5 Art Methods Beginners Should Avoid (And What to Do Instead)

Drawing, Drawing, Figure, Organic, Environment, Still-Life

5 Art Methods That Are NOT for You (And That's Ok)

When you're starting out as an artist, there's a lot to learn. But what most people don't tell you are the things to avoid—those popular methods or "fundamentals" that can actually hold you back in the early stages. In this guide you’ll discover five techniques you’re better off skipping (for now) and what to focus on instead.

1. Bridgman Figure Drawing

Why Beginners Struggle: Bridgman's legendary figure drawing system uses advanced shapes and interlocking forms that can be overwhelming and confusing for new artists. Copying his poses without understanding the forms underneath doesn’t build real skill.

Better Alternative: Start with simple forms (boxes, cylinders) and basic manipulation. As your confidence grows, slowly increase complexity and combine forms—keep it simple and build up from there.

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2. Assaro Head: Planes of the Face

Why Beginners Struggle: The Assaro head proposes detailed planes and lighting information. Many beginners copy the planes without understanding them, leading to stiff, confusing head studies.

Better Alternative: Practice drawing and masking spheres to play with head orientation. Combine simple shapes first (like Loomis heads), then explore facial rhythms for flexibility and gradual complexity.

3. Edge Control

Why Beginners Struggle: Everyone hears about the importance of edges—soft, sharp, or lost. But focusing on edge control before learning values and structure often makes paintings look muddy or unclear.

Better Alternative: Master value and form first. Understand how light and shadow create structure—edges can be refined as you build more experience.

4. Color Theory (Palettes & Gamuts)

Why Beginners Struggle: Complex color relationships and palettes can feel overwhelming and confusing. Trying to use fancy color harmonies too soon leads to overthinking and frustration.

Better Alternative: Work in monochrome (black/white or a single earth tone) before expanding to limited palettes (like Zorn or warm/cool). Build confidence in value and design before using the full color wheel.

5. The Golden Ratio

Why Beginners Struggle: The golden ratio is a classic mathematical tool for composition, but beginners can get lost in the numbers instead of focusing on what looks good visually.

Better Alternative: Develop your eye for intuitive composition—balance, shape contrast, and value harmony are more important than following strict ratios. Trust your judgment and build skills through practice.

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Conclusion & What You Should Focus On

Don’t let advanced systems or art “hacks” confuse your early learning journey. Focus on simple shapes, intuitive composition, and strong fundamentals first. Build a solid foundation with values, forms, and confident sketching. The advanced stuff will come naturally when you’re ready!

Ready to learn the essentials? Explore more beginner-friendly guides on the Artwod Blog:

You don’t need to follow every method—keep things simple, experiment, and enjoy your progress. Happy drawing!