Unlocking Your Inner Artist: What "Drawing Like This" Really Means
Okay, so you’ve seen it. You’ve definitely seen it. Maybe it was in a museum, maybe online, maybe even a friend's sketchbook. Someone doing some art, and you think to yourself, “Wow, I wish I could be drawing like this.”
But what is "drawing like this" anyway? Is it about perfect realism? Is it about flawlessly rendering light and shadow? Is it some secret technique only the chosen few possess? Well, I'm here to tell you, it's probably none of those things. It's much more approachable than you might think.
Deconstructing the "Drawing Like This" Dream
Let's break it down. When you say "drawing like this," what are you actually drawn to? (Pun absolutely intended). Is it the:
- Skill level? The perceived ease with which someone captures a likeness or creates a dynamic composition?
- Style? Are you captivated by their bold linework, delicate shading, or unique perspective?
- Subject matter? Do you admire their ability to bring a specific subject, like portraits or landscapes, to life?
- Emotional impact? Does the drawing evoke a feeling or tell a story that resonates with you?
Most likely, it's a combination of all these elements. But identifying which aspects you admire is the first step to actually achieving something similar in your own work. Because let's be honest, nobody starts out drawing masterpieces.
Finding Your "Drawing Like This"
So, how do you get there? How do you move from admiring someone else’s work to creating your own art that you're truly proud of? Here are some things to consider:
Forget Perfection (For Now): Seriously. Drop the pressure. "Drawing like this" often looks effortless, but it’s almost always the result of countless hours of practice. Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.
Study the Masters (and Not-So-Masters): Find artists whose style you admire. Don't just passively look at their work; actively study it. How do they use line? How do they shade? What are their compositional choices? You can learn from anyone, really. Even studying artwork that doesn't resonate with you can be valuable in understanding what you don't want to do.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Okay, I know, it's cliché. But it's true! Drawing is a skill, like any other. You wouldn’t expect to play a piano concerto without practicing the piano, right? The more you draw, the more comfortable you’ll become with your tools, the more you’ll develop your eye, and the more you’ll find your voice. And honestly, sometimes just mindlessly doodling is a form of practice too.
Experiment with Different Techniques and Materials: Don't be afraid to try new things. Explore different drawing tools – pencils, charcoal, pens, ink. Try different paper types. Experiment with different shading techniques – hatching, cross-hatching, stippling. You might discover a technique or material that really clicks with you and helps you develop your unique style. Personally, I went through a huge pen and ink phase. I just loved the stark contrast.
Don't Be Afraid to Copy (But Don't Pass it Off as Your Own): Copying is a great way to learn! Pick a drawing you admire and try to recreate it. Pay attention to the lines, the shapes, the values. This isn't about plagiarism; it's about understanding the artist's process and building your own skills. Just remember to credit the original artist and don't claim it as your original work. Think of it as a study.
Embrace the Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable. And honestly, sometimes they're the best learning opportunities. Don't get discouraged by them. Instead, analyze what went wrong and figure out how to avoid making the same mistake again. Plus, sometimes "mistakes" can lead to unexpected and amazing discoveries.
Find Your Subject: What do you enjoy drawing? Is it portraits? Landscapes? Still lifes? Animals? Find a subject that interests you and focus on drawing it repeatedly. You'll naturally develop a deeper understanding of that subject and find ways to express it in your own unique style. I know someone who only draws dogs. And their dog drawings are phenomenal.
More Than Just Skill: The "Feel" of Drawing
Beyond the technical aspects, "drawing like this" also involves a certain feel. It's about connecting with the subject, about finding joy in the process, and about expressing yourself through your art. It's about more than just replicating what you see; it's about interpreting it and sharing your vision with the world.
Cultivating the "Feel"
Draw from Life: Drawing from life is a great way to improve your observational skills and develop a deeper connection with your subject. Find a quiet place where you can observe and draw without distractions. Even drawing a simple object, like a cup or a piece of fruit, can be incredibly rewarding.
Draw Regularly: Even if it's just for a few minutes each day, make drawing a regular habit. The more you draw, the more comfortable you'll become with the process and the more you'll develop your own unique style.
Find a Community: Connecting with other artists can be incredibly helpful. Share your work, get feedback, and learn from others. There are tons of online art communities, or you could join a local art class or workshop.
The Journey, Not the Destination
Ultimately, "drawing like this" isn't about reaching some arbitrary level of perfection. It's about the journey of learning, exploring, and expressing yourself through art. It's about finding joy in the process and creating something that's uniquely you.
So, don't worry about drawing "like this" right now. Focus on drawing, period. Focus on exploring, on experimenting, and on finding your own voice. And who knows? Maybe one day, someone will look at your work and say, "Wow, I wish I could be drawing like this!" And maybe, just maybe, they'll be inspired to start their own artistic journey.