Hello Reader,

We’ve all had it - the dreaded creative block! Can’t write, can’t draw, can’t act, can’t play music - whatever be our specific craft. So have I found some magic cure for this? No, not really - but I’ve found stuff that works for me. I’m gonna share this with you - you can try it if it works for you too.

Schedules and Commitments

If we have committed to doing something to friends or family or clients then we feel compelled to do it. In fact if we have committed something to ourselves, especially …

This is a recommendation for noobs like me who would like to improve their line quality. Whether you are a draughtsman/woman or a painter - if you want to improve your drawing skills starting with your lines, perspective, construction etc. then try out Drawabox. I had decent results practicing the exercises - although I haven’t finished the entire course.

And let me know how it goes for you.

Bye,

Abhishek (art noob)

We have all read picture books of some sort when we were young, and among them are certainly a few comics. If you ever wondered about this artform - how and why it works, well you have to read Scott McCloud’s “Understanding Comics”.

This is a one of a kind book which travels all over the landscape of story illustration and gives quite a few insights into visual storytelling.

Even if you don’t read too many comics - this book teaches a lot about how illustrations and stories work.

A must read!

And if you do read the book, do …

With the advent of smartphones, pens and notebooks have been disappearing steadily from pockets. For all those who want to get back to sketching, drawing, note taking, writing journals - I suggest buying a thin notebook and a cheap pen and always carrying it around with you.

When you’re bored take out your notebook and doodle what you see or think. It’s better than mindlessly browsing some app with endless scrolling.

Have a great Sunday,

Abhishek (art noob)

Hi there,

The journey of learning any craft is a long one. It has sprints, marathons, and pitstops. To be able to understand our own energy, our fatigue and what our body needs - we need empathy for ourself.

When we need rest, our ambition and our desires should take a vacation, and let the body and mind have some down time to rejuvenate.

I leave you with the painting - Trett (Tired. 1885) by Norwegian Painter Christian Krohg.

I really like the serene expression on her face.

Have a great weekend,

Abhishek (art noob)

This is a short post. I wanted to recommend another blog if you are interested in art related contemporary writings.

James Gurney has been writing his blog for almost 14 years now. I love his art and his writings. Here's the link - http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/ .

That's it for today.

Have fun,

-Abhishek (art noob)

Human figures are the most recurring feature in our drawings. They are also some of the most challenging objects to draw. One can spend a lifetime learning figure drawing, there’s so much to learn. But where does one start and what are the prerequisites.

Although there are no rules in art, generally if we wish to turn out believable figures, we should possess certain drawing skills before hand… (although it is possible to practice these along with learning the figure)

• outline drawing

• ability to recognize and draw shapes (2d)

• ability to recognize and simplify and draw form (3d) - especially …

Hi Reader,

At the beginning of a new month, here’s a dragonfly poised for flight.

That’s the post,

Tata,

Abhishek (art noob)