Do you remember the times when we threw our hands up in the air in frustration and exclaimed, “I can’t draw!”? We then condemn our drawing as a failure and cry out with tears, “It doesn’t look like what it is supposed to be!”.
It’s time to reframe this statement, “I Can’t Draw”. Everyone can draw; it’s just a matter of choosing the style that you like. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece but to enjoy the process and express yourself.
Benefits of Drawing For Your Brain
When you draw, you activate different parts of your brain, which can lead to new ideas and innovative thinking.
Drawing activates your brain cells in both the right and left hemisphere of your brain as it involves both imagination and logic respectively.
Drawing enhances memory by promoting integration of elaborate pictorial and motor codes.
Drawing requires concentration, which can improve your ability to observe and focus.
Experimenting with different drawing styles and materials can help you see things from new perspectives.
The process of translating your ideas onto paper can improve your problem-solving abilities.
Getting Started with Drawing
If you’re new to drawing or need some inspiration, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose Your Materials: Select the drawing tools that you enjoy using, whether it’s color pencils, markers, crayons, oil pastels, or a mixture of everything!
Start with Simple Shapes: Don’t worry about creating a perfect masterpiece. Begin with simple shapes and build from there.
Use Prompts and Guides: Sometimes, a little inspiration can go a long way. Look for drawing prompts and guides to spark your creativity.
Overcoming Frustration
Recently, a parent asked me for advice on how to help her child draw. Her child had been trying to draw a dolphin but with each try, he ends up in tears because his drawing just “did not look like a dolphin”. These are all very normal feelings. I myself had to practise a few times before I got the dolphin “right”.
To help him, I would start by breaking down the dolphin into simple shapes. For example, you can start by explaining that the dolphin’s body looks like a ‘banana’ and its tail resembles a ‘w’. By simplifying the process, you make it accessible and enjoyable.
Download Our Dolphin Drawing Guide
Download our dolphin drawing guide and start creating today! Remember, the key to drawing is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flow. I always tell my students, “It’s not about being perfect, drawings are representations, they are not the REAL thing. Animals in particular are organic creatures and they are made out of organic shapes. Have fun drawing!”
By reframing the statement “I can’t draw” and cultivating a drawing habit, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities!
We'd love to see your drawings, hashtag #cartwheelssg or tag us at @cartwheelssg
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