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# Drawing Cheatsheet

## Tools

	
Pencils (various lead hardnesses)
	
Erasers (kneaded and gum erasers)
	
Paper (sketchbook, drawing paper, or other suitable surfaces)
	
Pens (e.g. ballpoint, gel, fine-liner)
	
Markers (e.g. alcohol-based, water-based)
	
Charcoal (vine or compressed)
	
Pastels (oil or chalk)
	
Brushes (for inking or watercolor)
	
Drawing tablet (for digital drawing)


## Techniques

	
Sketching: quick, loose drawings used for capturing ideas and composition
	
Shading: using light and dark values to create the illusion of depth and form
	
Cross-hatching: a technique for shading using overlapping parallel lines
	
Blending: using tools (e.g. blending stumps, fingers) to smooth out and blend different tones
	
Layering: building up layers of color or values to create depth and texture
	
Stippling: a technique for shading using dots or small marks
	
Contour drawing: creating an outline of the subject, often without lifting the pencil from the paper
	
Gesture drawing: quickly capturing the overall movement and shape of the subject
	
Still life: drawing a group of objects arranged for artistic purposes


## Terminology

	
Value: The lightness or darkness of a tone
	
Contrast: The difference between light and dark values in a drawing
	
Composition: The arrangement of elements in a drawing, including subject placement, balance, and proportion
	
Perspective: The technique for creating the illusion of depth in a drawing
	
Proportion: The relationship between the sizes of different elements in a drawing
	
Sketch: A quick, rough drawing used for capturing ideas and composition
	
Rendering: The process of adding detail and refinement to a drawing


## Tips and Tricks

	
Practice regularly to improve your skills and techniques
	
Experiment with different tools and materials to find what works best for you
	
Observe and study the work of other artists for inspiration and techniques
	
Try drawing from life to improve your observational skills
	
Use reference images when needed to guide your work


## Resources

	
[Proko](https://www.proko.com/) (drawing lessons and tutorials)
	
[Ctrl+Paint](https://www.ctrlpaint.com/) (digital painting and drawing tutorials)
	
[The Virtual Instructor](https://thevirtualinstructor.com/) (drawing and painting lessons)
	
[Drawabox](https://drawabox.com/) (free drawing lessons and exercises)
	
[The Sketchbook Project](https://www.sketchbookproject.com/) (community of artists sharing their sketchbooks)
	
[Dick Blick Art Materials](https://www.dickblick.com/) (for art supplies)