NOTHING IS INTERESTING IF YOU ARE NOT INTERESTED 

First start with the understanding that learning how to draw will take time, devotion, practice, and effort. Keep in mind that in addition to being good at art takes a very certain type of mindset.

Here is what I would recommend in learning how to become good at drawing. This is what worked for me: First thing to do is learn all the basics. This includes being familiar with all the mediums of art and feeling comfortable with the elements and principles of art. You can learn these basics either through class or self-taught. But don’t just wing it. Taking classes and reading books on art is the best way to learn. At least, that is how I learned the basics. These are two of my answers that give a brief overview of these basics: What are the different types of elements of art? What is a medium when referring to art?

Next is taking the basics and apply them to art. This includes learning how to draw still lifes, landscapes, realistic pieces, abstract pieces, gesture drawings, etc. Do this with a variety of mediums. After you have become familiar with the different art categories described in step two, create challenge yourself with different prompts. This will test your ability to use what you learned and draw a variety of subject matters. If stumped with different prompts, here are some that I use: What can I draw?

In addition to creating art pieces, constantly sketch in a sketchbook. Do this everywhere you go. You get good at drawing everything by literally drawing everything. This will help you with your ability to draw fast, have good motor skills, create good observation drawings, and help with human figures. When first starting to learn observational art and began sketching, I also looked at other people’s art for inspiration and admiration. Sometimes, I even copied/traced other people’s drawings. Do not copyright and call their art your own. But using their art as a template helped me practice and improve. What happened in my sketchbook was for practice purposes only. Push yourself to be better. Be hard on yourself. Do not get cocky in your artwork. Always look for areas of improvement so that you can make your next one better. Encourage yourself with positive criticism. Finding an experienced mentor to critique and give suggestions is highly recommended.

Steps of mastering drawing for a beginner

1. Understanding 

If you tried to draw a face and realized it was looking flat or disproportioned. Or you drew a mouth and it looked like an almond instead of some juicy lips. Then, it is likely you do not understand what you are drawing. Try to understand the fundamentals of form. Learn that the mouth actually sits upon a barrel-like structure of bone and muscle. Learn that the mouth is controlled by dozens of muscles. Learn that the bottom lip is generally thicker and more succulent than the top lip. Learn that a smile can change the whole shape of the mouth. The same applies to any object whether man-made or natural. form follows function, try to understand what the function is and why the forms are the way they are. Then… you can draw a framework in order to add your sketch to.

2. Draw fearlessly.

Use a pen or Sharpie. No erasers, no correcting fluid. Fill the page completely as fast as you can. Use loose scribbles and gestures. Don’t sweat details. Use The Force — let go of your feelings, young Skywalker. Get it right the first time or start over. Try to push each drawing to completion, but if you’re really not happy with where it’s going, toss it in the recycling and move on. Also, try drawing without looking at the page. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by the result.

3. Try to draw fast.

Give yourself thirty seconds to do an entire scene. Use big newsprint and a Sharpie. Ignore details. Use wide, loopy gestures. This is an especially important exercise when you get started drawing people, where it’s easy to obsess about faces or hands or feet without ever getting to the overall pose. One out of ten 30-second drawings you do will be amazingly good. This was my method for beginning and learning how to draw.