I love rule number five “you must finish each drawing even if it’s going badly.” I often use this concept in my day-to-day life by pushing through mistakes and things of that nature but never thought to apply it to my art. I often make mistakes and either cover them up with something or or just skip to the next page so I’m definitely going to try this in hopes that it can teach me something about my art.
Hi Emma. I think restrictions are generally hugely valuable in the creative process. I've only just started drawing/painting and experience frequent set-backs. My rule is to keep going! Last night I was in a right old state and very stuck, so I just started scribbling randomly in my sketchbook with coloured pencils, then added layers of watercolour, until it was quite a mess. It was cathartic! Generally I try to stick to just a few materials or colours at a time but this time my instinct said to let rip.
I think having boundaries is what I need. I'm feeling super overwhelmed by all the different options out there. Sometimes I'm exhausted before I even start.
I just discovered substack and your writing through your Instagram and I probably won't sleep tonight as a result 😉
That last rule! "You must finish each drawing even if it's going badly" is brilliant! And I love the idea of sitting down to draw one thing or theme. Your pages are beautiful!
Love this Emma, so true. It’s easy to give up on a drawing when you feel it’s going badly but pushing through can be so rewarding. The rules you set yourself make a great exercise, I’ll try and remember them next time I get stuck! X Maris
I love rule number five “you must finish each drawing even if it’s going badly.” I often use this concept in my day-to-day life by pushing through mistakes and things of that nature but never thought to apply it to my art. I often make mistakes and either cover them up with something or or just skip to the next page so I’m definitely going to try this in hopes that it can teach me something about my art.
Great blog post look forward to seeing more !
Hi Emma. I think restrictions are generally hugely valuable in the creative process. I've only just started drawing/painting and experience frequent set-backs. My rule is to keep going! Last night I was in a right old state and very stuck, so I just started scribbling randomly in my sketchbook with coloured pencils, then added layers of watercolour, until it was quite a mess. It was cathartic! Generally I try to stick to just a few materials or colours at a time but this time my instinct said to let rip.
I think having boundaries is what I need. I'm feeling super overwhelmed by all the different options out there. Sometimes I'm exhausted before I even start.
I just discovered substack and your writing through your Instagram and I probably won't sleep tonight as a result 😉
That last rule! "You must finish each drawing even if it's going badly" is brilliant! And I love the idea of sitting down to draw one thing or theme. Your pages are beautiful!
Love the rules with 🐈⬛ 🐱 🐈
I quite often make rules to myself, and in most times I break them too :D but rule number 5 is a golden one, and I keep that always!
This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing. ☺️
Love your cat sketches! I will try these rules!
I like the rules, simple yet achievable. Enjoyed your process and most of all I enjoyed the art
Your newsletter came exactly in the right moment Emma! I feel really stuck right now with my sketchbook and I will try these rules for sure. xx Andrea
Love this Emma, so true. It’s easy to give up on a drawing when you feel it’s going badly but pushing through can be so rewarding. The rules you set yourself make a great exercise, I’ll try and remember them next time I get stuck! X Maris