(The images above are from my book, How to Make Art.)
The Inner Critic
I want to start this post off by sharing a passage I wrote in my journal a few weeks ago with you:
"I am waiting for the day when one bad drawing won't discourage me for the rest of the day. I am waiting for the day when all my hard work begins to pay off and I become financially secure due to people loving and buying the things I make. I am waiting for the day when I see my art inside one of my favorite magazines. I am waiting to grow into my new job of self-employment and to feel fully comfortable with my choice to make a living on my own.
I wish I could embrace all of my drawings and my writings as beautiful, as is. Because I tried. Because they are mine. Because no one else could make marks or string words together exactly the way I do.
But still, the inner critic rears its ugly head... I make myself stop after just one failed attempt. I don't even begin to write anything because I am too busy thinking I shouldn't because I went to school for art not writing. I am so critical of myself and too much in my head sometimes.
I want to let loose and let the pencils dance and the paintbrushes fly."
You have to acknowledge your fear of your inner critic, or, that little voice that tells you that you can't/shouldn't make art or do anything creative. That’s the first step.
Yes, the artwork could turn out badly. Yes, it could disappoint you. Yes, other people might not like what you make. Yes, it could discourage you from making more.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. I know, I know, I know, I know…
Then, you go and you begin making something despite those fears: you pick up the pencil, the paintbrush, the guitar, or the camera, and you just do your best.
You just get it done.
Because you want to, because you need to, because something inside of you is telling you you have to…
So you let go, let loose, let yourself dive into your creativity fully…
And you realize this: no one can create something quite like you can.
It’s really true. Your voice is unique and beautiful and fully your own, and there are so many ways to express yourself.
It’s time.
Experiment: Blind Contour Drawings
Remember those continuous line contour drawings from last week? We are doing them again, but this time we aren't allowed to look at our paper while we draw! Wait, what? That's right, no peeking! Do the same continuous line contour drawings without looking at your paper to see how it's going. If you're having trouble not looking, tape a big piece of paper over your hands so there's no chance of peeking. This is a common exercise in art school that teaches your eyes and your hands to work together. You'll be surprised: a lot of these drawings turn out really cool, and you learn a lot by doing them. Below, you'll find an example of one I did a little while back in my sketchbook. I did the portrait blind then added the gold leaf and black paint later. Portraits are so fun to do as blind contours!
These drawings are great, because your "inner critic" won't judge you so harshly - I mean, you weren't even looking while you were drawing! I hope you enjoyed this mini lesson. Again, these are just experiments, drawing exercises, and they shouldn't look like perfect finished drawings - it's just practice. I hope it will be fun for you!
Finally...
Keep following the blog - next Friday, there will be another drawing lesson. The lessons will become a bit more in depth each time. These lessons are totally free, but if you enjoy the lessons and plan to follow them, I would really LOVE it if you would follow the blog and/or add a comment below to say hello... I love reading and responding to comments, and they totally motivate me to keep posting!
Thanks so much for joining me!
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