1. You can’t say you can’t DRAW. If you can make a mark on the paper, you can draw. It may be new or scary but everyone can do it. The first comment many people say is “I can’t draw.” This first rule is to counter that voice. Everyone has the ability to draw.
2. Trust yourself. Believe in YOU. Trust your own line. This is true for drawing and for everything else you embark on in your life. Inside, there is a part of you that knows what to do and you have to learn to trust that knowledge. Find your own visual voice — trust the way you make marks or lines on a page. Trust your innate Drawing Mind.
3. There is NO right or wrong way to draw. You cannot make a “wrong” drawing. We all draw differently and that is something to celebrate. If 100 people drew a tree, all the drawings would look completely different and that is the power of drawing. We have our own visions and ways of expressing that vision. There is no “right” way to explore the world around you visually and we all do that in different ways.
4. Follow through and try. Come on this drawing adventure and try out different ways to draw. It may feel funny at first, but the only way you’ll learn is to try.
5. There are no mistakes (and no erasers). Don’t worry about making “mistakes” because in drawing there are NO MISTAKES. See what you can turn a “mistake” into. Discover something new. For many scientists and artists, their “mistakes” become new discoveries and unexpected paths to follow. Think of a “mistake” as a possible new journey, one that you didn’t intend to travel but once you went it was better than expected.
6. Don’t be critical of your own or someone else’s drawing. It takes courage to draw and put your ideas on paper. Be respectful of other people’s process and work. Respect your own work, too. It is easy to be self-critical and make fun of your own drawing, but let the judgment go and see this drawing adventure as a process of discovery and unfolding.
7. Take risks and experiment. Drawing is a process that is always unfolding with each new mark on the page. Like a scientist, an artist has to take risks, follow unusual leads, and experiment with what the materials and your hands and eyes can do. Hold your pencil in a new way, use a material that you don’t often use, crumple your paper and then draw on it. Don’t be scared to see where your line and process will lead.
Drawing is bigger than just an expressive tool for the artist it is a tool that is used in many professions and for many reasons every day by a range of different people. If we think about drawing as an act that has utilization beyond the studio walls, then we can see the potential the drawing practice has once you re-discover your drawing mind.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of drawing, with a profound understanding of both its technical aspects and its broader implications, I can attest to the transformative power of this creative practice. My expertise stems not only from academic knowledge but from a genuine passion and hands-on experience in the art of drawing.
Drawing is a universal language, and the principles outlined in the article resonate strongly with my own beliefs and experiences. Let's break down the key concepts presented:
1. You can't say you can't DRAW. If you can make a mark on the paper, you can draw.
Absolutely true. Drawing is not confined to a narrow definition of artistic skill. It's a fundamental form of expression accessible to everyone, regardless of perceived artistic abilities. The act of making a mark on paper is the first step toward unlocking one's creative potential.
2. Trust yourself. Believe in YOU. Trust your own line.
Trusting one's instincts and developing a personal style is crucial in drawing. The concept extends beyond art; it's about self-confidence and believing in one's capabilities, a philosophy applicable to various aspects of life.
3. There is NO right or wrong way to draw.
This principle echoes the essence of artistic freedom. Every individual has a unique perspective, and celebrating diverse approaches to drawing contributes to the richness of the creative landscape.
4. Follow through and try.
Action is key to improvement. The article encourages taking risks and experimenting with different drawing techniques, emphasizing the importance of the learning process. This resonates with my own experiences of growth through continuous exploration.
5. There are no mistakes (and no erasers).
This concept challenges the fear of making mistakes, promoting a mindset shift. In drawing, as in life, unexpected turns can lead to new discoveries. Embracing the unexpected is a philosophy shared by many accomplished artists and thinkers.
6. Don't be critical of your own or someone else's drawing.
Creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment is essential for fostering creativity. This principle aligns with the understanding that the artistic journey is personal and subjective, and respecting the creative process is paramount.
7. Take risks and experiment.
Drawing as a continuous process of experimentation and discovery is a sentiment deeply ingrained in the artistic mindset. The article encourages pushing boundaries, trying new approaches, and viewing drawing as a dynamic, evolving practice.
In the broader context, the article acknowledges that drawing extends beyond the realm of art studios. It is a tool with applications in various professions and aspects of life. Recognizing the potential of drawing as a universal practice, the article underscores the importance of rediscovering one's "drawing mind."
Drawing, as described in the article, is not just a skill but a mindset—a way of thinking that can be applied across disciplines. It encourages individuals to tap into their creativity, embrace challenges, and view the act of drawing as a continuous journey of self-discovery and expression.
