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[Drawing] From The Beginning
January 21, 2010
Hi

It's the beginning of a brand new year so now is a good time to remember these points when teaching yourself to draw:

  • Everything we learn is done in stages and drawing is no exception.
  • The driving force behind your progress is the desire to draw.
  • Practice by drawing simple things that interest you.
  • Draw everything in outline first and keep drawing outlines until you are satisfied with the quality.
  • Progress onto gradually adding details, in keeping with the outline format. In other words, don't start shading just yet!
  • Don't attempt anything that is too complicated and avoid things that bore you.
  • Always be satisfied with the best you can do. Each drawing is a stepping stone towards your dream to draw well.
  • Repetition is the secret to good drawing progress.
  • When you feel ready, start applying different techniques like stippling which is used for shading and detail.
  • Introduce new drawing tools like a blending stump.
  • Keep an open mind, be free to experiment with different subjects and methods. This is how you discover where your real interests lie and it aids in development of style.
  • Put the date on every page of your sketch book. The best motivation you will ever receive is by studying your efforts at the beginning. It's gratifying to see how much progress you can make in a short amount of time, depending on how dedicated you are.
  • Enjoy every moment when you are holding a pencil.

Drawing is something you learn by doing. Reading how to draw is beneficial but you have to apply that knowledge by putting pencil to paper.

If drawing is your hobby, remember there are no rules so don't let anyone tell you what you must or must not do. Wants and needs vary with each individual so be comfortable with taking what you like and rejecting any advice that doesn't suit you.

The beauty of graphite is that it is so diverse, there are so many ways to achieve different strokes with just one pencil.

I've been using pencil for years and I've yet to experience the feeling of boredom. It's challenging, there is so much to learn with drawing and I know my pencil is going to be with me for the rest of my days.



What's New at All About Drawings.com


Orchid Drawings
Here's something for you to tackle once you start drawing subjects that are more complex.

Orchids are very unique and each one requires a good amount of observation.

I really enjoyed producing the few orchid drawings that I have managed so far and I look forward to drawing some more.



Tip of the Month


Anytime you see artwork that you admire, please study it. It doesn't have to be from the Masters or someone of note.

If you are drawn to a particular piece, examine it to find out what techniques they are using. Did they use stippling, hatching or blending? Use a magnifying glass to look closely at the use of strokes and how they are arranged.

See how you go by copying as much as you can from your memory of the piece. This will help to direct you towards the style you wish to develop.

Studying existing drawings and paintings is part of the framework that makes you an artist.


In Appreciation

I'd like to thank you for your Christmas wishes plus all of the thank you notes that I received over the past month. Your lovely emails put such a big grin on my face.

My sincere thanks goes to you for your support and encouragement, I truly appreciate it.



If you have any questions about drawing, don't forget about the frequently asked questions page.

If you'd like to become a friend at allaboutdrawings.com, please find the Friend Connect box that appears towards the bottom of the right column on the home page. It's so nice to see you joining up with me, thank you.

To find out what's new on the site, the Drawings Blog gives you access to the last 20 pages to be added.

, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this issue.

You are always welcome to reply to this email (just click on "Reply" within your email provider) if you have anything you'd like to share with me.

Until next time,

Have a creative day!

Kerry.

www.AllAboutDrawings.com

"Advice is like snow -- the softer it falls, the longer it dwells, and the deeper it sinks into the mind." Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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