Step-by-step painting guide

Real Drawing for Kids 1

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

From the online lesson Real Drawing for Kids 1 · Download the printable PDF

I believe that encouragement is one of the most valuable gifts we can receive, and this art course is designed to offer just that. Whether you're 5 or 95, the principles you'll learn here are timeless and universal. I've found that art and design skills can be quickly grasped by anyone with average ability, and as you progress through these steps, you'll see your drawing and artistic skills flourish. We begin by honing our pencil work, focusing on the fundamentals of shapes, proportions, perspective, and the magic of light and shade to bring your drawings to life. As you advance, you'll explore the vibrant world of color, enhancing your ability to convey action, character, and emotion. We'll build confidence with pen work, delve into the expressive potential of pastels, and eventually embrace the fluid beauty of watercolors. Finally, we'll venture into the rich textures of oil painting and mixed media. This journey is crafted to inspire and encourage you every step of the way, and I am thrilled to be part of your artistic growth.

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson

Step 12Adding Details to the Orange

Step 12 — Adding Details to the Orange (video frame from the lesson)

Draw the Handle Center

Carefully draw the center of the handle, keeping it in the middle. Ensure precision to avoid mistakes.

Add the Stalk

Draw the small knobby bit representing the stalk poking up. Imagine it as a rocket or an alien ship for a fun perspective.

Create Bumpy Texture

Draw lines back and forth to give the orange a slightly bumpy texture. Avoid making it a perfect circle to maintain the natural look of an orange.

Add Crease Details

Include a small line extending from the bottom to show a crease in the orange's skin. This adds realism to the drawing.

Pro tipAvoid perfect circles to ensure the orange looks natural, not like a ball.

Summary & key takeaways

Embark on your artistic journey by honing your foundational skills with pencil work. Begin by mastering shapes, proportions, and textures, and gradually incorporate light and shade to bring your drawings to life. As you progress, introduce color to your pencil drawings to express emotion and character, and experiment with pen, wash, and pastels for added depth and detail.

Warm-up exercises are essential to train your hand-eye coordination and build confidence. Start each session by practicing simple patterns, focusing on accurate replication and proportion. This preparation will enhance your control and precision as you move on to more complex subjects, such as still lifes and detailed compositions.

As you refine your drawing, pay attention to the big shapes and sub-shapes within your subject. Use light lines to sketch and adjust proportions, and gradually add details and textures. Remember to incorporate shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensional quality of your work. With practice and patience, your drawings will become more expressive and realistic.

Points to remember
  • Start with pencil to build foundational skills.
  • Always begin with a warm-up exercise to improve control.
  • Use your fingers to measure consistent distances.
  • Measure new elements against existing shapes for accuracy.
  • Use halfway marks to guide curves for perfect circles.
  • Draw lightly to allow for easy adjustments.
  • Leave spaces between lines where light hits for texture.
  • Avoid perfect circles to maintain a natural look.