Hello, wonderful artists!
Drawing every day can be a transformative and joyful experience. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting out, integrating daily drawing into your routine can improve your skills, boost your creativity, and bring a sense of accomplishment. When I started to draw daily I saw that I improved my drawing skills so much! I also started to relax into the process, not worry too much about what my drawing would look like. The more I was drawing the easier it got. I build a routine and after a while it just felt the natural thing to do every morning.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you draw every day and have a great time doing it!
Why Draw Every Day?
Drawing every day has numerous benefits:
Skill Improvement: Regular practice hones your skills and helps you progress faster.
Creativity Boost: Daily drawing exercises your creative muscles, making it easier to come up with new ideas.
Stress Relief: Drawing can be meditative and relaxing, reducing stress and anxiety.
Personal Growth: You’ll see tangible progress over time, which is incredibly rewarding.
Joy and Fun: Engaging in something you love every day brings joy and fulfilment.
Setting Up Your Drawing Routine
To successfully draw every day, it’s essential to establish a routine that fits your lifestyle.
Find Your Ideal Time: Determine the best time of day for your drawing practice. It could be in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evening.
Create a Dedicated Space: Set up a comfortable and inspiring space for your drawing. It doesn’t have to be big; a small corner with your supplies is enough.
Gather Your Supplies: Have your favourite drawing tools ready. Pencils, pens, sketchbooks, erasers, and any other materials you love using.
Set Realistic Goals: Start with achievable goals. Aim for 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase the time as it becomes a habit.
Daily Drawing Exercises
Here are some fun and effective exercises to get you started:
Sketch from Life: Draw objects around you, like a cup of coffee, your pet, or plants. Life drawing improves observation skills.
Gesture Drawing: Spend a few minutes drawing quick poses. This helps with capturing movement and improving speed.
Copying Masters: Choose works from artists you admire and try to replicate them. This is a great way to learn different techniques and styles.
Doodle Freely: Let your imagination run wild and doodle whatever comes to mind. This is a stress-free way to practice.
Daily Prompts: Use drawing prompts for inspiration. There are many online challenges with daily themes to spark creativity.
You may have seen my prompt generator here, or have a look at some of my other posts with ideas on what to draw.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Staying motivated to draw every day can be challenging. Here’s how to overcome some common obstacles:
Lack of Time: Incorporate drawing into your daily routine by combining it with other activities, like sketching while watching TV or during your commute.
Fear of Imperfection: Remember, the goal is to practice, not to create a masterpiece every time. Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
Creative Block: Use prompts or revisit old sketches for inspiration. Sometimes stepping away for a short walk or engaging in a different activity can also help.
Monotony: Keep things interesting by experimenting with different mediums, styles, and subjects. Join art communities or take up challenges to stay engaged.
Joining Art Classes and Communities
Taking art classes or joining communities can provide structure, feedback, and motivation.
Local Art Classes: Look for local art classes or workshops. They offer hands-on learning and direct interaction with instructors. Here in Cambridge I teach occasional groups in my studio, keep an eye out!
Online Courses: There are numerous online platforms offering courses in various styles and techniques. These are flexible and can fit into your schedule easily. I teach drawing, painting and sketchbook classes, all online to join at your own time. You can also draw weekly with me in the Makings and Musings Community.
Art Groups and Forums: Join local or online art groups to share your work, get feedback, and stay inspired.
Social Media: Follow artists you admire on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok. Participate in art challenges and engage with the community.
Exploring Cambridge Art Events
If you’re in or around Cambridge, here are some events and places to explore:
Art Exhibitions: Visit local galleries and museums for inspiration. The Fitzwilliam Museum often has fascinating exhibitions.
Workshops and Classes: Check out workshops offered by local art studios and community centers. I host occasional art events in Cambridge and I host groups in my studio for team building events, social get togethers and other group celabrations.
Art Fairs and Markets: Attend art fairs and markets to see diverse works and meet fellow artists.
Sketching Meetups: Join local sketching groups or meetups. These are great for practicing and networking.
Keeping the Fun in Your Practice
To ensure drawing remains enjoyable, try these tips:
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Each completed sketch is an achievement.
Mix It Up: Try different subjects, styles, and techniques. This keeps the process exciting.
Take Breaks: Don’t force it. If you’re feeling burnt out, take a short break and come back refreshed.
Share Your Work: Sharing your work with friends, family, or online communities can be motivating and rewarding.
Reflecting on Your Progress
Regular reflection helps you see how far you’ve come and where you can improve.
Keep a Sketchbook: Maintain a dedicated sketchbook for your daily drawings. Over time, you’ll see your progress and development.
Review Regularly: Set aside time to look back at your work periodically. Note what you’ve improved on and what you’d like to work on next.
Set New Goals: Based on your reflections, set new challenges for yourself to keep growing.
If you are looking for your own art community to help you with motivation? Check out the Makings and Musings Community. We draw together every week and there are loads of other art events, inspiration and challenges to join in.
Conclusion
Drawing every day is a journey filled with learning, growth, and joy. By setting up a routine, engaging in daily exercises, overcoming challenges, and staying connected with the art community, you can make daily drawing a fulfilling and fun part of your life. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and celebrate your progress. Happy drawing!
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