Drawing has been an area of struggle for me. I am not artistically-minded. So, once I realized a "trick" that drastically improved my skills, I figured I can help some of you who are in the same boat.
When we first learn to draw, it's almost all done in thick lines of markers or crayons (or pre-made for us in coloring books). Naturally, the way we begin to draw is to mimic those thick lines.
The single change that I have made to my drawing is to change these large lines into short, thin lines. When drawing, my pencil is rarely on the paper for more than a second or even a half second. Drawing in many quick, light strokes gives the drawings a much more realistic look to them. But, don't take my word for it. Try it out for yourself! Pick something that you enjoy drawing and try to draw it in thin, short strokes instead (assuming you are using a pencil or fine tip pen). For example, both clouds and trees can really improve using the short strokes over thick lines.
It may take a bit to master the technique, but it is well worth it. My drawings have improved a lot since I first began to use these quick, light strokes.
(If you have enjoyed this blog, please leave a comment to let me know. I love to blog to help others, but it helps me to know that people are indeed reading them. Also, if you have ideas you would like to see in future blog posts, please let me know.)