I am reluctant to share these sketches because I don’t like them.
Drawing is hard.
The harder I try, the more disappointed I become with what I draw.
Yes, I am a recovering perfectionist.
Yes, I have never had formal lessons, though I’ve read several books.
What I am starting to understand that besides lighting and shading making something realistic, it is actually proportion that is hardest to “get right” in a sketch.
As I have observed in my own sketches, the head size of a person or animal usually is drawn larger in proportion to the rest of the body. When I read some books on sketching, several of them noted that this is common and is something we have to “untrain” our brains to make it look right.
I am not there yet.
I am going to keep trying.
Art is something you can be naturally gifted at, but it also takes continual practice to improve and grow as an artist. Sometimes I have a hard time picking up a pencil, though, when I feel like I have to draw it perfect or make it look just right.
That inhibits me from growing because I am afraid to fail. It’s not even like someone is grading what I create. In my mind, I look at it and judge it as a failure. I’ve got to keep trying, keep practicing, keep pushing to create something without any judgement, internal or external, hanging over my head.
I need to remind myself, I am drawing because I love it. I am drawing because it gives me joy. I am drawing because creating art is important to me.
Your pictures are great. Really! I especially like the 2nd one. I have tried my hand at drawing many, many times, but I’m awful. Truly, I’ve seen 3 year olds who draw better than me. Lol. I think I lack the patience for it. I want instant gratification for some reason, & it doesn’t work that way. I love to bake & decorate, & to me baking is an art, & it takes time, I can’t ice a cookie before it’s baked or even before it cools. But when it comes to drawing I always try to shade too quickly or fixate on something specific rather than coming back to add detail. But good job sticking with it, drawing is hard, and you’re doing awesome!!
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Thanks Kristian… I really appreciate it 😁
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I recently saw some pictures of people side-by-side with their self portraits of those pictures. There were a lot of spot on drawings but my favorite one was of a straight-faced kid. He always walks around like that. While it wasn’t drawn perfect, his self portrait had an ever so slight grin.
I think it’s great that you are perfecting your art, especially since you love doing that. Just know that your drawings now are good too. They highlight what draws your attention as an artist. And they’re good drawings anyway, so there’s that!
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Thank you so much!
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Loved your drawings, and though practice does make a man perfect, drawing sketches gives you joy ..so don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy your journey to perfection.
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Thanks Meena
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Great drawings. One good way to not worry so much about perfection, is try abstraction. That way you can let your imagination take over. I do art myself, and always do abstacted stuff, cause I’m not the best artist myself. It’s mostly based on imagination & feeling, even if it tends to get a little dark (& like my poetry, some of them are).
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Thanks… I like to make abstract paintings
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Well, My Friend, I am happy to tell you that you have given me the opportunity and permission to offer you the best art/drawing advice there is!!! Go to Amazon and purchase the book – Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards! No ifs, ands or buts! Do it, read it and become more of an artist than you ever dreamed you could. One warning, when you are asked to draw a self portrait of yourself – Do it! Just do it! If you don’t you will never have the proof to show where you started from once you are a skilled artist. Trust me on this. As much as you will hate to – just do it. Please trust me on this. Outside of the Bible this will give you the most dynamic change in your life!!!
Chuck
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Wow! That’s quite an endorsement. I will have to check it out
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Freedom of expression 💚
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You are making progress Jason. Continue to allow the creative side of your mind to lead the way in your artwork. It is something you enjoy.
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Thanks 🙂
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Hello there. I enjoyed reading your post, because you have great potential really and you have for the most part a positive attitude which is key. But first and foremost art is not perfect and it’s not ment to be that’s what makes it art. You are doing the right thing just dont give up. Shading is important how hard or light you press down on the pencil And smudging with your finger is a great blending technique. watch some you tube videos on shading and blending you have everything else. Try coping pictures, if your not already. Art is always a working progress even for the greatest.
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Thanks Felicia! I am glad you liked my posts and my artwork 😁
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Keep going you got this.
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🙂
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Drawing is difficult but you’re making some lovely images.
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Thanks!
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But, how can you grow if you do not fail? Keep trying. Keep producing. You can only get better. Thanks for sharing even though you were apprehensive at first.
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These sketches are great! I can’t draw an apple lol.
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If it brings you joy keep at it, it’s not about perfection it’s about your perception of what you see and how you translate it into paper.
I love all 3
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Thanks 🙂
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