Restarting Your Artistic Journey: How to Begin Drawing Again After a Break
Restarting Your Artistic Journey: How to Begin Drawing Again After a Break
Drawing and painting can be challenging, especially when you take a break from it. But just like any other skill, they can be picked up again with time and practice. Here are some tips and strategies to help you embark on your journey to rediscover your passion for drawing.
Set Aside Regular Practice Time
To start drawing again, it is essential to set aside regular practice time. Just as consistent exercise helps keep your physical fitness in check, regular practice time maintains your artistic abilities.
Habit Formation: Treat drawing practice as a daily ritual, similar to brushing your teeth or meditating. Pick a consistent time each day, even if it's just a few minutes, to draw. Consistency is key in breaking the cycle of not drawing.
Begin with Simple Exercises
When returning to drawing, start with simple exercises to gently awaken your hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Revisit basic techniques to refresh your skills, and gradually move on to more complex subjects.
Build Confidence: Simple topics like geometric shapes, lines, and basic forms can help you regain your confidence. As you feel more comfortable, move on to more intricate subjects like portraits, landscapes, or still life.
Mix It Up with Different Materials
Experiment with various materials such as pencils, charcoal, pastels, or digital drawing tools. Each medium offers unique opportunities for exploration and can lead you to discover new preferences.
Personal Preference: Try drawing on different surfaces, from paper to canvas or digital backgrounds. You might find that a particular material sparks your creativity more than others.
Revisit Old Artworks for Reflection
Set aside time to revisit your old artworks. This serves as a reminder of your past successes and failures, offering valuable insights for growth and improvement.
Progress: Review your older works and ask yourself what you have accomplished since then. Identify areas where you have improved and set new goals to continue advancing.
Consider Formal Training
Another effective approach is to sign up for a class at a local community college or junior college. This provides a structured environment where you can learn from instructors and build accountability.
Accountability: With a class, you are committed to attending and completing assignments, which can significantly boost your progress. Additionally, you can learn from others and receive constructive feedback.
While online resources like YouTube can be helpful, in-person instruction offers immediate guidance and the opportunity for real-time interaction.
Enjoy the Process and Embrace Imperfection
It's important to enjoy the process of drawing and not get bogged down by the desire for perfection. Start with simple sketches, doodles, or subjects you are passionate about. The joy of rediscovery is part of the fun of picking up drawing again.
Relax: For beginners, starting with basic techniques can help ease you back into drawing. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.
Stay Inspired and Stay Fueled
Engage in activities that keep you inspired and motivated. Join a drawing group, follow artists on social media, and participate in drawing challenges. Below are some additional resources to help you stay engaged:
Doodle and Play: Grab a sketchbook and pencils, and draw from observation, sketch designs, and doodle. This will help you build a foundation and keep your creativity flowing. Learning Resources: Check out the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook by Betty Edwards for practical exercises and prompts. You can also find free mini drawing and painting courses online or sign up for mini lessons on platforms like Patreon. Find Your Tribe: Join Instagram groups or participate in monthly drawing challenges. Interacting with other artists can provide encouragement and inspiration.In essence, starting drawing again after a break is not about returning to a beginner's level but about reigniting your passion and improving your skills. By setting regular practice time, embracing simple exercises, and seeking out resources that keep you motivated, you can successfully resume your artistic journey.
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