As I said, you really do not need a lot of expensive material to start off with, but it’s best to collect what you will need a long time before so that you are ready to hit the ground running. Do some research or ask someone more experienced to help you with your shopping list. This way you’ll avoid wasting time and money.

I recommend drawing at home or in a studio at first, because you have control over everything you’re doing, you’re in a familiar setting and the objects around you are well known. As well as this, your light source will not change so dramatically as if you were outdoors, you will not run the risk of thundershowers and high winds blowing your paper away and you can get to the toilet if you need to! Outdoor work can wait till later on when you’re more confident and more experienced. Another idea is to join a club where you can work in a studio with a teacher and a group of other students so you can all learn from each other. This is a powerful tool. There is also a social aspect in the gathering of people with a like-minded interest.