Let the quest begins

One More Drawing is a personal record of my continual quest to become a more proficient artist. The only way to master the art and overcome any shortcomings is routine practice. My endeavour here is to devote to drawing everyday, to get better with one more drawing. I hope anyone who wants to draw or get back to the groove of drawing can find the courage, motivation and inspiration to pick up the pencil.

Subject of study

"What to draw?" one may ask. Draw what you like (to begin with at least). For me, it's the human form and anatomy. I am especially fascinated by the works of great masters who can draw and paint figures. I often say to myself "if only I can draw (or paint) like these masters". I know I can only when I actually get down to doing it no matter what and that I don't give up no matter how bad a drawing turned out. I must have the patience and faith that someday I will get it 'right'.

Artist and classical atelier teacher Juliette Aristides said: "Drawing is an act of will. Anyone can learn to draw. It is a matter of acquiring a series of finite skills that then have infinite applications. Once these skills have been mastered they can then be applied in any way the artist envisions. The difficulty often lies not in learning the skills themselves, but in actually applying them. A certain level of competence in drawing can be acquired by those diligent enough to pursue it. Anyone can learn to draw, but it takes both skill and talent to do it well."

Indeed, to truly master a skill is a lifelong process. And since the act of being diligent with your learning requires time as well as self-discipline and a great deal of sustained effort to persevere, I think it makes sense by starting with a subject that you are truly enthusiastic about. Not only will you more likely to enjoy the drawing process, you may also find yourself discovering more than just drawing itself. For instance, if you love drawing animals, you could also learn about their environment and the history of the natural world. All knowledge and observations will help bring your drawing to life.

The Quest Begins

For those who are new to drawing and do not know how to begin, you may like to try making a list of the things you are most interested in and would love to draw or learn to draw. Once you have done that, you can then decide what is the one subject matter that you would most like to master drawing or painting. It can be still life of fruits, portrait of animals, figure drawing, studies of plants, landscape, seascape, architectures, or even just a hair or two on the floor. The thing is stay true to that subject and grow with it. Since my love is drawing people and had made it as my core subject of study, I then tailor my learning (technically) through drawing human figure. It works for me.

Said enough. Time to get back to my sketchbook.