Feeling stuck in a creative rut? It happens to the best of us, but sometimes all it takes is a list of easy ideas for drawings to get your creativity flowing again. I’ve put together this guide specifically for sketchbook lovers like you, easy drawing prompts that will make your sketchbook pages come alive. Let’s dive right in and fill those blank pages!
Easy drawing ideas work best when they remove decision-making and let you start fast. For a bigger pool of quick-start options, check these ideas for what to draw next.
Easy Drawing Ideas for Your Sketchbook
Many of these ideas are also explored in related posts like drawing on black paper, messy drawings, analytical drawing, and drawing is imperfect.
Draw Portraits of Friends and Family
Some of my favorite sketchbook pages are portraits of people I love. Drawing friends and family adds an emotional layer to the work—there’s a connection built into the process. I usually try to catch people in relaxed moments, like when they’re reading or having coffee. I also pay close attention to lighting. If the lighting is strong from one side, it makes it so much easier to map out shadows, highlights, and mid-tones. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to sit by a window or a lamp. Try drawing the same person from different angles—it helps you learn and adds variety to your pages.
Draw Nature Scenes
Nature is a huge part of how I draw and how I travel. Whether I’m sketching on a beach in Costa Rica or just sitting in a city park, I try to slow down and notice shapes, textures, and patterns. I usually begin with larger forms—like the slope of a hill or the shape of a tree—and then move into details. A trick I use is squinting to simplify the scene before I begin. It helps block out distractions and focus on composition.
Draw Animals
Animals are one of my go-to subjects. They’re full of personality, whether I’m drawing wild cats in a reserve or my own pets at home. I often start with quick gesture lines to capture movement and then go back to refine structure. When I don’t have access to live animals, I use reference photos or videos and pause them while sketching. If I want to loosen up, I’ll use blind contour drawing—keeping my eyes on the animal and not on my page. It leads to some hilarious and expressive results that still capture the energy of the subject. Here’s more on how I draw animals.
Draw Gestures of People Out in the World
I used to be nervous about sketching strangers, but once I got over it, gesture drawing in public became one of my favorite practices. I like sitting somewhere with a good view of foot traffic—a café, a bench at a park, even the airport. I keep my tools simple so I can move quickly. The goal isn’t accuracy, it’s energy. I try to capture a pose in 10–30 seconds. That kind of speed forces me to let go of perfection. If you want to loosen up more, check out my guide on expressive drawing.
Draw Still Lifes of Flowers and Objects
When I want a quiet, focused drawing session, I set up a small still life. It might be a vase of flowers, some fruit, or objects from my travels. I like how this forces me to think about arrangement, light, and shadow. I often draw the same setup from different angles on the same page. It’s surprisingly meditative and teaches you a lot about form and space.
Draw Landscapes or Cityscapes
I love drawing places that feel alive—either from nature or from the rhythm of a city. When I’m working on landscapes, I try to identify repeating shapes or textures. A row of windows, the jagged outline of a mountain range, overlapping tree trunks. These patterns bring a drawing to life. Sometimes I go for accuracy, other times I let the scene evolve and exaggerate elements that stand out. It depends on the mood I want to capture.
Draw Fantasy Creatures
When I want to let go of reality, I’ll mash up animal traits and invent my own creatures. Sometimes I’ll base them loosely on real-world anatomy (like a lion’s legs or a bird’s wings), then go wild from there. I also play with colored pencils or watercolor to make them feel more alive. The freedom here is what makes it so enjoyable. There’s no “wrong” result—just imagination.
Draw Abstract Art
If you want to get a little experimental, non-dominant hand drawing is surprisingly freeing. You can also explore ideas like mark making and materiality to make the most of your tools and textures.
If I’ve had a rough day or I’m feeling blocked, I’ll turn to abstract drawing. I’ll make random marks, overlap lines, or shade in shapes until something clicks. There’s something therapeutic about not aiming for anything in particular. Sometimes I’ll use my non-dominant hand to shake things up. It helps me get out of my head and back into the flow.
Draw Human Figures
If you want help nailing proportions, check out how to draw face proportions accurately or vanishing point in art to strengthen your sense of space.
Drawing people in motion has always been a great challenge and teacher. I’ve done this both in life drawing studios and out in the world. I like using chunky materials like markers or charcoal because they force me to focus on big shapes and gestures instead of tiny details. I’ll often warm up with a few quick poses before settling into longer studies.
Draw from Imagination
If you're trying to stretch your visual thinking, posts like draw like Leonardo da Vinci, implied shapes, or even studies of E. Michael Mitchell might help you approach imaginative drawing from a new angle.
Some of the weirdest and most fun pages in my sketchbooks come from just letting my mind wander. I might start with a shape and see what it turns into—a spaceship, a mythical creature, or a building on another planet. There’s no pressure, just exploration. These sketches often spark ideas for bigger projects later.
Use Your Sketchbook as a Visual Journal
You can elevate the page by prepping it first—gessoing paper, taping it down with the best watercolor tape, or even experimenting with rice paper if you want a unique texture.
My sketchbook is a mix of travel log, emotional weather report, and daily life. I’ll draw my coffee mug one morning, then sketch the view from a mountain trail the next. I write little notes alongside the drawings—what I was thinking, what I heard, how the air felt. Over time, it becomes a record of my life that’s more vivid than any photo album.
Final Thoughts on Easy Ideas for Drawings
Whether you’re simply sketching, experimenting with abstract art, or filling your pages with nature-inspired sketches, the key is to keep it simple and enjoyable. These easy ideas for drawings are meant to help you stay inspired and keep your sketchbook pages lively. Drawing is all about practice, exploration, and having fun—so grab your sketchbook, pick an idea, and start drawing!
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, you might also enjoy my guide on simple daily drawing prompts, which offers lots of fun and easy suggestions to keep your creativity flowing.