Start To See The World Like An Artist

Many beginner artists struggle with observational drawing because they often overlook the most important part—the actual observing. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but real progress comes when you shift your focus. You should be spending about 70% of your time observing your subject and only 30% drawing it. When you slow down and truly look—studying shapes, proportions, and relationships—you train your eye to see like an artist.

How to See

Let's explore a few tips to help us move past distracting details and focus on the simple shapes and forms that make up everyday objects.

Reasons You Need to Focus on the Basic Shapes

When we sit down to draw, our eyes are naturally drawn to the details—like the text on a label, the veins of a leaf, or the features of a face. Our minds convince us that capturing those surface details is what makes a good drawing. But that’s a trap! Focusing on details too soon can cause us to miss the most crucial part: the underlying structure that gives an object its form. It’s like trying to decorate a cake before you’ve even baked it—imagine slapping fondant on a bowl of batter. It's never going to work! The same thing happens in drawing when you add fine details to a weak foundation. Start with structure first; the details come later.

Tips for Observing

The practice of observing is simple, and you can do it anywhere. I encourage you to make it a daily habit. Take a moment, put your phone down, and truly look around you. There's so much to see when you start paying attention. 

Tip 1

Take a moment to pause and look around the room you're in. What stands out to you? Try to break down the objects you see into their most basic forms. Nearly everything around you can be simplified into 2D or 3D geometric shapes—circles, squares, cubes, cylinders, or ellipses.

Tip 2 

Try not to label objects by what they are—label them by the shapes that make them. Instead of calling it a vase, see it as a sphere with a cylinder on top. A shampoo bottle? That’s just a large cylinder topped with a smaller one. Don’t focus on the brand, the cap, or the surface details. Focus on the simple forms underneath it all.

Tip 3

Before you start a drawing—whether it’s a landscape, still life, or figure—pause for a moment to observe. Take a few seconds or even a few minutes to study the shapes you see, their sizes, how they’re oriented, and where you want to place them on the page. A little mindful observation goes a long way.

Key Considerations for Successfully Learning to See Like an Artist

Like most things in art, this way of seeing takes practice, but with time, it becomes second nature. You'll start to recognize complex objects as simple, manageable forms, and things you once avoided drawing will become exciting challenges instead. This habit not only improves your drawing but also sharpens your awareness, helping you stay more present and connected to the world around you. 

Taking it to the Next Level

Remember, this drawing workout isn’t meant to feel like a chore! Sit and observe for five minutes each day—no pressure, just curiosity. With time, it’ll become a natural, rewarding part of your daily routine.

My Experience With Seeing like an artist

I’ve been training myself to break complex objects down into simple forms, and it’s made a huge difference in my drawing! The details may get all the attention, but it’s the basic structure that does all the work. So when you’re practicing observational drawing, don’t forget to slow down and observe—it’s the most important step.