All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Drawing:
January 5, 2004
Always carry a pen.
The best way is to be still.
Everyone can do it, except those who say they can't.
Forget your eraser. There are no mistakes. Only lessons.
Don't do it for fame. Do it for you.
Don't seek beauty. See it.
Everyone's perfect pen is different.
Learn from others. But don't be an imitation.
No books, no teachers, no system, can teach you as much as practice.
If you don't like a drawing, turn the page and do another.
Study how kids do it.
A forest is just a lot of trees. A tree is just a lot of leaves. And you know how to draw a leaf.
Value everything you make.
Give your drawings away.
If you can do it perfectly, it�s boring.
It's all about the Now. That's why it's called a drawing, not a drawn.
Know when to stop.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
I'd had about enough of Christmas vacation, kids, and winter this weekend. I came home from church on Sunday completely depressed by it all. I went into my little art room and pulled out a sketchbook that I haven't used in about two years. I sat and drew for about one hour. When I was done, I felt like I had been in an isolation tank. I was completely refreshed - and much less cranky!
Posted by: Loretta | January 5, 2004 07:43 PM
You freaking rock!
Well said.
and thank you.
andrea
Posted by: andrea | January 5, 2004 07:59 PM
after a weekend of artist insecurity, this is exactly what i needed to hear.
thank you. you are beautiful.
p.s. i eagerly await a copy of your book to arrive on my doorstep this week! between that and this site, i won't be lacking inspiration anytime soon.
Posted by: christine | January 5, 2004 08:31 PM
I gave a program on journal-making at my Art Guild meeting today. I showed everyone your book, passed it around, and they were all delighted. I especially like this new page of yours, the drawings and the inspiration. Thanks.
Posted by: Mary Beth Dodson | January 5, 2004 09:06 PM
I especially like "Everyone can do it, except those people who say they can't." Cos for years I have thought that I couldn't. I had been TOLD that I couldn't. Welll, :-pppp to them!
Thankyou for the much needed kick in the pants - I'm going outside to DRAW!
Posted by: Caitlin | January 5, 2004 10:48 PM
I agree with all that except 'give your drawings away'. This is mainly meaness but also Ruskin says in his 'Elements of Drawing' something along these lines: 'Don't give your drawings to friends or you might become too concerned about whether they will like them. No matter if the drawing is liked or not, so long as it is RIGHT.'
But I agree; the finished drawing isn't the main thing, it's the thought process that goes into it that matters.
Posted by: Richard | January 6, 2004 09:26 AM
You have inspired me to go out and buy a new sketchbook. Thank you.
Posted by: Beth | January 6, 2004 11:52 AM
Very inspirational Dan! I love reading and viewing your weblog!! I keep quotations and then draw around them of what the quote inspired of me...I am going to add yours to my quote book!
Hey..no more driving/drawing ok??? You and Dan P are too priceless to lose!!!!
Happy New Year!!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | January 6, 2004 01:56 PM
Hi! I just found your site through Wish Jar Journal and though I doodle a lot, I have always thought I couldn't draw even though I've tried and hoped and wished. But I have to say, I love your drawing blog and your advice in this post. You have given me hope and inspiration! Thanks!
Posted by: finelyspungirl | January 6, 2004 05:51 PM
Thank you for this!!!
Posted by: Allison | January 8, 2004 09:14 PM
Thank you so much... (now I have to figure out how to do this trackback thing...)
I am so glad you've started blogging...
: )
Posted by: Witold Riedel | January 9, 2004 10:17 PM