You will need to have some skills at drawing

When I am teaching a beginner about painting sometimes they ask why do I need to know how to draw? I tell them they need to understand how to draw shapes, forms, and have a basic understanding of perspective, values, and space.

With some knowledge about drawing you will feel more confident in your abilities as an artist when you try to paint. Many art schools (colleges and Universities) require you to have a drawing class before you can take a painting class. In addition,drawing is easier than painting in alot of ways. Control of a pencil is an easier skill than control of a paint brush.

But you don't have to be a master at drawing just have some basic knowledge about shapes and forms and are somewhat comfortable with drawing simple pictures on your own. Also, you will need to be able to draw in your sketchbook and work out your composition for your painting before you actually begin with the oil paints.

With todays technology of overhead projectors to project your drawing right on the canvas, you almost don't even need to have any skills at drawing. But sometimes you don't have these technologies available to use.

It is a good idea to practice your skills at drawing and try to draw on a daily basis if you are not painting that day. This practice will help increase your drawing skills and give you more confidence with your painting abilities. You don't have to draw on a huge piece of paper, you can just draw a small thumbnail picture and do a quick sketch.

You can learn more about drawing in the art instruction area of the website. (This is under construction, check back for this later).

Below are some books on drawing



For more art books and resources go to the "Art Books" page or Art Resources page.