I used to think that people were born with the talent to draw. However, I've since learned that it's something we can acquire through persistence and plenty of practice. I wasted years wishing I could draw and I didn't do a thing about it. If only I had known that all I had to do was apply myself!

I do believe that some artists were definitely born with "a gift". I just know that I wasn't one of them!

Here's a summary of what I've realized over a period of time:

• Don't be deterred if you're struggling with drawing. Persistence is the key.
• Accept your mistakes, correct them and learn from them.
• Always date your drawings. Keep referring back to the drawings you did at the start. This is your encouragement to continue.
• Take note of your weaknesses and keep your strengths.
• Draw large to easily see any errors.
• Draw slowly. Don't draw frantically or you'll miss the pleasure of drawing.
• Once drawing seems easy, you're ready to move on to something new. This could be a new technique or different subjects.
• Study artwork that you admire.
• Practice as much as you can.
• Enjoy yourself.

I'll be happy if I can help someone (who thinks like I did) and I save them from wasting those precious years of artistic pleasure.

There's a new page on the site called Easy Pencil Drawings.

I remember when I started drawing, I spent hours looking for easy drawings that I could copy. This page gives examples of the types of drawings to look for.

Tip of the Month

Pencil smudges very easily. Watch your hand on your drawing paper and make sure you're not smearing any finished work.

One way to prevent smudging is to place a spare sheet of paper under your hand as you draw. This also stops the oil from your skin getting onto the drawing surface. I have "Hand" in large writing on both sides of my piece because I don't want to mistakenly pick it up one day and draw on it.

You can also try moving and turning your sketch paper as you draw, to avoid ruining completed work.

Here's a tip from Cathy in the United States, with an alternative to using paper:

I always drew but my small town had absolutely no art classes so what I did was on my own. Recently I picked it up again. However, with the internet, I could research and learn new things.

I picked up a tip to put down a cloth to prevent body oils from getting on the paper and to help prevent smearing of the pencil. Well, I'm someone who certainly believes in recycling. There are 6 of us in the family and we go through our share of socks.

I use old ones to put on my hand to wash dishes, dust, wash windows, clean mirrors and the bathroom.

I had not used the cloth because I found it quite cumbersome.

However, drawing last night involved extensive background. I found my hand was picking up a lot of graphite.

I got an old sock, cut off just the toe area and a slit in the heel. I slipped it on and slipped my thumb into the slit. The socks covered my fingers up to the second knuckle. I had complete control, but my work area was protected and no clumsy cloth to move.

Hey, thanks for sharing that with us, Cathy! I'm sure it'll come in handy. We've all got old socks!

Thank you,, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this issue.

You can simply reply to this email if you have anything you'd like to share with me.

Please take care of you,

Kerry.

www.AllAboutDrawings.com

"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." (Pablo Picasso)