5 Tips for Improving your drawing skills-from an artist who can't draw

For years, I didn't pursue art because I had convinced myself that I could not draw. I loved being creative, crafting, and painting things like furniture, but when it came to putting something onto a canvas, I wouldn't even attempt it because I thought I needed to have serious drawing skills.

As a self taught artist who has been teaching art for over 15 years now, I can say this is one of the biggest objections I hear from other creatives who would love to learn to paint. And I get it, because that used to be me. While drawing is still not my favorite creative thing to do, and I still don't consider myself to be skilled at drawing, there are some applicable actions I've taken that have helped me conquer my fear of drawing, and improved my skilled enough to be able to confidently sketch out my ideas for a painting. 

Here's 5 things (that I've done) to help improve drawing skills.

1) Take a drawing class from a skilled teacher who enjoys drawing. Years ago I took a drawing class from my local arts center that focused solely on drawing. While I admit, it scared me to death to show up every week, I learned so many useful tips and techniques to overcome my fear of drawing. I still have my large drawing steno from those class exercises, and when I look through it, I'm so impressed by some of the things I drew during that time. One useful tip learned then that I  still remind myself of often is, "draw what you see, not what you think you see." This was an eye opening statement about how quick our brain takes over to drawing what we think we know, instead of studying the details and drawing what is really there.

2) Practice, practice, practice. Now instead of saying, "I can't draw because I'm not talented enough, I say, "I'm not skilled at drawing because it's not something I practice enough"; and I know this to be true from experience. The times I've designated time to practice a subject, or draw often, I've seen significant improvement in skill and confidence. It's like any other skill--to be good you have to practice. Challenge yourself by doing a 5 minute sketch of something every day for 21 days-this is a sure way to increase your drawing comfort level.

3) Tracing is a great tool for learning. Whether you trace an object itself, or trace from a photograph, tracing is a useful way to learn the basic shape and develop muscle memory. Start by picking a subject you love, like your favorite flower, and trace the shapes over and over and then try to draw on your own. I promise, if you trace and then draw the same subject every day for 21 days, you will be amazed and how far you will come. Challenge yourself and see, or try out this mini course and 5-challenge HERE. Be sure and do a "before" drawing to compare to your "after".

4) Blind contour exercises are helpful for learning to draw what you see instead of what you think you see-improving your observation skills. This will be a mess, but it is a great warm up for your drawing sessions. You can learn more about blind contour drawing HERE.  One of my favorite blind contour artist is Cindi Zimmerman-watch her create on instagram HERE.

5) Draw what you love. When you are interested in something, there is more motivation to learn to draw it. Start simple, with line drawings to learn the basic shapes, and work your way up to more complex subjects. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on drawing and steps you've taken to grow in this area.

If you'd like to learn more about finding your artistic voice through inspiration, experimentation, and journaling, sign up for my FREE Artful Explorations Look Book online course  HERE.