Drawing doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun and some of the most satisfying sketches come from the simplest subjects.
When you’re just starting out or feeling stuck creatively, it’s time to just grab a pencil and create something on paper.
These basic drawings might seem almost too easy, but they’re actually the secret ingredient to building your confidence and discovering just how much joy you can pack into a few simple lines.
In this post I will share with you some of my fave easy things to draw for when you have a little time on your hand to be creative.
Essential Drawing Supplies
Getting started with drawing doesn’t require you to break the bank or hunt down fancy art supplies that cost more than your monthly coffee budget!
Grab a basic pencil, some paper and maybe an eraser. That’s literally it!
Here’s what I use all the time:
- Paper, sketchbook or draw it in your bullet journal
- Pencil or mechanical pencil with a good eraser
- Or drawing pen (this is our favorite)
- Colored pencils or markers if you feel like adding color
- Optional: white gel pen for highlights or cute lil details
These simple tools are perfect for easy things to draw, simple drawing ideas and beginner sketches that’ll surprise you.
Easy Things to Draw for Beginners
I’m gonna start you off with some seriously simple drawings that’ll make you feel like an artistic genius, even if you can barely draw a straight line!
These beginner-friendly shapes are so easy that you’ll probably finish each one faster than it takes to find your favorite pencil in that messy drawer.
The images in this post were created with the help of AI. I personally prompted and edited each image to make sure they look great for you. Think of them as fun digital creations designed to inspire and help you create your own unique projects!
Once you nail these basics like happy faces, stars, hearts, rainbows and clouds, you’ll be doodling everywhere and wondering why you ever thought drawing was hard.
Happy face
Nothing beats the pure joy of sketching a happy face when you’re just starting your drawing journey!
Star
After spreading joy with that cheerful face, let’s reach for the stars… literally!
Drawing a five-pointed star is super simple and satisfying.
Rainbow
Who doesn’t love spotting a rainbow after a good rain shower, and guess what: drawing one’s probably the most satisfying thing you’ll tackle today!
Just grab your colored pencils or crayons and draw a simple arc.
Add six bands of color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
You’ve literally created magic on paper!
Cloud
Fluffy cotton balls floating across the sky, clouds are basically nature’s doodles that you can totally nail in just a few simple steps!
I start with wavy, bumpy lines that look like popcorn stuck together.
Don’t worry about making them perfect… real clouds aren’t either!
Balloon
Speaking of floating through the sky, balloons are like clouds’ cheerful cousins who decided to add some serious color to the party!
Drawing these is simple because they’re basically just circles with strings attached.
Start with a round or oval shape, add a tiny triangle at the bottom for the tie, then draw a curvy string downward. Easy peasy!
Apple
Apples are practically nature’s way of giving us the perfect starter drawing!
I mean, it’s basically a circle with a little stem on top. How much easier can it get?
Start with your basic round shape, add that cute little stem and maybe a leaf if you’re feeling fancy.
Tree
Trees are basically the big brothers of apples, and they’re just as simple to sketch!
Starting with a straight trunk works well, then adding branches that split like a fork.
Don’t worry about making it perfect. Nature isn’t perfect either!
Flower
Flowers might just be nature’s way of showing off, but here’s the secret… they’re actually super forgiving to draw!
Start with a simple circle for the center, then add petals around it like you’re playing flower petal roulette.
Don’t worry if they’re wonky. Real flowers aren’t perfect either, and that’s what makes them charming!
Sun
Speaking of bright and cheerful subjects, let’s talk about drawing the sun.
Probably the most confidence-boosting thing you’ll ever put on paper!
It’s literally just a circle with lines sticking out.
Moon
The moon’s another celestial superstar that’ll make you feel like Picasso in about thirty seconds flat!
Start with a simple circle, then add your crescent shadow on one side.
House
Drawing a house is like riding a bicycle: once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was tricky!
Start with a simple square for the main structure, add a triangle roof on top, and you’re halfway there.
Include a door, a couple of windows, maybe a chimney, and voila!
Fish
Fish are basically nature’s gift to anyone who’s ever held a pencil and thought, “I wanna draw something that won’t make me look like I’ve never seen art before!”
Leaf
While fish swim around in their watery world, leaves are literally everywhere you look, making them perfect drawing subjects that won’t swim away from your pencil!
Starting with simple oval shapes works well, then adding that center vein and smaller lines branching out.
Cup
Since you probably drink from one every single day, cups make fantastic drawing subjects that you’ll never run out of inspiration for!
Start with a simple cylinder shape, then add the handle with a curved line.
Coffee mugs, teacups and water glasses each have their own personality.
Pencil
Drawing a pencil is like creating a portrait of your best artistic friend.
It’s sitting right there next to you, practically begging to be sketched!
Cat
Whiskers, paws and that unmistakable feline attitude make cats one of the most rewarding subjects you’ll ever put to paper!
Dog bone
Simplicity meets charm when you tackle the classic dog bone.
It’s literally one of the easiest shapes you’ll ever master!
Butterfly
Grace takes flight when you pick up your pencil to sketch a butterfly!
These delicate creatures are surprisingly simple to draw.
Start with two overlapping circles for the body, then add triangular wings on each side.
Simple bird
When you’re ready to spread your artistic wings, drawing a simple bird is the perfect next step!
Start with a small circle for the head, then add an oval body below it.
Lollipop
Nothing beats the pure joy of sketching something as sweet and simple as a lollipop!
Glass of water
Simplicity meets satisfaction when you tackle drawing a glass of water!
This combines basic shapes with a splash of realism.
Smiling ghost
Friendly spirits make the perfect drawing companions, and a smiling ghost is practically begging to be sketched!
These little phantoms are wonderfully simple.
Just draw a rounded blob shape with a wavy bottom edge, add two dots for eyes and a curved line for its happy mouth.
Instant spooky cuteness that’s impossible to mess up!
Rocket
Blast off into artistic adventure with a rocket that’s easier to draw than ordering pizza!
Start with a tall triangle for the nose cone, add a rectangle body, then triangle fins at the bottom.
Tips to Keep Drawing Fun and Stress-Free
Why does drawing sometimes feel like you’re wrestling with a stubborn pencil instead of creating something beautiful?
Here’s the secret: embrace the wonky lines and weird proportions.
They’re not mistakes, they’re character!
Set a timer for just ten minutes, grab whatever’s nearby and doodle without pressure.
Progress beats perfection every time, so be consistent and give yourself some grace after every drawing time.
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