In this three part special, we give top tips for beginners to pick up their paintbrushes – no matter what their ability.
We start the series with our top tips for sketching. Just like many other art forms, sketching benefits many different areas of our wellbeing. Jack McKechnie, our expert Lead Wellbeing Coordinator, guides us through it…
Sketching as meditation
Sketching can help us relax, reducing stress, agitation and anxiety, and improving our focus. Sketching forces us to pay attention to details in the environment, relieving our brains from the strain of continuous concentration.
This experience is just like meditation and will bring you a sense of calm, balance and peace, which will improve your overall emotional wellbeing!
Mapping out your image
When beginning your sketch, remember there is no right or wrong place to start. Use your pencil to map out your image. For example, you could draw what’s in the background then focus on what is in the middle and foreground. It is up to you how much detail you include but remember that you will eventually paint over this later on in the process!
Under pressure
The harder you press your pencil on to the paper, the harder it will be to rub out. This will mean it will be more likely to show through the paint in the later stages. It is best to be gentle when drawing with a pencil, so that it doesn’t show through the paint.
Scale and proportions
If the participant intends on copying an image, encourage them to look carefully at what is there, keeping in mind scale and proportions. Keep checking back at the original image!
A few pointers for beginners
Know your tools – ensure you are completely comfortable with your grade of pencils, sharpener, eraser and sketch books. It also helps to start with simplified large shapes and save the details until later.
Make sketching a habit and you’ll soon become a pro!
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