Practicing Drawing

7 Tips to Help You Improve

By Jeff Scarterfield

Surely you've heard it before. If you want to get better at drawing — then of course — you've got to practice. And it's true. If learning how to draw, or even improve at drawing is your goal, then putting the pencil to the paper — is the first step.

Here, let's take a look at this thought as well as some other ideas to help you with practicing drawing:

1. Pick up a Pencil and Draw!

You got it. Right now. Pick up a pencil, a pen, a marker...

And Draw!

If there's one thing that will help you get better at drawing — it's the desire to want to do it in the first place. And of course, the more you want to do something... the more you're going to do it!

Just by reading this article, it's quite clear that this is a subject you're passionate about. Still, this whole idea of actually 'doing' and even better... 'doing MORE'... is very important if you want to see improvement in your abilities.

OK — so do more. But how exactly?

Simple. By actively seeking out more opportunities to put the pencil to the paper.

In my case, growing up it was rare to find me NOT practicing drawing. Sketchbook, notepads, in my student planner, chalkboards, whiteboards, on my desk in class, the backs of receipts, on paper place mats and table covers at restaurants, stick at the beach — there was always a way get at it!

It's true, this type of dedication is a whole lot easier when you love what you do. And so...

Perfect!

You're passionate about drawing. So just like the famous Nike slogan says... "Just Do It!" You've got the desire. Let nothing hold you back. Draw because you want to, because you love to... and yes — do it more often!

2. Be in the 'Right' Mind set

Right as in the 'right side of the brain'? Precisely. When practicing drawing, it's important have and maintain a more creative train of thought.

The lines we draw are representative of the thoughts we think. And in realizing this connection, it's important to be able to both think AND draw creatively.

And how do you accomplish this?

Relax. Loosen up. Let go! And in doing so, take on a more 'free-flowing' approach with respect to the lines you put down on paper. Instead of fixed, rigid lines — switch over to quick, wispy, sketchy ones, gradually bringing the desired image into view.

In doing so, it'll be easier to maintain the 'right' train of thought — with less focus on how your drawings will look when they're finished, and more focus on the process at hand — that of being creative.

And this brings us to another important point... 'drawing in the moment!'

3. Draw 'In the Moment'

Have you ever attempted a drawing — yet before you began, thought...

"It's got to be a certain way!"

You know, when you have that almost EXPECTATION as to how your drawings 'should' look when they're done.

Well, it most definitely does help to have a goal. And yes — getting your drawings to look the way they're 'supposed to' is indeed something we're after.

But always remember... learning and improving at drawing is in no way a 'one shot deal'. It's a dynamic, ever-changing process, one that always has the potential to yield a number of different results.

So while practicing drawing, don't be so concerned with how the finished product will look. Instead, be open-minded as to how your drawings may turn out.

Not every drawing will look the way you want it to. And very few drawings will ever be 'perfect'. But — every drawing will be a learning experience for you.

The message?

Embrace the experience for what it is — a process of learning. Treat each new drawing as a stone on the pathway to success and with each new creation, you'll be one step closer to your goal.

Draw in the moment!

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