It's As Easy As A, B, and C

What I want to show you here, and in other posts, is that if you can read and write, you already have the skill set required to draw. Now! Today! 

Drawing is not about talent. It is about following the steps required to develop and create a skillset. In other words, a process that is more about "how to understand what you see" rather than simply a formula for "how to draw". 

Let's Get Started.
Take out a sketchbook or piece of paper along with a marker or pen (no pencil at this point). Draw the image you see below:

If you were able to draw this shape, you have just proven that you actually can draw and, more than that, you understand some of the basic processes involved with drawing. 

How can I make such an outrageous statement? 

Process: Let's Walk Through It
Most people draw the large, triangular shape of the “A” first, finishing with the small horizontal line. I have never met anyone who drew the cross stroke first. This is the process of drawing in a nutshell: start with the largest shape in your subject or scene, finish with the smaller shapes and details. In this case, the triangular form is the largest shape in your subject. It gives the relational proportions of the height and width while the small horizontal line is the identifying detail giving recognition to the letterform. 

Having a process gives you a plan for where to start and the steps to get you to finish. The biggest frustration for many people is that they look at a blank piece of paper and do not know where to begin their drawing or how to take it to finish. Understanding the process of large shapes to small shapes is an important piece of the drawing process that will help you move forward more easily in your work.

Start with the largest shape
in your subject or scene, finish with
the smaller shapes and details.

Process: Remember Your First "A"
Think back to the first time you tried to draw the letter "A". Did you get it perfect the first time? No, of course not. There was a process given to you by your parent or kindergarten teacher. Once this process of where to start and the steps to finish are understood, it gives you a manageable target for success. Practicing and applying that process brought you to the point today where you can draw an "A" without hesitation or a second thought. 

This learning process of printing individual letters expanded to encompass words, sentences and then moved into grammar and more. It started you on a journey of development that could take you from kindergarten to college or university. The same is true of drawing. Once you understand the processes, you can keep building and developing your drawing abilities

Always remember the two lessons of the "A". First any artistic endeavour requires a process where you understand how to start and the steps that will get you to finish. Second, it takes time to develop and practice those skills.