3 Warm-Up Exercises for Drawing

Before you begin drawing, it's important to warm up your hands and mind.

A common problem that my art students run into when drawing is pressing down too hard.

When I think about the way we are taught to write, this makes sense as a common struggle. 

When we first learn to to write, we are taught to:

• hold our pencils close to the tip
• press down hard.

Over time, this becomes muscle memory.

Learning how to press lightly is hard because we are trying to change a habit that's been ingrained into us for a long time. But with practice it can be done!

But first, I'll go over why learning how to press lightly is a good thing.

Why using a light touch when drawing helps:

• You can easily fix mistakes: Light lines are easier to erase and adjust as you draw
• You can control darkness: You can make lines lighter or darker as needed to show depth in your drawing
• You won't damage your paper: Pressing too hard can leave unwanted marks or tears
• You can draw smoother lines: A gentle touch helps you make cleaner, more flowing lines
• It's great for beginners: Starting with light lines helps you focus on getting the basic shapes right before adding details

Let's get into it!

Here are 3 warm up exercises that are great for warming up your hands and mind

1. Continuous Circle Drawing

Drawing circles helps develop fluid arm movement and hand-eye coordination.

• Start with small circles, gradually increase size
• Draw both clockwise and counterclockwise
• Focus on maintaining consistent shape

Practice time: 3-5 minutes

2. Line Variation Exercise

This exercise helps control pressure and line weight.

• Draw parallel lines with varying pressure
• Practice straight lines, curved lines, and zigzags
• Experiment with different pencil grips

Practice time: 3-5 minutes

3. Star Pattern Exercise

• Begin with simple 5-point stars
• Progress to more complex patterns
• Focus on maintaining equal angles

Practice time: 3-5 minutes

Still pressing down too hard?

Try adjusting your grip.

Move your grip further down the pencil.

Tips for Success

• Use scrap paper for warm-ups
• Don't rush - focus on control and technique
• Make these exercises part of your daily routine

Conclusion

Dedicating just 10-15 minutes to these warm-up exercises can significantly improve your drawing skills and prepare you for more detailed work.

Your Turn

What are some warm up exercises that work for you?