You Can Draw

No really, you can. I truly believe that everyone can learn to draw, and I have heard many artists say the same thing (okay, some of them were paid to teach drawing and may be biased, but they're good people, I believe them!) It's Kel here, and this is something I feel very strongly about, as you may know if you read my post "Doodle your life".

A quick sketch after seeing the Shetland ponies in the field next door, just for fun. When I get the photos back, I may do a more realistic version, but this records the happy walk I had that day. 

I have a confession. I haven't been doing much drawing lately, or even much art journalling, which is bad news, because my journal keeps me grounded and balanced. In 2008 and 2009, I challenged myself by doing first a foundation year in art and design, and then a professional practice for artists course. I learned a lot from both of them, but they were certainly draining, and my creativity felt flattened. In 2010, I am rediscovering my joy in creating, which is why I am loving our "Simple Things" project.

Choose things to draw with a lot of detail, lumps and bumps, then practise looking carefully, while drawing, barely looking at the paper, just letting your pen follow your eyes.

If you wish you could draw, you can. You didn't learn to walk, read or write by trying once or twice and giving up. Nope. You tried again and again, and you let someone help you. Drawing is the same way. If you want to draw better it is this simple:
1. Draw and draw some more.
2. Let someone help you - find a teacher or at least a good book.
3. Draw more and repeat.

 Hands are very pleasing to draw, no one will know if the lumps and bumps and wrinkles aren't quite right - I often draw mine as a warm up. I was trying to draw without looking at the paper, but I caught myself cheating again and again.

I have been getting back into drawing with the help of a cute little booklet, '75 Ways to Draw More', generously provided free by the artist Michael Nobbs (download pages and instructions from Flickr). I have several good drawing books that I would recommend freely. However I love these because they are full of inspiration and humour and you are more likely to chuck them in your bag and head out because you can always print another copy! I took my sketchbook on a week away and drew as often as possible, ignoring that inner critic. 

Enjoy! We would love to see your drawings, even if you feel shy about them.
 Thanks for stopping by, 
 xx

Comments

[mandy]

Your post makes me want to reach for a pencil... very empowering! Thanks :)

[Debbie Roberts]

Your post reminded me of a book I bought for ds, showed you how to draw animals, now I am wondering where it went.

Must have a go at drawing.

Debbie x