I think it is ok to trace, so long as you don't do it mindlessly.

Watch your pencil and observe the shape transforming into your drawing subject.

Early on, when I struggled to draw certain things, I traced them to figure out where I was going wrong.

Ideally, it is good to have a second copy of the picture you are tracing. This way, you can refer to the picture when the lines become blurred. It saves you having to move the tracing paper and possibly losing your place.

Then, I would have another go at drawing freehand.

I only get satisfaction out of my freehand drawings. The thing I am proudest of the most, is that I can see improvement in my drawings.

Providing you don't get dependent on tracing, I feel it can only help you to learn to draw.

Just remind yourself that tracing isn't drawing.

You will limit yourself dramatically if all you can do is trace. Anyone can trace! Just use it for a learning tool.

What's New at allaboutdrawings.com

I seemed to be neglecting my nature drawings lately. So, I decided it was time to add some more flower drawings.

I ended up with a very long list of flowers that I wanted to draw but I can only fit so many on a page.

I also added a second page of car drawings. I wasn't entirely happy with these drawings so I'll be sure to keep practicing drawing cars.

I bought a book called "Draw 50 Animals." It has a lot of animal outlines to copy. It's ideal for all beginners.

I didn't particularly like their e-book format. I guess I'm spoilt with Adobe Acrobat and how simple it is to download.

You can have a look, I added the link to my drawing books page.

Tip of the Month

Check your drawings in a mirror. This process can reflect any glaring mistakes.

Try to get into the habit of checking in the mirror as you finish each drawing.

This is all part of the learning process. It shows you where you are going wrong and you might spot a consistent flaw in your drawing process.

Alternately, you could try turning your drawing upside down. This helps you to pick out anything that's lopsided when it should be horizontal.

By doing either of these tricks, you can pinpoint problem areas and pay attention to them next time you draw.

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

Feel free to contact me if you have any feedback you'd like to share.

Until next month, take care,