UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVITY
3 Fun Drawing Techniques
I often use drawing techniques in my classes to help my students loosen up and let go of the pressure to draw perfectly—and they’ve loved the results! Using bright and cheerful tulips as our subject, they produced fantastic artwork and had a wonderful time in the process.
It’s easy to fall into familiar patterns when drawing, relying on muscle memory rather than truly seeing. But with a few simple exercises—inspired by Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards—you can train yourself to observe more accurately and draw with greater intuition. These three methods will challenge your perception, boost your skills, and make the creative process even more enjoyable. Why not give them a try?
Who says drawing has to be perfect? Explore new techniques and have fun!
A fun challenge: drawing with your non-dominant hand for expressive results
1. Blind Contour Drawing
Blind contour drawing sharpens your observation by removing the temptation to rely on memory. The rule is simple: don’t look at your paper. Instead, fix your eyes on your subject—whether it’s a flower, a face, or an object—and let your pencil follow your gaze as you slowly trace the contours. Focus on both the subject and the surrounding negative space, moving your pencil in sync with your eye movements.
At first, your drawings may look unusual or exaggerated, but that’s the beauty of this technique! It strengthens hand-eye coordination, forces you to truly see details, and results in expressive, energetic lines.
2. Upside-Down Drawing
Your brain often simplifies familiar objects, which can lead to distorted proportions. When you flip an image upside down, it tricks your brain into focusing on raw shapes rather than preconceived symbols.
Try turning a reference photo or an object upside down. Instead of thinking about what you’re drawing, focus only on the lines, angles, and shapes. This forces your brain to observe more carefully, leading to more accurate and realistic drawings.
3. Drawing with Your Non-Dominant Hand
Using your non-dominant hand slows you down, forcing you to be more deliberate. At first, it will feel awkward, and your lines may be shaky—but that’s part of the process! This technique helps you break free from muscle memory, improving focus and making your drawings looser and more expressive.
Many artists find this method refreshing because it removes the pressure to create "perfect" drawings. Instead, it encourages spontaneity and mindfulness.
Embrace the Challenge!
These techniques might feel strange at first, but that’s exactly why they work. By practicing them regularly, you’ll train your brain to see more deeply, improve your drawing skills, and unlock new levels of creativity.
Next time you feel stuck, try one of these methods—you might be surprised by what you create
Breaking free from perfection—sketching tulips with playful, loose techniques.
