Drawing for Beginners
Do you know this feeling? You sit there, a pen in your hand, and the blank sketchbook stares at you.
Or, you don't even think about picking up a pen because you believe you've "never been good at drawing," didn't get good grades in art class, and think you "have no talent for drawing" anyway.
You know what? I know that feeling all too well, and I was exactly where you are now (still are).
My start in drawing was more out of necessity than a creative expression. I was studying garden design back then and was looking for a technical drawing course, but couldn't find one.
Instead, I stumbled upon a course called "Botanical Drawing in Graphite" and, for lack of alternatives, decided to take it. Better than nothing, so to speak...
SO MUCH BETTER THAN NOTHING!
This twist of fate, a divine intervention, or whatever you want to call it, opened up a completely new world for me. Drawing was the beginning of it.
My biggest takeaway from this story is that you can learn things you never thought possible. And one of those things is DRAWING.
In this article, I'll give you 5 good reasons why you too can start drawing – specifically, botanical drawing.
You'll not only understand why self-doubt is overrated but also how you can integrate botanical painting into your life.
So, let's embark on the journey to your own artistic roots together!
Table of Content
A positive mindset is the key to successful drawing. You must understand that you don't have to be a Picasso to find joy in drawing.
It's about discovering the fun in it, examining the world around you more closely, and enjoying your own progress.
Even the best artists were once beginners.
So, be patient with yourself and grant yourself the freedom to make mistakes – they are simply part of the learning process!
Why is it then so difficult to start?
It's your self-doubt that hinders you from unleashing your creative abilities.
The good news is: You can break through this barrier.
Start questioning your thoughts. Ask yourself, "Why do I think I can't draw?"
Has someone made mean comments about a picture you've created? Or said that art is something nobody really needs? You had bad grades in art class?
For me, it brought up things I had completely forgotten. Like my bad grade in art class. And I also remember feeling disappointed and thinking that maybe I just wasn't talented.
Perhaps you have similar thoughts in your head, maybe you're not even fully aware of them, yet.
A practical exercise for you could be, to simply jot down the thoughts that come to mind when you think about drawing and painting.
And to reflect on WHY you think that way.
What often happens is that when you put these thoughts on paper, they don't seem so terrible anymore, and you might even gather the courage to finally start.
The right attitude and overcoming your self-doubt are often the first steps!
If you struggle with these kinds of self-doubt and simply don't know where to begin, feel free to send me an email at carina@carinairlbacher.de.
I'd be glad to help you!
Great news: You can start right away!
You don't need to have a university degree in art to begin drawing and become really good at it.
I speak from experience; I'm actually a qualified business economist and haven't drawn or painted since school.
All you need is curiosity and the desire to give it a try.
In the case of botanical art, it's all about the curiosity to explore the world of plants - the beauty of nature.
It's about deepening that connection and capturing it on paper.
You'll discover what a wonderful feeling it is to draw the leaves of a tree or the petals of a flower, whether in a quick sketch or a highly detailed drawing.
A few tips to get you started
If you've never drawn before, don't worry. Here are some tips to make it easier for you to begin:
Start with simple subjects: Begin with uncomplicated objects. You don't need to draw complex, highly detailed pictures right away.
Use a pencil: A pencil is a fantastic tool! It's affordable, allows for easy corrections, and you can start right away. I personally love drawing with pencils because they don't require much preparation, and you can achieve beautiful depth in your artwork with different pencil grades.
Learn from others: For instance, check out tutorials and books by well-known botanical artists. They provide valuable insights into their approaches and techniques. You can also find plenty of visual references on social media.
Practice regularly: As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. The key is to start with small steps. Just take your pencil in hand daily and do exercises like lines, circles, or shading.
Start small and be patient. With time, you'll see progress and gain more confidence in your abilities.
The most important step is making that initial mark and getting started.
And the best part? You can do it anytime, anywhere.
In the next section, I'll introduce you to various drawing materials you can use.
And if you want to get tips on the right materials for graphite drawing right away, simply grab my short guide – it's FREE, of course!
Finding the right materials can be truly overwhelming. There are just so many things to buy, and from various brands to boot.
How can one still keep track of it all?!
Don't worry, at the very beginning, you really need very little. All you need are:
Pencils: Start with a set of pencils in different grades. They are versatile and perfect for sketching.
Paper: A sketchbook with smooth paper is ideal for beginners. You can switch to special watercolor paper later on.
Eraser: A good eraser helps you correct mistakes and refine details. There are eraser pencils, kneadable erasers and plastic erasers.
If you want to know a bit more about drawing materials, grab the guide mentioned above. I've listed my favorites for you there!
As this is a blog about Botanical Art, of course, a look at nature as a source of inspiration is essential.
Nature is an endless treasure trove of subjects. Flowers, leaves, seed pods – they offer a wealth of shapes, colors, and textures to discover and capture.
Nature is not only beautiful but also infinitely diverse.
You'll start noticing the details and beauty in things around you much more closely.
You don't even have to go out into the fields, meadows, or woods; just take a look in your own garden or the park nearby to discover the variety of plants!
Observe the plants throughout the seasons. You'll be amazed by the changes and diversity you find there.
Even your way home from work can become a source of inspiration.
Stay curious and open to the wonders of nature; they will accompany you on your creative journey.
You might say, "Carina, I simply don't have time for that."
In the following section, you'll learn how to integrate drawing into your daily life nonetheless.
A drawing practice doesn't simply happen on its own. You should be willing to give drawing a dedicated place in your schedule; that way, you're more likely to practice and make quicker progress.
I don't want to burden you with an extra appointment in your possibly already busy day. Instead, I'd like to encourage you to check your current to-dos and appointments and see what you can do differently.
As a suggestion, here are 5 opportunities for you to draw, even if you're quite busy:
Early morning creativity: Start your day with a short drawing session. Imagine sipping your coffee or tea while drawing. You've already incorporated something close to your heart at the beginning of the day, making your start even better.
Lunch break with a twist: If you usually use your lunch break for a walk, why not take a small sketchbook with you? You can look for a subject while on the move and make a quick sketch.
Drawing instead of scrolling: Instead of getting lost in social media while waiting for the bus or train, you could always take a small sketchbook and a pen with you and just start drawing.
The art of waiting: Whether in a waiting room or at your children's soccer practice, waiting times are perfect for quick sketches or trying out new techniques.
Creative multitasking: Combine drawing with other activities. For instance, you could take a sketchbook and doodle while on a phone call.
My personal approach is to be creative in the early morning. My alarm goes off at 4:50 AM, whether it's a weekday or the weekend. I find it much easier to do it consistently this way rather than constantly readjusting.
I write in my journal and then spend 20 to 30 minutes doing something creative. Sometimes it's drawing exercises, sometimes experimenting with watercolors, or making collages.
Remember, these tips aim to integrate drawing into your daily routine without causing additional stress. The idea is for you to see drawing as a relaxing and fulfilling activity in your everyday life that you can enjoy whenever the opportunity arises.
Don't make it too complicated.
You'll find that at some point, you won't just want to sketch aimlessly; you'll want to learn more.
Until then, don't overwhelm yourself with high expectations; just have fun trying something new.
So, let's summarize that learning to draw is not rocket science but entirely achievable for EVERYONE.
Especially at the beginning, you don't need much. To start, all you need is:
Mindset: A positive mindset and overcoming self-doubt are the keys. When it comes to drawing, the primary goal is to have fun, not to become an instant pro.
Prior knowledge: You don't need an art degree. Curiosity and the will to start are all you need. With the right tips and exercises, you can definitely succeed.
Drawing materials: Don't stress about having the right drawing materials. Use what you have on hand and start with simple exercises.
Inspiration: Nature is an endless source of inspiring subjects. You can capture the beauty and diversity of nature in your drawings; it's all around you.
Time management: From quick sketches during breaks to dedicated times for your creative practice, there's practically always a bit of time to get started.
So grab a pen and paper, find inspiration in nature, and make drawing a part of your life.
Your creative journey begins now!
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