Drawing for the Sake of It

Drawing is a great visual-spatial exercise that allows the artist to save an idea on a surface on which it can develop to become a piece of art. Some people consider that first draft or what we call gesture drawing as an acceptable technique to be in itself a work of art. Either way, the process of drawing is helping the development of visual coordination, space management, composition, proportions, angles, volume, shapes, light, and shadows, and other elements. The outline separates the main figure from the background and from other objects to understand the position of each in relationship with the others.  These skills can be transferred to other domains as interior design, architecture, fashion, web design, and graphic design.

Drawing also provides relaxation, and meditation benefits. It is a good exercise to just draw for a few minutes as part of a daily discipline. In those moments those drawings might not seem or considered a finished product, but the fact that one is getting involved in the creating process, one is building bridges neurologically and cognitively that could lead to complete works of art in the future. The original idea might change, evolve, develop, or remain the same. It could be just a foundation, or a detail element. One might not use that idea for a long time if you use it at all. The most important aspect is that moment. Is about drawing for the sake of it.

Can’t draw? I think that is a lame excuse. Can’t draw what? Can’t draw how? Would you tell a 2-year-old kid that he or she lacks drawing skills? We are not 2-year-old but if they do it with freedom and not interested in the opinion of others, why not us? Why can’t we just take a pencil and scratch a paper? We create our own judgements and we allow other people to pass judgement feeding their ego and selfishness. Draw because it is fun, peaceful, entertaining, and relaxing. Draw because you enjoy it and not because others need to like it. They don’t have to.