Line art drawing is a fun and accessible way to express creativity with simple tools. Using just a pen and paper, you can create bold,...
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
When choosing your first subjects, it helps to start with simple, recognizable shapes. Animals like elephants, foxes, or swans work beautifully because of their clear outlines and flowing forms. Flowers are also perfect for line art since you can exaggerate their curves and symmetry. Even portraits can be simplified into elegant lines that capture expression without heavy detail. These subjects allow you to practice while still creating artwork that looks striking in its simplicity.
One of the easiest ways to begin is by using a reference image. Facing a blank page can be intimidating, but a photo gives you structure to build from.
For example, let’s say you choose a fox as your subject. Print or pull up a photo, then place a thin sheet of paper (or tracing paper) over it. Using a pencil, trace the most important lines — the outline of the body, the curve of the tail, the angles of the ears. Don’t try to capture every detail, just highlight the shapes that matter most.
Once your pencil sketch feels right, go over it with a fine ink pen. At this stage, simplify the shapes and allow your style to emerge. For the fox, you might exaggerate the long curve of the tail, turn fur textures into flowing lines, or break up shapes into bold, minimal sections.
Line art often feels more dynamic when you vary the thickness of your lines. Try bold outlines for the fox’s body and finer lines for inner details. The contrast adds depth and rhythm, making the piece visually interesting.
Remember that what you leave blank is just as important as the lines you draw. When working on your fox, you might leave the face open and detailed only by a few key lines, while the tail is filled with bold strokes. This balance gives the artwork elegance and style.
Once you’re happy with your line art drawing, don’t stop at your sketchbook. Repeating the design on a larger sheet of paper or even a canvas can give your artwork a fresh presence. Enlarging the fox or any subject onto a bigger surface allows you to refine your style, add new variations, and turn a small sketch into a statement piece for your wall. You can also introduce color if you like.
Line art drawing is about freedom, not perfection. Starting with subjects like elephants, swans, flowers, or even portraits, you can turn ordinary shapes into creative, flowing artwork. Using a fox as an example, you can see how starting with a reference image makes the process easier and helps you build confidence. Over time, you’ll rely less on references and more on imagination, but this method removes the fear of the blank page.
For more inspiration, check out my Doodle Challenge
