I hope this email finds you well and happy. Today I'm embracing the benefits of a simple drawing tool, so I hope it inspires you to do some experiments.

Recently, when I was drawing on a blank card for a birthday gift, I chose to illustrate a branch of Cherry Blossoms with a perception of the moon in the background. The perspective was one of looking up at a branch with the sky as the backdrop.

The only problem was, I wasn't very sure on how to achieve the exact effect of the moon that I had in my mind.

I gazed out the window to ponder on it (it's totally true that daydreaming is a great way to solve problems!) and it came to me that a blending stump would give me the perfect look I was aiming for.

See the results here...

I generally don't elaborate too much with my sketchy-type drawings so it's not a habit of mine to rely on any other tools. This episode teaches me that I need to introduce different elements into my practice sessions. Blending can be used as a highlighter, for smoothing out uneven lines or for shadow and I'm sure there's much more to anticipate!

Always be open to trying new things because it's actually by experimenting that you stay intrigued. Not all will be successful but if you keep persisting, magic does happen.

Images highlighted with just a touch of blending open yet another door to achieving new looks to your drawings. Read more...

What's New

Drawing Tip of the Month

Handy Links