The Energy of Drawing
"Feeling overwhelmed by the hustle of the season? Discover the meditative power of drawing. Slow down, calm your mind, and reconnect with the present moment through simple, peaceful creativity. Learn how to overcome distractions and embrace stillness in your drawing practice, even during the busiest times of the year."
Special Guest Models!
Last week, Rio, my 6-year-old student, practiced drawing from observation with her dogs, Ellie and Pica. While photographs can be useful, drawing from real-life models helps artists capture details and understand volume and lighting better. Rio's ability to replicate a Chihuahua drawing with minimal guidance shows how powerful drawing from 3D models can be, even for young beginners. This method accelerates skill development and improves accuracy, making it a key technique for any artist!
How Drawing Is Like Juggling; How Both Are as Difficult to See as a Gorilla on a Radiology Image
Drawing and juggling are both "global skills" that require the integration of smaller component skills. Like a juggler coordinating hands, eyes, and brain to keep objects in motion, an artist must balance elements like line direction, shading, and texture. However, beginners often struggle to focus on all components at once, leading to frustration.
A study of radiologists missing a "gorilla" in medical images illustrates how the brain filters out irrelevant details when focused on a task. Similarly, drawing requires practice and focus to master, much like juggling. With time, both skills improve, sharpening your cognitive abilities and perception.
LZM Free Demonstration at Jerry's Artarama in Austin, February 2
I draw every day with pencils, and I teach kids, teens, and adults how to do the same! Join me for a hands-on drawing demonstration at Jerry's Artarama on February 2, 2013, from 1-3 pm. Watch as I showcase how light falls on basic shapes, helping you master the art of drawing. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, this event is perfect for anyone with drawing envy. Bring your friends and discover how easy and fun drawing can be!
Will Learning to Draw as a Child Change Your Brain as an Adult?
Many wonder if learning to draw as a child can change your brain as an adult. From my experience teaching kids, I can confidently say it does. Drawing helps children see the world differently, creating lasting cognitive changes.
A Northwestern University study shows that childhood music lessons result in long-term brain changes in adults. Could drawing have a similar impact? It’s a question worth exploring!
Want to Learn More?
Read the study on childhood learning and its effects on adult brain function. Click here to explore!
It’s All About the Mind, Folks!
This summer, I had the privilege of working with a small group of 5-year-old girls in private lessons. In our first session, I asked them to refrain from using erasers—a challenging request for many at this age, as they are still developing fine motor skills. Rather than focusing on "perfect" drawings, I encouraged them to embrace their mistakes, seeing them as opportunities to grow and improve. By the end of the lesson, the girls had learned to adapt and thrive, gaining confidence in their creativity.
In week two, Phoebe W. presented me with a heartfelt drawing, a testament to the clarity of spirit that even young children can possess. It reminded me that, "It's all about the mind"—a powerful lesson for us all