Drawing and doodles – Just do it!

I know that I have said, I don’t like drawing and that is still true. It is not a thing, that I love to do. But it is kind of like exercise, I am really glad I did it when it is over.

Art teachers will tell you that drawing is the foundation of all art making. That can be discouraging if you don’t like to draw or don’t like how you draw.

So here are a couple of thought patterns to get around the resistance to drawing:

• Expand your definition of “good” drawing
• Embrace scribbles, gestures and line drawing to begin with
• Less is more – try simple contour drawings
• Cover up a drawing in your sketchbook that really bothers you with collage
• Make your drawings “go father”, use them as a printmaking matrix
  •  a trace monoprint
  • a foam relief plate or
  • shape for a stencil

Mostly, find a way to trick yourself into liking the drawings that you are doing, so you will be willing to draw more. Then you will natural improve.

Doodles are drawings too!

Have you ever tried “hair sketches “? It can be surprisingly fun. Just draw the hair of people you observe in person, on TV or in a picture. Do it fast and loose and have fun.

Here the flower drawing became and ezscreen for screen printing and the bird is a trace monoprint on rice paper. This way I have given my drawings new life.

So I encourage you to find ways to be happy with your drawings as you build your skills.