Draw Every Day

Here is a page from my sketchbook.

It is a drawing of a tree in Redlands. It was done using a watercolor pencil. I enjoy using watercolor pencils. Why? Because you can draw with it like a regular pencil, then for shading, just add water with a brush.

I really enjoy daily drawings like this. It gives me a chance to observe nature up close. It didn't take alot of complicated tools. Simply my sketchpad, pencil and sharpener and a Niji brush. (A niji brush is simply a brush that has a reservoir filled with water.)

I draw every day. Not only is it fun, but you do improve over time with practice. Drawing is alot like sports. You can learn the basics in a couple of hours, but to draw really well, takes lots of practice.

I never set out in the morning knowing what I am going to draw, nor paint. I guess I should plan my time better. I like spontaneous art. I feel like sometimes subjects ask me to draw or paint them. Maybe it is just my subconscious mind settling on a subject. I don't know. All I know about art is to make a great painting, simply listen to the voice inside dictate the direction to go. It sounds strange. But, my best works of art have been made this way.

Live, love and paint,

Terry