Recently, I had an email from someone who said they didn't think I was a real artist. Well yes, that's right, I'm not a real artist. I am simply an ordinary person teaching myself to draw.

The purpose of my website is to pass on easy drawing tips and tricks that I discover while I learn to draw.

I have read countless books about drawing. A lot of them repeat the basic information but I always seem to find one or two gems in each book. It is those gems that I share with you! I like to think I am saving you a lot of time, by reading the books on your behalf.

I have no desire to sell my artwork. I want to draw without deadlines, stress, and fame related stuff. Does that sound like you, too?

If you have the intention to sell your work - that's fantastic! Take heart, there are a lot of successful artists who are self taught.

Drawing is all about how far you want to go. You draw in the horizon. Your study is limited only by your personal goals. Decide what you want and then go for it!

I never dreamed that I would be able to draw. It was just something that I had an urge to do. If you feel that way too, then that is enough, you will be able to teach yourself to draw.

I look at a picture and mentally go over the lines. If I can draw it in my mind, I think I can draw it on paper! If I struggle to get it right, I leave it alone and I move on to drawing something else. I never put down my pencils when I'm frustrated.

Oh, and I am horrid at drawing the human form - I'm still working on that. The anatomy thing is enough to turn anyone off drawing the human form. Every time I read about it, I see these dreaded words ... "You must know the muscles and bones before you can successfully draw the human form." Yes, well, I can't seem to get interested enough. My eyes glaze over as soon as I try to learn it all.

So, there you go. I'm happy to say I'm not a real artist. I don't want to be a professional artist. My artistic goal is to draw well enough to give my artwork as gifts. I love my simple life, I don't need to complicate it.

I think that drawing is the most wonderful hobby. When you draw, you also learn about you. How many of us really know ourselves?

Next time you draw, take notice of your thoughts. Who are you? What do you want? What do you aspire to be? Draw it. Draw things that you want to invite into your life. The power of the mind is a wonderful thing. By being positive, your life will change for the better. You are the only one who can create your reality.