“Drawing is the basis of art.” Arshile Gorky (1905-1948)
It would be quite commendable if I could claim that I draw every day. I don’t but I try to do it on a regular basis. I always carry with me both a small sketch book and a pocket camera in case I get inspired or feel I need to record something.
Drawing keeps your eye trained and yours skills sharp. Yes, it does require discipline and discipline can be boring as well as tedious. And boring it will be if you tell yourself so; boredom is but an attitude. The perceived rigor of drawing can seem so contrary to spontaneous creativity, yet one can be as spontaneous with an energetic gesture line as with color on a paint brush. Some fellow artists have gone so far as to say that they really do not need to know how to draw especially if they are not after realism anyway. Whom are they kidding? Drawing is to the artist what practicing scales is to the musician. Whatever kind of music a musician ends up playing or composing, practicing scales is a professional part of his or her routine.
Drawing exercises do not need to be elaborate or time consuming. Start with some common objects around you and simple shapes. Challenge yourself by using ink rather than pencil making corrections more difficult. This will keep you sharper and more focused on your task. Experiment with different mediums such as charcoal or Conté crayons. Soon you will discover what appeals to you. Once you gain greater confidence in your drawing ability, you will be less intimidated by more complex compositions. You may even consider taking a life drawing class. It is the most challenging class I have ever taken; a humbling experience to remember no doubt but one that has greatly enhanced my ability to draw.
You may in the end surprise yourself and discover that lulled by the inherent hypnotic rhythm of repeating lines, drawing can be a soothing opportunity to decompress.
P.S. I recommend, “The New Drawing on the right Side of the Brain Workbook”
Betty Edwards. 2002. Penguin Putnam, Inc.
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