I was taught a similar method as a student, but instead of trying to draw subjects that would be represented in traditional drawing, we were instructed to draw strictly abstract shapes and resist the urge to make them look familiar. It's a fun exercise giving yourself a break from trying to represent reality and letting go of all the technical baggage that comes along with learning art.
I had a high school teacher who called this taking out the trash because statistically you will never see all the works of any artist. There is so much garbage; just irrepresentable nonsense which can't be publicly flaunted the way a masterpiece can be. She taught me to feel okay with just getting the work in.
I had a bit of art block once. I had it for a while that I lost a bit of my skill. So I one day decided to just randomly sketch something and in ink. I was kinda amazed that it didn't look too terrible so I sketched more and more. Then ideas for full drawings was coming in. Now I do it in most of my drawings sessions. Sometimes it's all I do. Quite nice seeing this video talking about this technique.
As one who overthinks and want to draw things as best as I can, I end up not drawing as much as I would like. Once I did this way of drawing soon after seeing your video, I actually felt better about drawing and want to continue drawing. I will incorporate this method into my drawing warm-ups or just do this. Thank you for your advice!
American culture, in particular, I think tends to set us up to fear failure. We are taught that we must be 'perfect' at everything we do, all of the time. There is no room for learning, for experimenting, testing ideas. Yeah, not everything you try is going to work out, be a keeper, whatever, and that is perfectly okay. You learned from the experience, grew your skills a bit just by the process of continuing to do. I think the myth of 'talent' plays into this, too. If you are not instantly good at whatever you pick up you have no talent and should just give up and quit. Hard work and perseverance, of course, have nothing to do with getting good. We have this idea that results will be instantaneous, and if they are not whatever it is is not worth doing. Thank you for doing this video. I think we all need to be reminded of this, regularly. I wish there were a billion more of you out there, shouting this message from the rooftops, daily. I am excited to hear more about this new book you say is coming. I have your first one, and hope to pick the workbook up to go with it soon, and have been working from it a lot lately, trying to get back into drawing after a couple year layoff due to medical issues. I like your style of teaching, I find it to be clear, easy to follow and produce results if I am willing to put in the effort. Once again, thank you for doing these videos.
I say American because I am an American and I am only in a position to speak to what I see around me. I am actually sorry to hear that it is not just and American problem, that it seems to be world wide.
I think it's a human thing, to strive for perfection is a major human flaw 😢 I agree, the idea of "talent" is such a harmful concept that destroys people's confidence. Sure, some people pick things up incredibly quickly, but that's probably because they picked up the skills elsewhere. When I first picked up sculpting, everyone said "wow, you picked it up so quickly, you must've been innately talented" when in reality I had been a professional woodworker for years, it wasn't much different except I could easily stick things back on in sculpting lol. And then when you're not instantly good, you feel like a failure - despite the fact that we pretend talent is innate, so there would be zero reasons to feel like a failure anyway, no one has any control over what's innate!!
My guess is this might as well be the same state of consciousness one gets when in the shower, thoughts just going here, there and everywhere and all of a sudden you make some connection between concepts or realize something that had been out of sight until that moment. A totally free flow of lines that on the one hand might not be precise but are quite expressive on the other hand, and set your creative side in motion. Beautiful 😎👍
Personally shower doesn't do that for me anymore, on the opposite I tend to be a bit more active. Meditation on the other end does exactly that. Ideas of shapes, concepts and so on will just pop by while meditating, and I can grab onto them or let them go as I see fit ! That was an unforeseen side effect to me.
I had been struggling with a puzzle for a while, trying to find that one piece with a bit of red for a certain spot. I tried EVERY SINGLE puzzle piece in that spot and nothing fit. Then one day in the shower, it just came to me, the exact piece needed. I SAW it on the table. I wasn't even thinking about the puzzle, I had given up and walked away days earlier. But clearly, my brain was still working it out on the back burner somewhere. As soon as I was out of the shower, I went over to the puzzle, picked up that piece, and it fit perfectly. HOW did that happen? Why didn't it fit before?
@@alphonsodunn Yeah. Even when I'm just drawin for myself and know I don't want to share it with anyone I put immense pressure on myself to eteverythin right andit just ends up making me frustrated most of the time.
This popped up in the middle of me stressing about drawing, overthinking and not knowing what to draw. I’m gonna try this it looks really fun, thank you for this!!
This is my biggest roadblock right now, thanks for making a video on this! I have your first book, it has helped me tons. Thank you for your teachings!
I always hear you should be able to draw without thinking about who's going to see it. You'd be surprised how many creative ideas come out of nowhere when you draw like this, stuff you can really flesh out in another drawing later.
I always restrict myself from drawing what I’m into cuz usually when I draw some person just peeps into my book or even grab it from me making me draw less from my imagination. So now imma try drawing without people looking into my drawings and commenting on it
@@funnytophatguy you can also try drawing and tearing it to pieces at the end (at least for some sketches) or if you really want to preserve it, squash the page and store it in a box. It feels less threatening or important that way, so you still get your practice in with less pressure
Thank you for this. I used to draw _all_ the time when I was younger, just because I loved drawing. But then I went to art school and haven't drawn much since. It took all the fun out of it. Hopefully with this technique I may learn to love it again. Thanks for sharing!
I always keep 3 large sheets of inexpensive 300gsm paper beneath my drawing surface, for padding. I have to replace them constantly due to the fact that I am always doodling, pen clearing, overdrawing on them. Most of the random lines will eventually become part of a doodle. I often will save these sheets for inspiration later on when I am trying to come up with something new and interesting to draw. Some of my best work started life as an ink blob on a padding paper.
Thanks for this video, Alphonso! I used to be a chronic doodler but have found myself not doing it much as I learned to "draw". A good reminder to have fun and, like you say, get pen to paper!
I took a break from drawing and watching RUclips tutorials for a few years and decided to see if you still had new content. I’m happy to see youre still rockin out awesome videos Mr Dunn they’ve always helped and inspired. Thank you sir!
I’ve just started putting more time in drawing and so I just found out about your channel. I can’t believe how good a teacher you are! Thank you for your work!
This is such a great tip! It’s totally analogous to the writing practice, which I did every day for 10 years. Another fun way I enjoy to loosen up is to make a quick squiggle doodle, then add eyes, a mouth, feet, a hat… whatever it takes to make it into a person or animal-without worrying if it actually exists.
Thanks for making this video! I overthink a lot when I am drawing and sometimes it prevents me from drawing anything. The more exercises I know to help me bypass that, the better. I have both of your books and I recently revisited one of them and copied a bit from it to get my brain working. I look forward to the third book you mentioned.
Hello Alphonso. This video really exposes how close drawing is to our emotions. The improvement and difference in our drawings when we change our attitude is such a tangible way to see the power of mindset. It's so cool. Sinix did a video on a similar topic a while back but yours did a way better job, I think. Thank you.
I can't even begin to say how much I love this video . . . it's entertaining, informative, insightful and unbelievably satisfying to watch all at once.
This seems more fun than the ‘don’t look down method”, because you’re ideas can flow from one topic to the next……I never really learned this method in drawing class, but will try…..with brush pen. Thank you.
The part about focusing on the characteristics of each line rather than focusing on getting each line perfect so the end product looks realistic - this is such a great reminder. Why do we get so caught up in the end product being perfect. Isn't each part of the drawing just as important? Thank you for this reminder!
I love this. I think the underlying concept here is the scariest aspect, yet also the desired result and optimal outcome; get out of your head and just put in on the page. Don’t worry if it’s good or bad. Think, “What am I not good at?” And throw yourself at it and work through it. Writers defeat writer’s block by writing out all their subpar ideas. Artists do the same. Lately, I’ve been getting lost just drawing endless patterns. Which is about as far as my normal subject matter as I can devise. And I’m loving every second of it. Thanks so much for the validation!
Thank you so much for the amazing advice. I think many of us especially myself are always worried about achieving that photorealistic result with our art. As much sketching as I do I've never been able to allow myself to let go the way that you did here. It is now something that I will work on in order to help myself get back to enjoying every step of the art.
Thank you for this reminder and the wonderful tips! I never thought of this as learning to trust myself and lean into the awkwardness of the process. You're a life saver!
Hi Alphonso. I like both, loose drawing and focused and detailed drawing. Focusing on something natural or an object to draw it free my mind more than when I draw loose. I like to draw loose if I sketch outside and I can't stay long or if people are moving. But what I really prefer is to give a deep glance. No need to overthink, just observing what I draw and the most important is to don't care about time. When I want to draw realistic, it is a real meditation, contemplation and peaceful the mind, this a training to the mindfulness by focusing and observing. I live with slowness because it's my way of being and since my childhood I have been very stressed when it comes to going fast. I learned a lot of things when I accepted my slowness as being the privilege of my handicap! Whether we draw loose or have attention to details, it doesn't matter. The importance is to love what you do and to take your time, your time for yourself. If you start over ten times before finding the shape you want, it doesn't matter. A sportsman who loves the sport he practices, he knows very well that he will have to return to the gymnasium regularly and he enthusiastic, otherwise he gives up. But sure... Drawing loose is fun.
This is such a helpful idea, thank you! It doesn't happen often that I'm eager to give something a try right away. But your video has that exact effect on me. Which is perfect, because my current mantra is to follow the fun. Instead of trying to find the best or most logical or optimal methods to do things, I just do them in ways that seem like fun. So far, this new approach has reduced my anxiety a bunch, and increased my joy. And your drawing advice fits in perfectly. I'll be grabbing my art stuff in a minute and will give it a go. I'm looking forward to it!
@@alphonsodunn Right after commenting, I collected some supplies, and made some fun sketches like you described. After that, I did a few simple regular drawings. But they were much more loose and enjoyable. So not only did the sketches lower the threshold to actually start drawing, they also allowed me to keep going easily, and to enjoy the process more throughout. So thank you very much, this idea works great for me. Even right now, I keep eyeing my sketchbook and some reference materials that are lying on my desk, and I feel eager to get some drawing in today. And I'm confident I will be able to translate the concept into other areas of my life as well. Thank you very much, you have given me another way to approach and conceptualise following the fun. As an aside, I try to share my ideas and thoughts below videos that inspired me. Who knows who reads them, and what ripples my little idea pebbles might create in someone else's mind pond. Also, I want to let creators know that they helped and inspired me, and perhaps give something back by sharing those new connections I found. Thank you.
Thank you so much! Your instruction is helping me to draw better and thus improve my art in other areas like painting and pastels and charcoal. Letting it flow is what is freeing me to improve. Your books are on my wish list.
im so appreciative i stumbled across this when i needed it, thank you stranger ! i have two close friends who i really need to share these sentiments with. im not a professional artist, but i sometimes help my friends break out of their shell and encourage them to keep practicing their drawing. however, they dont ever listen to me when i tell them to relax and when i tell them to practice more and to do more warm ups. every time they draw, they want it to be perfect, but it doesn't always happen and they just give up. i dont think they understand what i mean, and this vid is the perfect demonstration of what i mean ! i hope this will help them build that confidence and push past their self doubt !! 🙏🏼
This one really resonated with me! This is what i do for making my hand loose and warmup, also what i do to get rid of stress and anxiety. Thanks again alphonso, u made our day 👌🙏
This, or very similar, technique is called "Automatic Drawing". It was invented by English artist Austin Osman Spare a hundred years ago. The key is not to think WHAT are you drawing, so you can connect with Unconcious. Spare also used to draw in the darkness, or with candlelight.
Yes I found that its similar indeed. Only here its ok the conscious retains control, its the really the speed and gestural movements really gives the expressive qualities
I was following along and you mentioned using a Tombow and quickly look at my pen and we are both using the same exact pen lol. I really like this pen and how you can easily vary line weight.
Just ordered this pen. I love the looseness you achieved and can see how relaxing it will be - something I need to learn when drawing, especially since I have a shaky hand. Great video, Alphonso. Thank you! So helpful.
I have such a hard time drawing “perfect” pictures, painting etc. It keeps me from doing anything sometimes! It frustrates me so much and sometimes causes me anxiety! Arg!
Thank you for this. The more you kept talking about the freedom of this exercise, the more stress (fear) I felt, which let’s me know this exercise will be incredibly helpful for me
I love this. One step I like to add especially for very beginner artists or children is starting with making random light scribble marks on the page with pencil.
When I'm bored sometimes I'll draw from imagination and let the shapes i come up with guide me and just draw random stuff. Usually it ends up looking pretty decent, It's relaxing and it helps me feel like I improve at art.
Great video! I like to study math, and disengaging from the subject is important to the learning process. I study drawing, too, and this video is just what I needed.
bruh . I was having a bad day. but after listening to your voice , now my mind is really calm. man you've some power in your voice out there. I love the way you describe about the art of scribbling . Thanks man.
Hey love your videos! Great information, keep em coming! I do a lot of doodling, abstract with pen! I always used to tell myself I wish I could draw! Well got into painting several years ago, and now I find myself doodling in my sketchbook more than anything! anyway love your videos very informative! Godspeed!
thank you so much. 🐱I have really bad depression and I am a perfectionist with my art... you get the picture. I'll try doing a page of this exercise before i draw. again, thank you so much.
I'm a self thaught artist and i did get this experiance subconsciously few times when I couldn't figure out what to draw. I would call it a stance where you unlock your full potential! You start drawing things you would never imagine you can actually draw without reference! You become the fearless creator of your imagination! :D
Definitely needed to hear this. I struggle with 'empty page anxiety' -- I can never seem to actually start sketchbooks because I get wrapped up in thinking that it *has* to aethetically pleasing when it really doesn't. A sketchbook is for practice, after all. :)
I'm not an artist, but this type of drawing is still very therapeutic for me. The flowing style journaling you mentioned in the beginning of the video never worked for me because sometimes I can't find the words to get feelings out of my head or I'm just embarrassed to manifest them into words, but flow style doodling is easier to me for expressing the verbally unexpressable.
Very interesting that this was recommended to me when it was. When I started drawing it was with a pen (doodles in the margins of my notebooks). Recently I've gone back to it, and I've only been using a pen with black ink, nothing else. I've started to create more intricate works, and I've learned to turn mistakes into parts of the work. It is cool to see a video from a more experienced artist describing what I've discovered over the past few weeks.
Also worth mentioning that I love abstract work so my willingness to draw entirely in this way likely reflects that. I love and wholeheartedly agree with what you describe in terms of the aestheticism of lines. If you think about it all visual reality is just lines.
thank you for your videos and much thanks for this one! It's really nice to hear your voice and it helps a lot when you share such things. I like your advice a lot =) You're an awesome person!
I love the suggestions. My main problem is that. Have two modes: A) When doing my warmup exercises (always using scratch paper,), they evolve into doodles with nice flowing lines, out of which I create images, some of them quite nice, which I should I had in my sketch book. B) When using my sketch book, a perfectionist mind takes over, and my lines are less loose and not as nice looking, the flow of the work will slow to a crawl, because I will obsess with right proportions, and will be unable to sketch without lots of revisions.
Thanks for this video, it's very helpful. This technique good to be remembered time to time. I do this kinda of loose drawing in a notebook and it active so much creativity that's very fun, but I was almost forgetting to do this kind of draws in the last month
💥 "LEARNING TO TRUST YPURSELF MORE..." 💥 MIC DROP. You are an amazing artist, a phenomenal teacher and an inspiring human being. I just found your channel a couple of days ago. I am taking my first steps into the pen & paper art expression. In watching a few of your videos I am joyfully recognizing that my inner process of writing poetry has some strong similarities to sketching & drawing. But the most profound aspect of this new adventure of mine is seeing the metaphors in my daily spiritual practice. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.💖💖💗
Anxiety and stress and frustration has made art, something I used to love become really bad for my mental health. While I don't doubt this is a good exercise towards easing those negative feelings I watch this and having aphantasia I just don't think I could get much out of scribbles when I have nothing in my head being able to connect them to any kind of form. Art hasn't really been fun for me in years and I miss that feeling so much.
I discovered this method by accident when I started sketching at least twice per session in a Spelljammer DnD campaign. The sketches replace most of my traditional notes as a player. It's all on notebook paper. But *seeing* and *hearing* you detail the topic caused a literal pressure to release behind my eyes. Thank you for helping me to understand.
I don't know why but this is causing me unease and slight anxiety xD I think this is down to a deeper issue of not letting go and always expecting the best though... This could be an interesting exercise to attempt and see if I can get passed that barrier. Thanks for bringing this up :)
I was taught a similar method as a student, but instead of trying to draw subjects that would be represented in traditional drawing, we were instructed to draw strictly abstract shapes and resist the urge to make them look familiar. It's a fun exercise giving yourself a break from trying to represent reality and letting go of all the technical baggage that comes along with learning art.
I had a high school teacher who called this taking out the trash because statistically you will never see all the works of any artist. There is so much garbage; just irrepresentable nonsense which can't be publicly flaunted the way a masterpiece can be. She taught me to feel okay with just getting the work in.
abstract and unfamiliar is the only thing i can draw
I could NEVER. I. MUST. DRAW. Tiny cartoon faces. 🥺✨
This is the whole and complete method of Zentangle! Check it out. It’s great for practice.
Good idea! I will try that.
"We're more relaxed when we're expecting to have fun." What a profound statement! A good approach for any creative!
Such a hard hitting line, I realize that my art blocks come from being too stressed and not having fun with it. Mind blowing 🤯
@@mrtiredeyes Exactly ... the harder you try, the more it eludes you. Relax and it flows better ... same with writing.
I had a bit of art block once. I had it for a while that I lost a bit of my skill. So I one day decided to just randomly sketch something and in ink. I was kinda amazed that it didn't look too terrible so I sketched more and more. Then ideas for full drawings was coming in. Now I do it in most of my drawings sessions. Sometimes it's all I do. Quite nice seeing this video talking about this technique.
correlation is not causation
@@themelancholyofgay3543 what?
Thought at first, you had written you lost a bit of your skull! Glad it was just your skill!😂
Trying it now and I'm having a lot more success nailing the gesture than I would when I would methodically try to build using shapes. Thanks for this!
Have lots of fun!!
As one who overthinks and want to draw things as best as I can, I end up not drawing as much as I would like. Once I did this way of drawing soon after seeing your video, I actually felt better about drawing and want to continue drawing. I will incorporate this method into my drawing warm-ups or just do this. Thank you for your advice!
American culture, in particular, I think tends to set us up to fear failure. We are taught that we must be 'perfect' at everything we do, all of the time. There is no room for learning, for experimenting, testing ideas. Yeah, not everything you try is going to work out, be a keeper, whatever, and that is perfectly okay. You learned from the experience, grew your skills a bit just by the process of continuing to do.
I think the myth of 'talent' plays into this, too. If you are not instantly good at whatever you pick up you have no talent and should just give up and quit. Hard work and perseverance, of course, have nothing to do with getting good. We have this idea that results will be instantaneous, and if they are not whatever it is is not worth doing.
Thank you for doing this video. I think we all need to be reminded of this, regularly. I wish there were a billion more of you out there, shouting this message from the rooftops, daily.
I am excited to hear more about this new book you say is coming. I have your first one, and hope to pick the workbook up to go with it soon, and have been working from it a lot lately, trying to get back into drawing after a couple year layoff due to medical issues. I like your style of teaching, I find it to be clear, easy to follow and produce results if I am willing to put in the effort.
Once again, thank you for doing these videos.
"American culture, in particular"
Only American?! I don't think so...
That's a worldwide problem
are you sure you weren't referring to Asian culture？
both do start with an A after all...
I say American because I am an American and I am only in a position to speak to what I see around me. I am actually sorry to hear that it is not just and American problem, that it seems to be world wide.
@@robineliason7850 relatable, am an Asian
I think it's a human thing, to strive for perfection is a major human flaw 😢 I agree, the idea of "talent" is such a harmful concept that destroys people's confidence. Sure, some people pick things up incredibly quickly, but that's probably because they picked up the skills elsewhere. When I first picked up sculpting, everyone said "wow, you picked it up so quickly, you must've been innately talented" when in reality I had been a professional woodworker for years, it wasn't much different except I could easily stick things back on in sculpting lol. And then when you're not instantly good, you feel like a failure - despite the fact that we pretend talent is innate, so there would be zero reasons to feel like a failure anyway, no one has any control over what's innate!!
My guess is this might as well be the same state of consciousness one gets when in the shower, thoughts just going here, there and everywhere and all of a sudden you make some connection between concepts or realize something that had been out of sight until that moment. A totally free flow of lines that on the one hand might not be precise but are quite expressive on the other hand, and set your creative side in motion. Beautiful 😎👍
Since you mentioned consciousness, you might be interested in #ConsciousPlanet
Personally shower doesn't do that for me anymore, on the opposite I tend to be a bit more active. Meditation on the other end does exactly that. Ideas of shapes, concepts and so on will just pop by while meditating, and I can grab onto them or let them go as I see fit ! That was an unforeseen side effect to me.
I had been struggling with a puzzle for a while, trying to find that one piece with a bit of red for a certain spot. I tried EVERY SINGLE puzzle piece in that spot and nothing fit. Then one day in the shower, it just came to me, the exact piece needed. I SAW it on the table. I wasn't even thinking about the puzzle, I had given up and walked away days earlier. But clearly, my brain was still working it out on the back burner somewhere. As soon as I was out of the shower, I went over to the puzzle, picked up that piece, and it fit perfectly. HOW did that happen? Why didn't it fit before?
This is probably my biggest struggle so far when it comes to drawing, so hopefully this video helps me a bit with it
I hope so too. We put too much weight on our shoulders
@@alphonsodunn Yeah. Even when I'm just drawin for myself and know I don't want to share it with anyone I put immense pressure on myself to eteverythin right andit just ends up making me frustrated most of the time.
@@AroWolfArts And that takes the fun out of it. We have to have an outlet or way out to draw without all that much pressure
This popped up in the middle of me stressing about drawing, overthinking and not knowing what to draw. I’m gonna try this it looks really fun, thank you for this!!
Its really fun. And its perfect for just that
This is my biggest roadblock right now, thanks for making a video on this! I have your first book, it has helped me tons. Thank you for your teachings!
🙂🙏🙏
I always hear you should be able to draw without thinking about who's going to see it. You'd be surprised how many creative ideas come out of nowhere when you draw like this, stuff you can really flesh out in another drawing later.
I always restrict myself from drawing what I’m into cuz usually when I draw some person just peeps into my book or even grab it from me making me draw less from my imagination. So now imma try drawing without people looking into my drawings and commenting on it
@@funnytophatguy you can also try drawing and tearing it to pieces at the end (at least for some sketches) or if you really want to preserve it, squash the page and store it in a box. It feels less threatening or important that way, so you still get your practice in with less pressure
That's the hard-tip Tombow Fudenosuke pen. One of the best pens for drawing. Love it for hatching.
Thank you for this. I used to draw _all_ the time when I was younger, just because I loved drawing. But then I went to art school and haven't drawn much since. It took all the fun out of it. Hopefully with this technique I may learn to love it again. Thanks for sharing!
I feel like you know all my deep insecurities lol, thank you for all the advice and lessons you provide.
Glad they help, in some way 🙂🙏
I always keep 3 large sheets of inexpensive 300gsm paper beneath my drawing surface, for padding. I have to replace them constantly due to the fact that I am always doodling, pen clearing, overdrawing on them. Most of the random lines will eventually become part of a doodle. I often will save these sheets for inspiration later on when I am trying to come up with something new and interesting to draw. Some of my best work started life as an ink blob on a padding paper.
Thanks for this video, Alphonso! I used to be a chronic doodler but have found myself not doing it much as I learned to "draw". A good reminder to have fun and, like you say, get pen to paper!
I'm currently drawing while listening to this, so in a way. I'm doing what ur telling me to. Real helpful advice.
Love the longer video, thanks alphonso, you are the best teacher I've had and honestly helped me change how i approach art for the better
Glad you find it useful
I took a break from drawing and watching RUclips tutorials for a few years and decided to see if you still had new content. I’m happy to see youre still rockin out awesome videos Mr Dunn they’ve always helped and inspired. Thank you sir!
I’ve just started putting more time in drawing and so I just found out about your channel. I can’t believe how good a teacher you are! Thank you for your work!
This is such a great tip! It’s totally analogous to the writing practice, which I did every day for 10 years. Another fun way I enjoy to loosen up is to make a quick squiggle doodle, then add eyes, a mouth, feet, a hat… whatever it takes to make it into a person or animal-without worrying if it actually exists.
Nobody ever teaches you it’s okay to fuck up, the world expects you to do it right your first try. Fortunately, that’s not true!
It sure isnt
Thanks for making this video! I overthink a lot when I am drawing and sometimes it prevents me from drawing anything.
The more exercises I know to help me bypass that, the better.
I have both of your books and I recently revisited one of them and copied a bit from it to get my brain working. I look forward to the third book you mentioned.
So glad youtube re-recommended this to me. A golden video to remind me to overcome my perfectionism.
Hello Alphonso. This video really exposes how close drawing is to our emotions. The improvement and difference in our drawings when we change our attitude is such a tangible way to see the power of mindset. It's so cool. Sinix did a video on a similar topic a while back but yours did a way better job, I think. Thank you.
Attitude is everything
all forms of expression are just that, if youre not doing it with a thought or feeling in mind then its easy to tell it was done formulaically
I can't even begin to say how much I love this video . . . it's entertaining, informative, insightful and unbelievably satisfying to watch all at once.
Yes, it is relaxing
This seems more fun than the ‘don’t look down method”, because you’re ideas can flow from one topic to the next……I never really learned this method in drawing class, but will try…..with brush pen. Thank you.
The part about focusing on the characteristics of each line rather than focusing on getting each line perfect so the end product looks realistic - this is such a great reminder. Why do we get so caught up in the end product being perfect. Isn't each part of the drawing just as important? Thank you for this reminder!
I love this. I think the underlying concept here is the scariest aspect, yet also the desired result and optimal outcome; get out of your head and just put in on the page. Don’t worry if it’s good or bad. Think, “What am I not good at?” And throw yourself at it and work through it. Writers defeat writer’s block by writing out all their subpar ideas. Artists do the same.
Lately, I’ve been getting lost just drawing endless patterns. Which is about as far as my normal subject matter as I can devise. And I’m loving every second of it.
Thanks so much for the validation!
Thank you so much for the amazing advice. I think many of us especially myself are always worried about achieving that photorealistic result with our art. As much sketching as I do I've never been able to allow myself to let go the way that you did here. It is now something that I will work on in order to help myself get back to enjoying every step of the art.
Its fun and liberating! Give it a go
Yes! This is exactly what I need right now. Thank you 😊 💓
Thank you for this reminder and the wonderful tips! I never thought of this as learning to trust myself and lean into the awkwardness of the process. You're a life saver!
🙂🙏
Hi Alphonso. I like both, loose drawing and focused and detailed drawing. Focusing on something natural or an object to draw it free my mind more than when I draw loose. I like to draw loose if I sketch outside and I can't stay long or if people are moving. But what I really prefer is to give a deep glance. No need to overthink, just observing what I draw and the most important is to don't care about time. When I want to draw realistic, it is a real meditation, contemplation and peaceful the mind, this a training to the mindfulness by focusing and observing. I live with slowness because it's my way of being and since my childhood I have been very stressed when it comes to going fast. I learned a lot of things when I accepted my slowness as being the privilege of my handicap! Whether we draw loose or have attention to details, it doesn't matter. The importance is to love what you do and to take your time, your time for yourself. If you start over ten times before finding the shape you want, it doesn't matter. A sportsman who loves the sport he practices, he knows very well that he will have to return to the gymnasium regularly and he enthusiastic, otherwise he gives up.
But sure... Drawing loose is fun.
This is such a helpful idea, thank you! It doesn't happen often that I'm eager to give something a try right away. But your video has that exact effect on me.
Which is perfect, because my current mantra is to follow the fun. Instead of trying to find the best or most logical or optimal methods to do things, I just do them in ways that seem like fun.
So far, this new approach has reduced my anxiety a bunch, and increased my joy. And your drawing advice fits in perfectly.
I'll be grabbing my art stuff in a minute and will give it a go. I'm looking forward to it!
👏👏👏 thats awesome!
@@alphonsodunn Right after commenting, I collected some supplies, and made some fun sketches like you described. After that, I did a few simple regular drawings. But they were much more loose and enjoyable.
So not only did the sketches lower the threshold to actually start drawing, they also allowed me to keep going easily, and to enjoy the process more throughout.
So thank you very much, this idea works great for me. Even right now, I keep eyeing my sketchbook and some reference materials that are lying on my desk, and I feel eager to get some drawing in today.
And I'm confident I will be able to translate the concept into other areas of my life as well. Thank you very much, you have given me another way to approach and conceptualise following the fun.
As an aside, I try to share my ideas and thoughts below videos that inspired me. Who knows who reads them, and what ripples my little idea pebbles might create in someone else's mind pond.
Also, I want to let creators know that they helped and inspired me, and perhaps give something back by sharing those new connections I found.
Thank you.
@@RadishTheFool That's wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing this🙏
@@alphonsodunn 😊
this is what I needed to remember, the best thing art school taught me was to just, draw. get into the flow of the tool. thanks for reminding me.
Great advice! Usually do my 'mindless doodling' with ball point, have to try it with a brush pen.
Ballpoint is nice to use too because of the light and dark lines you can create almost effortlessly
I need to do this more...it's like therapy. 👍
It is
Thank you so much! Your instruction is helping me to draw better and thus improve my art in other areas like painting and pastels and charcoal. Letting it flow is what is freeing me to improve. Your books are on my wish list.
im so appreciative i stumbled across this when i needed it, thank you stranger ! i have two close friends who i really need to share these sentiments with. im not a professional artist, but i sometimes help my friends break out of their shell and encourage them to keep practicing their drawing. however, they dont ever listen to me when i tell them to relax and when i tell them to practice more and to do more warm ups. every time they draw, they want it to be perfect, but it doesn't always happen and they just give up. i dont think they understand what i mean, and this vid is the perfect demonstration of what i mean ! i hope this will help them build that confidence and push past their self doubt !! 🙏🏼
This one really resonated with me! This is what i do for making my hand loose and warmup, also what i do to get rid of stress and anxiety. Thanks again alphonso, u made our day 👌🙏
Already dawing loosely right now and love the result, thank you!
This, or very similar, technique is called "Automatic Drawing". It was invented by English artist Austin Osman Spare a hundred years ago. The key is not to think WHAT are you drawing, so you can connect with Unconcious. Spare also used to draw in the darkness, or with candlelight.
Yes I found that its similar indeed. Only here its ok the conscious retains control, its the really the speed and gestural movements really gives the expressive qualities
I was following along and you mentioned using a Tombow and quickly look at my pen and we are both using the same exact pen lol. I really like this pen and how you can easily vary line weight.
Mr. Alphonso, your great. I enjoy all your videos.
Im glad that I study and refine this technique every day for the past year, you really helped me realise that with this video. Thank you.
Just ordered this pen. I love the looseness you achieved and can see how relaxing it will be - something I need to learn when drawing, especially since I have a shaky hand. Great video, Alphonso. Thank you! So helpful.
I believe you’ll really enjoy it
I have such a hard time drawing “perfect” pictures, painting etc. It keeps me from doing anything sometimes! It frustrates me so much and sometimes causes me anxiety! Arg!
Its more common than you think
this Tombow pen you're using is also one of my favourites, but I like to use it for calligraphy;
Thank you for this. The more you kept talking about the freedom of this exercise, the more stress (fear) I felt, which let’s me know this exercise will be incredibly helpful for me
Exactly. I believe thats from the anxiousness to let go, but once you do, and you pass that threshold, you’ll be free and on your way🙂
i cant believe i never thought of this before! within the first 2 minutes you just opened up a boatload of fun for me during my warmups 😂💗
🙂🙂🙂
I have had a difficult time getting into my art lately. I am definitely going put this practice into my daily schedule. Thank you so much.
I LOVE your logo!! Elegant, slightly understated...regal!
I lost your first book when my bag was stolen a year ago but these videos are awesome. These are super helpful.
I love this. One step I like to add especially for very beginner artists or children is starting with making random light scribble marks on the page with pencil.
The best lessons. I'm from Brasil and starting to draw now. You're an amazing teacher. Thank you
dang you have NICE handwritting!!
Fantastic, Alphonso. Thank you so much. You are the best!
This looks like something I need to do. THANKS!
Thank you for this 🌷 I hadn’t thought of sketching with a brush pen. I really like the look of the mark making. I just ordered some of these.
When I'm bored sometimes I'll draw from imagination and let the shapes i come up with guide me and just draw random stuff. Usually it ends up looking pretty decent, It's relaxing and it helps me feel like I improve at art.
Great video! I like to study math, and disengaging from the subject is important to the learning process. I study drawing, too, and this video is just what I needed.
bruh . I was having a bad day. but after listening to your voice , now my mind is really calm. man you've some power in your voice out there. I love the way you describe about the art of scribbling . Thanks man.
🙏🙏
You never fail to amaze me
🙏
Thank you Alphonso :-)
I love that Tombow pen…
Amazing piece of advice that doesn't apply only to drawing if you think about it... Thank you so much!
Helpful experience shared. Thanks!
Hey love your videos! Great information, keep em coming! I do a lot of doodling, abstract with pen! I always used to tell myself I wish I could draw! Well got into painting several years ago, and now I find myself doodling in my sketchbook more than anything! anyway love your videos very informative! Godspeed!
I’m a surveyor. I have to sketch various things as field evidence… this is basically the method I use.
I got your first two books and happy to hear there may be a third book soon!
thank you so much. 🐱I have really bad depression and I am a perfectionist with my art... you get the picture. I'll try doing a page of this exercise before i draw. again, thank you so much.
This is exactly the video I needed right now. So glad I found and subbed to your channel!
This really inspired me and relaxed me. Thanks for sharing.
I'm a self thaught artist and i did get this experiance subconsciously few times when I couldn't figure out what to draw. I would call it a stance where you unlock your full potential! You start drawing things you would never imagine you can actually draw without reference! You become the fearless creator of your imagination! :D
So inspiring, amazing video and drawings, thank you! 🤩
🙂🙏
Think I'll try this as a warm up for my drawing for fun sessions.
Definitely needed to hear this. I struggle with 'empty page anxiety' -- I can never seem to actually start sketchbooks because I get wrapped up in thinking that it *has* to aethetically pleasing when it really doesn't. A sketchbook is for practice, after all. :)
seems like fun! gotta give it a go as warm up exercise.
I'M SO HAPPY YOU POSTED THIS I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE WHY DID I NEVER DO THIS??? I USED TO DO IT DURING LECTURES IN COLLEGE
I'm not an artist, but this type of drawing is still very therapeutic for me. The flowing style journaling you mentioned in the beginning of the video never worked for me because sometimes I can't find the words to get feelings out of my head or I'm just embarrassed to manifest them into words, but flow style doodling is easier to me for expressing the verbally unexpressable.
Thanks for this advice! Im in a bad art block. Ill try my best to do this!
Very interesting that this was recommended to me when it was. When I started drawing it was with a pen (doodles in the margins of my notebooks). Recently I've gone back to it, and I've only been using a pen with black ink, nothing else. I've started to create more intricate works, and I've learned to turn mistakes into parts of the work. It is cool to see a video from a more experienced artist describing what I've discovered over the past few weeks.
Also worth mentioning that I love abstract work so my willingness to draw entirely in this way likely reflects that. I love and wholeheartedly agree with what you describe in terms of the aestheticism of lines. If you think about it all visual reality is just lines.
Thanks for a great video! I really like these sketches, they remind me of Quentin Blake illustrations
thank you for your videos and much thanks for this one! It's really nice to hear your voice and it helps a lot when you share such things. I like your advice a lot =) You're an awesome person!
Just glad I can help
Mr. Dunn, you are possibly the best art tutor on RUclips. Thank you for the years of education you’ve provided us.
"Act without expectation." - Lao Tzu
Exactly what I needed.
Thank you sir, I really needed that, I don’t know how you got recommended to me but I’m glad it did ❤😊
Thanks! This is a worthwhile exercise.
I love the suggestions.
My main problem is that. Have two modes: A) When doing my warmup exercises (always using scratch paper,), they evolve into doodles with nice flowing lines, out of which I create images, some of them quite nice, which I should I had in my sketch book.
B) When using my sketch book, a perfectionist mind takes over, and my lines are less loose and not as nice looking, the flow of the work will slow to a crawl, because I will obsess with right proportions, and will be unable to sketch without lots of revisions.
This helped me! Thank you very much c:
Thanks for this video, it's very helpful. This technique good to be remembered time to time. I do this kinda of loose drawing in a notebook and it active so much creativity that's very fun, but I was almost forgetting to do this kind of draws in the last month
💥 "LEARNING TO TRUST YPURSELF MORE..." 💥
MIC DROP.
You are an amazing artist, a phenomenal teacher and an inspiring human being.
I just found your channel a couple of days ago. I am taking my first steps into the pen & paper art expression. In watching a few of your videos I am joyfully recognizing that my inner process of writing poetry has some strong similarities to sketching & drawing. But the most profound aspect of this new adventure of mine is seeing the metaphors in my daily spiritual practice.
Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.💖💖💗
Another great video, thx man
Anxiety and stress and frustration has made art, something I used to love become really bad for my mental health. While I don't doubt this is a good exercise towards easing those negative feelings I watch this and having aphantasia I just don't think I could get much out of scribbles when I have nothing in my head being able to connect them to any kind of form. Art hasn't really been fun for me in years and I miss that feeling so much.
I discovered this method by accident when I started sketching at least twice per session in a Spelljammer DnD campaign. The sketches replace most of my traditional notes as a player. It's all on notebook paper. But *seeing* and *hearing* you detail the topic caused a literal pressure to release behind my eyes. Thank you for helping me to understand.
I don't know why but this is causing me unease and slight anxiety xD I think this is down to a deeper issue of not letting go and always expecting the best though... This could be an interesting exercise to attempt and see if I can get passed that barrier.
Thanks for bringing this up :)
Omg I just sat down to do this and I'm using the same exact pen as you!! We're besties now bc this is my favorite pen!
😂
I was taught to draw similar to this in industrial design school to generate a ton of ideas for concepts quickly
Great info! Thanks 😊