Growing as an Artist

Wow, it's been some time since my last blog post! I've been feeling extra inspired this year and blogging about it felt right, so here we are!

In January I shared my creative goals for 2023 and I didn't anticipate anything changing so soon, but as most of us know - nothing is ever set in stone when you're a creative! Around March or so I got an itch to return to drawing. I'd been drawing for a couple of years, off and on, until late last year when life (and a bit of covid) got in the way.

Drawing, as an adult, has always been the most intimidating art form for me. I find that funny since I drew with abandon through my childhood! I still have drawings from when I was just a few years old and I took all the art classes that I was able to until I graduated from high school. It was ingrained in me, a part of me. And I loved every minute of it.

Yet, though I got my creative fix in other ways as an adult (sewing, clay, mosaics, soap and candle making, needle felting - all very much right around the early days of the internet; am I showing my age yet?) I didn't start drawing again for almost 20 years. Twenty years! I'd see illustrators and envy them, but just knew that wasn't something I had the "natural talent" to do (I obviously forgot that it's about consistent practice and honing your skills!). 

Anyway, back to present day when I randomly came across this wonderful animation by Danny Gregory of The Sketchbook School and it really hit me in the feels. And got me moving. I haven't stopped drawing since (everything about that channel, and Danny's newsletter, is motivating, by the way)! 

I recently decided it was probably a good idea to refresh myself with the basics, so I'm learning about the fundamentals of art again. That means lots of practice with things that aren't as fun for me, but are very important for getting to where I'd like to be one day. A big thank to Mimi Chao for making this process so much more enjoyable! 

I'm using pencil a lot lately, but also enjoying drawing in ink, especially when it comes to drawing challenges (a Uni Pin Fineliner is my go-to). I like it because I can't obsess about mistakes or erase them. I just have to move on.