Something to draw how to#
Something to draw series#

I remember finding things to draw in my backpack, like bubblegum labels, geometric designs, book covers, and even UPC codes! I never considered that my style would evolve - I was found the process intriguing.

Something to draw how to#

So how to decide what to draw? Look around - ideas are everywhere - you can pick anything. Oh, and early in the learning process, I made the decision not to use a ruler to make lines - I figured that this would be a way to push myself to get better at drawing them and I didn’t want to get too perfectionistic. Mark-making, doodling, sketching, scribbling, automatic drawing, contour drawing, gestural marks, and hand-lettering. Things to practice in order to improve your line work.

I would first suggest working on refining the fine motor movements involved in drawing by trying to capture the essence (the idea) of simple subjects. The art of drawing is about moving the drawing tool and understanding how to convey/transform what you see into marks on the page.

Something to draw series#

Think of drawing as making a series or collection of lines or marks. Each summer, I facilitate the Daisy Yellow Index-Card-a-Day Challenge which is a fiesta of creative fun (2022 was our 12th challenge)! Try index cards! Index cards are a key part of my creative practice - I write about this and share examples in the simple beauty of index card art. Usually, I use moleskine journals, field notes notebooks, loose watercolor paper, and index cards. Paper & pen choices are so personal to the way you draw. What paper to use? Try all sorts of papers and notebooks and gradually you’ll start noticing differences. The more you draw, the better you will get. As I look back through my journals, I see that every time I challenged myself to try a new idea, I made a leap forward. current - you’ll see a difference! Progress is measured not in hours, but in months and years.īe patient with yourself. But if you look at a longer time frame - compare the drawings you did 1-2 years ago vs. If you compare your work today with your work from a month ago, you probably won't see clear differences. Look at your progress over a long time frame. developing your drawing skills is a gradual Process But it is happening! Keep drawing and you’ll gradually feel more comfortable|confident with your drawing tools and build fine motor skills. It’s easy to lose steam and think you’re not making progress. So if you are in search of tips for getting better at drawing - or if you are frustrated because you feel you are not making progress, I’ve put together some tips and encouragement for you as you move forward. It might seem like magic that involves charms and pixie dust and the perfect fountain pen - but honestly it’s just about drawing. What I learned? If you draw a lot, you get better. Most of what I draw is abstract but I’ve sketched monuments and landscapes and cathedrals and people as well.

Drawing in all sorts of notebooks and journals all over the world on planes, buses, and trains. Looking back now I think of years of drawing in coffee shops, on airplanes, in the carpool line, waiting on hold, waiting in line at the DMV, at the breakfast table, on the porch, and in book stores. It never occurred to me that I would/could get better - I just figured that it was something other people knew how to do. I drew repeating patterns, alphabets, words, knots, and mandalas. This was 14 years ago, so I brought along an iPod (loaded with podcasts and music), a notebook, and some pens. When my kids were little, I was always looking for things to do while waiting everywhere - swimming lessons, gymnastics, soccer practice, or dentist appointments. Post updated 08/10/22 Drawing is making marks on paper.