5 Apps That Will Actually Teach You How to Draw (original) (raw)
Adult coloring books are a fantastic way to de-stress and spend some quality “me” time. If you’re as obsessed as we are, you can take things to the next level, and really let your inner artist shine by creating the drawings from scratch. You can then turn these into your own custom coloring printables. (Hello, adorable birthday gifts!) Before you embark on your adventure as the author of the next great coloring book, you’ll want to grab your phone and give these fun apps a try. No matter your skill level, their easy-to-follow tutorials will teach you the basics you need to let your talent flourish. Needless to say, we’re hooked.
1. How To Draw – Easy Lessons: This is one of THE most popular drawing apps out there and with good reason. Offering step-by-step lessons, it’s perfect for beginners and offers a wide variety of categories, including cartoons, animals and nature. You can also take a break from your lessons and relax with its fun coloring pages. Once you’re happy with the masterpieces you’ve created, you can save them on your device and share on social media!
2. Learn To Draw Digital Sketchbook by Walter Foster: Before venturing into the digital world, Walter Foster was a leading publisher of art instruction guides for over 85 years. Now, you can access and enjoy their teaching expertise on your iPad, and learn how to draw beautiful landscapes and figures. Each drawing tool looks and works almost exactly like it would in real life and is adjustable in size, pressure and hardness. Follow one of the step-by-step lessons, or go freehand if you’re feeling bold.
DL It: Free on iOS
3. Let’s Learn How To Draw!: Voted a top educational iPad app in the US, Let’s Learn How to Draw! offers interactive lessons that break down big drawings into simple steps. All you have to do is choose what you want to draw (we’re loving the monsters module!), and work your way through five lessons. Animated strokes will help guide you along and, if you choose Assist Mode, your strokes will be corrected for the perfect result every time. You can also try the sketchpad, and let your inspiration guide you.
DL It: Free on iOS
4. How To Draw: With Artist Matt Busch!: If you’re looking to draw with pencil and paper, rather than on your phone or iPad, you’ll love this app. Matt Busch is a Hollywood illustrator who has worked on countless pop culture projects, including Star Wars. With this app, he plays the role of personal tutor, teaching users how to draw beautiful portraits. Each lesson is broken down into 11 steps and each of those includes additional tips. Basically, he’s thought of everything you’ll need to know to succeed.
DL It: $1.99 on iOS
5. PaigeeWorld – Art Community: This app is unique in that it’s more than just an educational tool — it’s a community. Think of it like a social network for artists and art lovers who like to share their work, make new friends and improve their skills. There are hundreds of tutorials to help you master the art of drawing, and the constantly updated gallery is full of inspiration. You can also ask for feedback from fellow members to help perfect your skills even more.
DL It: Free on iOS and Android
What are your favorite ways to de-stress? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Barbara Pavone is a pop culture-obsessed writer based in beautiful (but ridiculously cold) Montreal, Canada. When she's not working, she's sipping on a Pimm's Cup and daydreaming about her celebrity hero, Saint West.