasing form and detail.
In these examples , you can see that the softer, low-value contrast piece enables the eye to wander and doesn’t define an area of focus. While the area of focus in the high-value contrast piece rests on the darkest darks against the lightest lights.

10. Add imperfections
Make your objects distinctive, not just recognisable
Instead of just looking at what makes an object recognisable you should also consider how to make this object distinctive, Quirks and imperfections add character to your sketch, and can suggest a story for the viewer to mentally explore.

11. Rejoice in the details
Hidden details are a treat for those who look long enough to find them
artist's heart and soul is revealed in a sketch's detail. Putting extra care into the details can also teach you patience. Great art should be nurtured, not manufactured. So try to focus on the details to make your artworl look one level up!

12. Look For Basic Shapes

Everything in the world can be simplified into basic shapes.  When you are studying your subject, try to pick out the basic shapes that make up the over all shape.  Usually these shapes are pretty easy to draw.  Draw the shapes then draw the outlines.This tip will help you with your speed as well.

13. Use a Full Range of Value
Value is the darkness or lightness of a color.  So value is about light.  We can't see without light, therefore we see things because of value. Make a value scale and then use it.  Make sure that your drawing has a full range of value that you made on your value scale! You define the light source through your use of value.

14. Loosen Up
Drawing doesn't have to be stiff.  In fact, it shouldn't be.  For example, when you are trying to define the contour of an object, draw several light lines.  You have a better chance of "finding" the right line when you draw several of them. Like..You have a better chance of winning the lottery if you buy several tickets instead of just one! Try holding the pencil differently than how you hold it when you write.  Draw with your shoulder instead of your wrist by moving your whole arm when you make a mark.

15.At last, Practice, Practice, Practice, and then - Practice Some More
This is the best tip that there is.  You must practice.  This is true of any skill.  Keep a sketchbook and draw literally everything that you see.  Draw everyday.  When you can't draw, look at objects and imagine how you would draw them.  What shapes are there?  What values are there?  Where is the light source?  What medium would I use?  Drawing can take place anywhere, anytime!

That's it!I hope u enjoyed and at the same time learned something new here.