You don't need to spend hours in a formal art studio to develop your art skills. Consistency not intensity, is the key to becoming a better artist. Incorporate small, manageable drawing routines into your day and develop muscle memory and confidence. These are some easy ways of changing your perspective and getting into the habit of making art.
The Power of Ten Minute Sketches
Many people are discouraged at the beginning because they feel they have to make a masterpiece every time they take the pencil up to their hand. This attitude can be accompanied by frustration and procrastination. Rather, try to sketch something every day for 10 minutes. This quick time period allows you to concentrate on basic shapes, light and shadow without getting overwhelmed. If you are looking for guidance, Drawing with Dawn offers many accessible lessons that fit perfectly into this short timeframe. Starting with small, low pressure goals helps you overcome the blank page anxiety that often stops artists before they even begin.
Constantly Observing Your Surroundings
Great artists are first and foremost great observers. It is important to develop the habit to gaze at things around and imagine how you can draw them. Look at the light on your coffee cup or the intricate patterns of a branch on a tree outside of your window. When you train your eyes to see forms, angles, and textures in real time, your hand will eventually follow. A sketchbook isn't always required to practice this habit. Enjoying a walk around the lines of an object while waiting in a bus, or sitting in a park, is a great way to get your focus.
Trying New Subject Matters
Sticking to what you know will be easy, but variety is the quickest way to grow. Set aside certain days to practice drawing objects you wouldn't normally draw. If you like to draw landscapes, try to draw a small animal or a fruit on the following day. If you change your subject matter, then you're forced to think about different techniques and proportions. This keeps your practice fresh and avoids repetitive practice routine. Be ready to tackle a range of subjects to find your particular artistic voice.
Keeping a Dedicated Sketchbook
It is important to have a single location where you can store and keep track of all your work. A sketchbook is a visual record of your process from initial sketches to more advanced ones. Don't be concerned about making all of the pages perfect. The idea is to make it a book full of practice, experimentation and even errors. By looking at your older drawings, months later, you will see just how much you improved your skills. This is a physical reminder of the work that you are doing, and it can be a great motivator if you don't feel like you're making progress quickly enough.
Conclusion
The single greatest asset you have to enhance your artistic skills is consistency. As you start to incorporate little bits into your daily routine, such as small sketches, observation and new subjects, you will find steady progress. Keep in mind that each and every line you draw is a step closer to your objectives. This should not be stressful, it should be fun and encouraging. So, you can get going today by picking up your favourite pencil and agreeing to practise for a few minutes. You will enjoy the creative process and develop your skills over time if you are patient and have a positive attitude.
