How do you approach drawing?

Question:

How do you approach drawing?

I've been trying to learn how to draw, but, due to recent circumstances, I have lost the opportunity to be taught by two separate teachers. However, I desparately want to learn how do draw. So, I have been trying to teach myself.

The problem is, I don't know how to even begin drawing. What are the preliminary steps? What should I be watching for? How do I approach the process of drawing?

I realize I need to start simple, but I can't even start if I don't know how to start. If anyone could help explaine how to approach the drawing process, it would be greatly appreciated.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Sit down in your living room, or a market square, or some other place that's crowded with immobile objects. Get out your HB, 4H, and 2B pencils (no eraser; it's okay to have mistakes; you're practicing!) and hit it. Start with small, simple objects (a tissue box on your living room table, the apple in the shelf in the market) and avoid shading; just sketch out the outside of it. Pay attention to your apple/tissues; don't look at your paper as much as possible.

Good practice for this is just sketching the outline without even glancing down at your paper; the essence of drawing is the object, not your paper.

As you get better, shift from outlines with the 4H to darkening in the picture with details with the HB. Eventually, when you're competent with that, begin adding shading to your pictures with the 2B. Eventually, move to colours, larger subjects, increased detail, and, eventually, moving people (draw outlines fast, add details from memory). Most importantly, keep practicing.