How to Draw

I know that some of you may have already read this article, but for those that haven't, here it is;

Drawing well is something that the majority of people will never accomplish. To many this puts art in the realm of a innate ability. I can see why. If you can only draw stick figures, there is a good chance that when your mate whips out the canvas you feel decidedly inferior. "How do you do that??" The friend shrugs non-committally. "I just can."

According to your artist friends answer, drawing is something that you are just born knowing how to do. And there is some merit in this statement, for all its invalidism. It does seem that some people pick up the concept of art faster than others; Those people who were never formally taught, yet can create master pieces with a paintbrush.

However these 'gifted' people are for the most part entirely like those who cannot presently draw. If you look at their drawings from early childhood, you will notice that they are directly comparable to another child's creation. The untutored artist had to start somewhere.

I believe then, that the difference in ability that appears later in the child's life, comes not from a subconscious gift from the heavens, but from a much simpler source. These children that become artist have more of interest in art than their peers. When the other children are kicking soccer balls or reading books, they are drawing endless pictures.

Practice makes perfect they say, and this is shown in all its glory when the child grows up... and whips out the canvas.

cheers
meg