Cool Art Sketches

Hey there, fellow art enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of sketching? Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just picking up a pencil for the first time, there’s always room to improve, explore, and have fun. And in this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite techniques, tips, and ideas for creating cool art sketches. Grab your sketchbook, and let’s get started!

The Basics: Tools You Need

Before we jump into sketching, let’s talk about tools. Having the right materials can make a big difference.

• Sketchbook: Choose one that suits your style. I love spiral-bound sketchbooks for their flexibility. But hardcover ones are great for durability.
• Pencils: A range of pencils from H (hard) to B (soft) gives you versatility. My go-to is a 2B pencil for general sketching. You can either go with black and grey or a full colour range
• Erasers: Get yourself a kneaded eraser for subtle corrections. And a regular eraser for clean edges.
• Pens and Markers: Fine-liners and brush pens can add depth and contrast to your sketches.
• Blending Tools: Tissues, blending stumps (these are used to create gradations, soften lines, and extend, blend and reshape dark or light areas.) or even your fingers can help create smooth shading.

Pro Tip: Keep your tools portable. A small art kit lets you sketch anywhere, anytime!

Warm-Up Exercises

Warming up is essential to get your creative juices flowing. Here are my favourite exercises:

• Doodle Lines and Shapes: Draw random lines, circles, and spirals to loosen your hand.
• Cross-Hatching Practice: Fill a page with cross-hatching patterns to refine your shading skills. (This involves drawing one set of parallel lines. Then drawing another set of lines over the first set in a perpendicular direction. The closer the lines are spaced, the darker the shading will be.)
• Gesture Drawing: Set a timer for 1-2 minutes and sketch quick poses. This improves speed and captures movement. Gesture drawing helps artists focus on the subject’s overall flow and movement. Instead of paying attention to small details.
• Upside-Down Drawing: Pick a reference and sketch it upside down. It helps you focus on shapes rather than what you think you see. Strange but true, this can help !

These exercises may seem simple, but they work wonders for your confidence and hand-eye coordination.

Exploring Styles:

Realism

Want to make your sketches look lifelike? Here’s how:

• Observe Carefully: Pay attention to light, shadow, and details.
• Grid Technique: Use a grid to break down your reference into smaller, more manageable sections.
• Layer Shading: Build up layers of light and dark tones for depth.

For a great article on realism with acrylics click here (right click and open link in new window)

Cartoon and Comics

For a fun, exaggerated look:

• Simplify Shapes: Focus on circles, ovals, and rectangles to build characters.
• Expressive Features: Play with big eyes, quirky smiles, or exaggerated proportions. just have fun with it. Most of the great cartoons were all about the fun factor!
• Dynamic Lines: Use bold outlines and energetic strokes to bring life to your sketches. Maybe even seek inspiration from old retro comics like the ones below

Abstract

Abstract sketching lets your imagination run wild:

• Random Patterns: Combine swirls, dots, and geometric shapes.
• Experiment with Texture: Use tools like sponges or textured paper.
• Let Loose: Don’t worry about rules; let your intuition guide you.

Creative Subject Ideas

Feeling stuck? Here are some prompts to spark your creativity:

• Nature: Sketch leaves, flowers, trees, or landscapes. Try focusing on texture, like bark or petals.
• Urban Scenes: Capture buildings, streets, or coffee shops. Perspective is key here—start with simple lines and angles.
• Animals: Observe pets or wildlife. Focus on capturing their energy and movement. Animals are a great way to make cool art sketches.
• People: Practice facial expressions, hands, or full-body poses. Use reference photos if needed.
• Fantasy Worlds: Let your imagination run wild. Picture mythical creatures, magical forests, or futuristic cities. Or how about science fiction, moons, rocket ships and alien planets (both future and retro)

Pro Tip: Carry a small sketchbook wherever you go. Everyday scenes can be incredibly inspiring!

Adding Depth and Dimension

Want your sketches to pop off the page? Here’s how:

• Perspective: Use vanishing points and horizon lines to create depth. Start with simple two-point perspective sketches.
• Shading: Identify the light source and shade accordingly. Use techniques like cross-hatching. (a technique of using crossed lines to make shading) stippling, (using dots or short strokes.) And also smooth blending.
• Contrast: Combine light and dark areas to make your subject stand out.
• Overlapping: Layer objects to create a sense of distance.

Experimenting with these techniques will make your sketches feel more dynamic and professional.

Enjoy this great Video tutorial : How to Draw Anything

For a great deal on various sketching kits click here (or right click open link in new window)

Playing with Colour

Adding colour can transform your sketches:

• Coloured Pencils: These are perfect for detailed work and layering.
• Watercolours: Great for soft, dreamy effects. Use waterproof pens for outlines. Then add watercolours over the top. Sometimes it looks great if you go past the outline. This gives a more abstract effect.
• Markers: These pens are ideal for bold, vibrant designs. Blend colours for gradients and shading.
• Digital Sketching: Apps like Procreate let you experiment without fear of mistakes.

Pro Tip: Start with a monochromatic palette to focus on value and contrast. Before later introducing multiple colours.

Tips for Staying Motivated

We all hit creative blocks. Here’s how I stay motivated:

• Set Goals: Challenge yourself to sketch daily, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
• Join a Community: Share your work on social media or join art groups. Feedback can be super encouraging.
• Take Breaks: Step away when you’re frustrated. A fresh perspective works wonders.
• Try New Techniques: Keep learning through tutorials or workshops.
• Celebrate Progress: Compare your old sketches to new ones to see how far you’ve come.

Remember, every artist’s journey is unique. Celebrate your wins, big or small.

Cool Art Sketches : My Final Thoughts

Sketching is all about exploration and joy. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the process. Also mistakes help you to learn what not to do! So your future artwork will be of a higher standard. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun. I’d love to see your sketches, so feel free to share them with me!

Now go grab your pencils and sketch away. The world is your canvas!