240 Small Easy Drawing Ideas: Fun Sketches for Beginner Artists (2024)

Nothing beats these small, easy drawing ideas for all artists to try. They are simple and fun, and each can be drawn in seconds.

Don’t let their simplicity fool you, and some can be hard. Come on, try one or try them all!

240 Small Easy Drawing Ideas

Here is my list of 240 fun easy things to draw, that anyone can literally draw. I tested these out on fellow artists and non-artists alike. Everyone had fun.

I broke down the small drawing ideas into 8 themes, 3 categories and then I provided about 10 examples of each plus a drawing so you will find it easier to follow and more helpful.

1. Nature:

Flowers: Rose, Tulip, Daisy, Sunflower, Lily, Daffodil, Violet, Pansy, Marigold, Orchid

Trees: Oak, Pine, Palm, Maple, Birch, Willow, Cedar, Cherry Blossom, Magnolia, Bonsai

Leaves: Maple, Oak, Birch, Palm, Fern, Ivy, Eucalyptus, Holly, Mint, Banana

2. Animals:

Pets: Cat, Dog, Goldfish, Hamster, Parakeet, Rabbit, Turtle, Ferret, Guinea Pig, Mouse

Birds: Robin, Sparrow, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Eagle, Owl, Flamingo, Peaco*ck, Penguin, Dove

Sea Creatures: Fish, Starfish, Jellyfish, Seahorse, Crab, Octopus, Squid, Shark, Dolphin, Whale

3. Inanimate Objects:

Household Items: Cup, Plate, Chair, Table, Lamp, Clock, Book, Pen, Telephone, Pillow

Food and Drink: Apple, Banana, Carrot, Pizza, Burger, Soda Bottle, Wine Glass, Cupcake, Pie, Sandwich

Tools: Hammer, Screwdriver, Wrench, Pliers, Saw, Tape Measure, Drill, Paintbrush, Ladder, Toolbox

4. Abstract Shapes and Patterns:

Geometric Shapes: Circle, Square, Triangle, Rectangle, Pentagon, Hexagon, Octagon, Diamond, Star, Heart

Patterns: Stripes, Polka Dots, Chevron, Herringbone, Paisley, Floral, Checkered, Argyle, Zigzag, Waves

Mandalas or Simple Zentangles: (These are typically more complex, but simplified versions can be created with basic geometric shapes and patterns.)

5. Transport:

Cars: Sedan, Convertible, Hatchback, SUV, Pickup Truck, Van, Limousine, Sports Car, Electric Car, Hybrid Car

Bicycles: Road Bike, Mountain Bike, BMX Bike, Cruiser Bike, Folding Bike, Tandem Bike, Electric Bike, Fixed-Gear Bike, Recumbent Bike, Tricycle

Boats: Sailboat, Motorboat, Canoe, Kayak, Yacht, Fishing Boat, Rowboat, Ferry, Speedboat, Paddle Boat

6. Architecture:

Buildings: House, Skyscraper, Church, School, Cottage, Barn, Library, Hospital, Museum, Factory

Bridges: Arch Bridge, Beam Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Cable-Stayed Bridge, Truss Bridge, Cantilever Bridge, Drawbridge, Pedestrian Bridge, Covered Bridge, Bascule Bridge

Windows and Doors: Bay Window, Casem*nt Window, Sliding Door, French Door, Revolving Door, Pocket Door, Dutch Door, Arched Door, Stained Glass Window, Skylight

7. Human and Characters:

Simple Characters: Stick Figure, Cartoon Characters, Doodle Characters, Simple Robot, Ghost, Alien, Monster, Fairy, Witch, Superhero

Facial Features: Eye, Nose, Mouth, Ear, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Lip, Cheek, Chin, Forehead

Basic Human Silhouettes: Standing, Sitting, Walking, Running, Jumping, Dancing, Bending, Stretching, Yoga Poses, Sports Poses

8. Celestial:

Stars: Shooting Star, Star Cluster, Star Patterns (like Orion’s Belt), Nautical Star, Five-point Star, Seven-point Star, Star of David, Eight-point Star, Nine-point Star, Ten-point Star

Moons: Full Moon, Crescent Moon, Half Moon, Gibbous Moon, New Moon, Blue Moon, Harvest Moon, Blood Moon, Supermoon, Moon with Craters

Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto (dwarf planet), Exoplanet

Thematic Ideas

Drawing can be a fun way to bring your creativity to life. Start with some simple themes like outer space, magical creatures, or your favorite Disney character.

These themes can spark inspiration and help you think of new ideas. Stick to themes that you find enjoyable, as this will make the drawing process more engaging.

Difficulty Level

When beginning your journey as an artist, consider your skill level. Start with easy drawing ideas that are achievable for you.

As a beginner, you might want to practice basic shapes and human faces. For young artists, try simple cartoon characters or abstract drawings.

As you become more comfortable with your abilities, challenge yourself with more intricate designs.

Remember, creativity is key. Keep trying new ideas and have fun with the process.

Did you find these ideas fun? Do you want to try them out but don’t know where to start? Then, keep reading as I give you everything you need to know to bring these small, easy drawing ideas to life.

Materials Needed To Make Small Drawings

Basic Materials

To start with small easy drawing ideas, you can focus on straight lines and basic shapes. You will need

• Either a sheet of paper to draw on or my favorite, some Post-It notes.

• A pencil. Any standard pencil, such as an HB or 2B, will work perfectly for simple drawings.
• I found darker, softer pencils work best like a 4B as they let you draw dark shadows and you can be a bit more playful and child-like with your drawings.

Choose a drawing style that you feel comfortable with. There are many different drawing styles to explore, but as a beginner, it’s best to stick with something familiar or straightforward.

You can always develop your unique style as you gain more experience.

Optional Materials

There are several other different mediums you may want to try, based on your preferences and desired results. Here are some optional materials:

• Charcoal pencils: These allow for darker, bolder lines and are great for adding depth and contrast to your drawings.
• Colored pencils: Add a touch of color to your work by using colored pencils. They’re easy to use, and blending colors can be a fun experiment.
• Drawing pens: If you prefer a more precise, clean line, drawing pens offer a smooth, fluid experience. They are ideal for ink-based drawings and detailed works.

Explore optional materials like charcoal pencils, colored pencils, and drawing pens to enhance your skills and experiment with different drawing styles.

I also love using felt tip pens. I spent my entire high school years drawing small things in the borders and free spaces of my workbooks.

Build Your Abilities Through Small Easy Drawings

Tackling small drawing projects is a great way to build your abilities and confidence as an artist. Let’s dive into some exciting drawing concepts that are perfect for beginners like you.

One of the key aspects of drawing is practice. By working on simple drawing ideas, you can enhance your artistic skills in a fun and enjoyable way.

As your knowledge and experience grow, you’ll be able to tackle more complex projects with ease. So, be sure to keep up with the blog post and try out the suggested drawing ideas.

There are numerous benefits to honing your drawing skills.

For instance, drawing can help you unwind after a long day, express your emotions, and even impress friends and family with your budding artistic talent.

And the great thing about drawing is that it doesn’t require expensive materials—just a pencil, paper, and a little creativity.

Developing drawing skills is a beautiful journey full of excitement and learning. With this blog post and easy drawing ideas, you’re taking the first step towards becoming a skilled artist.

Remember, practice is vital, and every little sketch you make will contribute to your growth.

Why Drawing is Beneficial

Invaluable.com says drawing is a great way to relax and relieve stress. When you sketch, you focus on the details around you, which can help you feel more at ease.

This type of creative outlet also enhances your hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

You might not realize it, but engaging your creative side is an excellent way (npr.org) to improve your brain’s ability to think about new ideas and imagine a hopeful future.

This has been true since humans began creating art in caves, and it remains a vital skill today.

Taking up drawing can be good for people of all ages and skill levels. There’s no need to feel intimidated if you’re not naturally talented in drawing, as art can be important for everyone.

These small, easy drawing ideas can help build confidence and make it more enjoyable for anyone to get started with this fun and enriching activity.

So why not give drawing a try? Pick up a pencil and start sketching some easy ideas. You’ll find it’s not only enjoyable but beneficial for your mind and well-being.

The more you draw, the better your skills will become, and the more you’ll enjoy this creative pastime.

Other Small Drawing Ideas For Fun

As the key to success, this post emphasizes the practice and persistence needed to improve your drawing skills.

These easy ideas make it simple for you to find inspiration and get started on your artistic journey.

Some ideas covered in this post include drawing various objects, animals, and nature scenes. You can also find inspiration from different patterns and textures.

These ideas will challenge your creativity and help you advance in your artistic development.

With these useful tips and ideas in mind, you can move forward in your artistic pursuits. So, go ahead and start experimenting with these small, easy drawing ideas, and enjoy the creative process.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and every artistic adventure begins with a single stroke.

Drawing Techniques

Basic Techniques

Learning to draw begins with mastering basic techniques. Start by practicing simple shapes, like squares, rectangles, and circles.

Try drawing straight lines and parallel lines to get a feel for controlling your pencil or pen. Pay attention to negative space, which helps define the shapes in your drawings.

When sketching small circles or simple circles, use a steady hand and light strokes. This approach helps prevent wobbles and errors in your work.

Practice drawing circles from different angles to improve your versatility and skill level.

Advanced Techniques

Try experimenting with advanced skills as you become more comfortable with basic techniques.

For example, draw shapes like triangles, trapezoids, and polygons to boost your confidence.

Focus on refining your understanding of angles and negative space to create more intricate drawings.

Developing different techniques will allow you to manipulate your artwork in unique and interesting ways.

Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering any skill. So, enjoy the process and watch your abilities grow.

Tips for Success

Practice Regularly

Want to improve your drawing skills? Practice is the key. Grab your sketchbook and pencil, and aim to practice your drawing daily.

Starting with simple things, like easy doodles, can help you establish a good drawing routine.

Dedicate a set time each day, and remember, getting better takes time and consistency.

Explore New Ideas

Don’t let your creative juices run dry! Explore new, interesting ideas for your sketches. Experiment with different mediums, such as watercolor, to keep your art fresh and exciting.

Get inspiration from cartoon characters, nature, or even star-wars-themed drawings.

Searching for inspiration? Keep a notebook or use a digital app to jot down any creative ideas that might come to you throughout the day. Embracing new concepts will take your art skills to new heights.

Here are some tips to maximize your progression:

• Rotate between various themes to avoid getting stuck.
• Use small drawing ideas as warm-ups or pick-me-ups.
• Reflect on completed artwork to determine areas for improvement and implement this feedback in your future drawings.

By following these tips for success, your artistic skills will flourish. Make practice and the exploration of new ideas an essential part of your daily routine.

While learning how to create small, easy drawings, take the first step on your artistic journey and watch your artistic capabilities grow.

Community Shares

Share Your Drawings

Social media can play a big role in sharing your small, easy drawing ideas.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest provide a fun way to showcase your artwork, allowing others to enjoy your creations.

By sharing your drawings online, you’ll not only receive encouragement and feedback but also connect with fellow artists.

You will also be creating a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Remember, sharing your artwork can be a great opportunity for learning and growth.

Discuss Techniques

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, discussing drawing techniques with others is necessary for improvement.

Forums and online groups offer a platform to exchange tips, ask questions and share your favorite drawing tutorials.

I have actually opened up the discussion forum/chat at the end of all my articles so if you want to share some of your artworks with me, pop a link in the chat below.

When discussing techniques, consider recommending the best drawing pencils or tools that have worked well for you.

You’ll gain valuable insight and ideas to enhance your artwork by engaging with others in the community.

Discussing your drawing process or documenting your progress in an online blog can be helpful, allowing other artists to learn from your experience and share their own thoughts.

While maintaining a friendly tone throughout your discussions, remember to stay open to suggestions and remain respectful of other artists’ opinions and techniques.

By doing so, you’ll create a positive environment where learning and creativity can flourish.

Additional Resources

Online Tutorials

Finding easy drawing ideas can help get you started. Online tutorials are a great place to find step-by-step instructions and guidance.

YouTube offers countless tutorials that cater to beginner artists. They’ll walk you through easy steps to draw perfect subjects, like the moon.

Before you know it, you’ll master circles and curved lines!

Remember, the key to developing your skills is practice, so keep drawing and enjoy the process.