If you want to get better at drawing, stop doing this (tip #1):
In my time teaching art, I’ve noticed common patterns amongst budding artists (I’ve taught art courses online and art classes in Kingscliff NSW and Gold Coast art classes). And now, with over 10 years of art teaching behind me, I can outline with confidence the three common mistakes beginner artists make and how to avoid them. And today I’m starting off with the number one most common mistake new artists make:
#1 mistake: Choosing the wrong reference to draw from.
The photo/image you select to draw can make or break your drawing experience. I have found that without the guidance from adult drawing classes, most beginner artists choose image references that are far too difficult for a novice artist. Eventually, the budding artist gets discouraged when the drawing becomes more challenging than they first thought.
Drawing is just like a physical sport that requires training and muscle memory. You need to start small and work your way up to the harder subjects once you’ve developed your muscles.
Here’s what I recommend:
Start with line-work drawings to focus on accuracy of shape and angle.
Then progress to drawings with tone to train your eye to perceive darks and lights.
Once tone is established, you can select reference images with delicate shading/blending and focus on your technique and pencil application.
This is the exact outline for my Introduction to Drawing: 30 day drawing course and online beginners drawing course. It gradually builds on an artist’s knowledge, starting simple and progressing through more difficult exercises, to help each student learn drawing without becoming overwhelmed or discouraged. They’re the perfect drawing lessons for adults wanting to learn from the comfort of their own home.
For local adults interested in learning to draw, we have drawing classes for adults in Kingscliff, NSW and drawing classes on the Gold Coast in Currumbin. We also have drawing classes for kids.
At Artory, we hold adult drawing classes in person (in our Kingscliff art class studio and Gold Coast art classes) as well as online adult beginner art classes.
Why adult drawing classes can help you avoid this mistake:
Having the guidance of a teacher who is an experience artist can help you fast track your artistic success. Of course, there is nothing wrong with embarking on your art journey on your own. Trial and error is a great way to learn. However, if you want to quickly get better at drawing and avoid the frustration, I recommend enrolling in adult drawing classes, either online or in-person.
Next week I’ll discuss the second most common mistake beginner artists make, and of course, how to avoid it.
Anne x
Try one of our adult drawing classes in Kingscliff NSW and Gold Coast:
Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm in Casuarina
NEXT DATES:
Thursdays 29 Jan - 26 Feb 2026 (5 weeks) with Scarlett Pope
Thursdays 4 June - 2 July 2026 (5 weeks) with Anne Smerdon/Scarlett Pope
This is the perfect place to start if you have always wanted to try art but you lack confidence. It's a structured class to take you through all you need to know to draw any subject with ease.
In this class you’ll learn:
How to accurately so that your drawing looks like its subject
How to create large drawings from small references
How to get the right tones (dark vs light)
How to smoothly blend and create texture
The confidence to move to painting or more advanced drawing once you have finished your first term.
Fridays 9:45-11:45am (NSW time) with Laura J Stratton in Murwillumbah
NEXT DATES:
6 Feb - 6 March 2026 (5 weeks)
16 Oct - 13 Nov 2026 (5 weeks)
If you want to learn to draw but love colour, this is the class for you! It’s perfect for beginners who want to fast-track their skills and learn top techniques from one of Australia’s best colour pencil artists.
In this class you’ll learn:
How to draw accurately
How to know which colours AND tones to use
How to draw different textures (like glossy fruit or hairy fur) and create that perfect realistic photo finish
Can’t make it in person? Try our online adult drawing classes:
This is the perfect place to start if you have always wanted to try art or if it has been some time since you did anything and you feel like you need some added confidence. It's a structured 6-class course for beginners to take you through all you need to know to draw with confidence. Drawing is the foundation of all good art, so it’s a great place to start! (NOTE: this course is now available as part of the Artory Academy membership)
ONLINE ARTORY ACADEMY
Exclusive access to all Artory courses for $40 per month