Drawing is a way to discover an entire new world. Before modern techniques about learning to draw were developed, many of us thought we couldn't draw or had no talent. Now we can learn to ""see"" like never before and give up saying things like, ""I can't even draw a straight line."" (After all, maybe that's what rulers are for!)
Required Materials:
ESSENTIAL - Bring a ""can-do"" attitude, the willingness to practice, and an eagerness to do something you didn't think you could do! These are the things to bring.
Paper: Look for paper that is 60-90 lb. and smooth to the touch. Sketchbooks with this weight of paper are found in the art section of department and craft stores.
Pencils: Bring any that you like to make marks with or even a fine-tip pen. Pencils come in many options, from very light to very dark. You can achieve a variety of effects depending on how hard you press on the pencil. There is no need to buy a set of pencils, unless you just want to.
Erasers: Try to find a "kneaded" eraser, great for erasing mistakes. They are grey, wrapped in plastic, less than 2" square, and can be held in your hand to warm them up and become malleable for a spot you might want to erase. These erasers don't damage the surface of the paper as much as other kinds.
Suggested Reading: Edwards, Betty. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, 1999. Dodson, Bert. Keys to Drawing, 1990. Garcia, Claire Watson. Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner, 2003.