a wonderful exercise to find your style
it's ok to have self-doubts sometimes and to have this feeling from time to time that everyone is making wonderful drawings, but we don't see any progress in our own sketches.
I guess, we all know this feeling ... and it's ok.
But we should get over this feeling. Because these thoughts influence our drawing style fundamentally. And you don't want these negative thoughts downgrade your sketches, do you?
I have a simple recipe for you to over-come these thoughts:
Repetition is precious.
The hand learns the lines this way - based on the Theory of the Muscle Memory. Through repetition, your hand improves constantly the same line drawing.
You kind of speed up the learning process of your hand when you're drawing the same motif several times.
And here is how this works:
Choose a motif, like this one here, or another motif that you find interesting.
Take your pen or pencil & a sketchbook and ....
.... sketch this motif 10 times.
Yes! I know... after 2 sketches you are tempted to turn to another motif or perspective. You might have this feeling, that you have studied the motif thoroughly. But stay with the motif and continue your sketches.
It's absolutely worth the time and effort to do so!
You can draw it in different styles, very detailed or very roughly or always in the same style.
As you prefer.
No matter which style, but draw it 10 times.
The effect will be amazing. You are getting more and more familiar with the motif, your hand learns the lines and this will make it easier for you to focus more and more on the way you draw instead of concentrating on the motif.
You can deconstruct the motif into abstract shapes and lines, if you want.
Define the most important ones, and the least important lines.
Look at its outlines.
Make a 2-dimensional design out of it.
Experiment.
Because ... to tell it in the words of the architecture historien Sigfried Giedion:
"Art indeed, began with abstraction."
Simple dive into this drawing process and experiment with your style and your ideas. It's so enriching and fascinating to do, as we can never predict the results of such an exercise.
10 times ....
A magic number that will have a considerable impact on your drawing style.
I'd love so see your drawings and experiments. If you want, you can share them with us on Instagram. When you tag me (@baumann_illustration ) and use the hashtag #drawinggang, I'll give you a feature in my stories.
Or you join us in our private creative Facebook group.
Want to learn more about drawing? I am happy to keep you updated about new tips, tricks and exercises in my monthly Newsletter: Subscribe here to be part of the drawing gang:
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Unless it's only for 3 minutes. ⌛️⏳
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"Barbara's 'guide into creativity' is simply awesome! I'm doing it (just finished my 10th day) and I'm in love!
Not only I will improve my drawing skills, now I want to draw, like everyday! It's so cool because I've lost my illusion for drawing. Thank you!"
- Aidi, watercolor and gouache artist
Hallo, I'm an illustrator and Skillshare teacher from Austria. After great experiences in the Marketing and Database sector, I finally realised that I simply need to follow my enthusiasm and fascination for drawing and illustrating.
What fascinates me most, is this way to communicate without using any words. So expressive, so global. And this leads me to my second fascination about drawing: the exchange with others, with you! In my drawing courses I simply love to see the enormous developments of each participant - initiated by exchange and practice. That's what I like to do here, too.
The idea for this blog comes from the bottom of my heart: to get you close to drawing and to show you that you too can draw #drawinggang
It's all about learning to feel the drawing!
© 2024 Barbara Baumann Illustration. Feel the drawing.
