How to Draw When Nothing Comes to Mind

There's a reason the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" has been a favorite of artists for years. Sometime a plan can hinder your artistic progress. So, if you have a hankering to draw but no idea what to draw, that can be a good thing. Here's how to draw when nothing comes to mind.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Doodle. Draw anything--shapes, letters, squiggly lines. Draw as many of them as you want and just do whatever come naturally. Drawing, like other creative pursuits, operates from the spontaneous, freewheeling part of the brain as much, if not more, than the sensible one.

2. Use different media. Experiment with colored pencils, charcoal and crayons separately or together on one piece of paper. Let your subconscious dictate where to go. You'll be surprised at the results.

3. Look at an object in the room and try sketching it. The approach can be minimal, surrealist or realist; just examine and draw. By drawing when nothing comes to mind, you become free to experiment with different subjects and techniques instead of what the logical brain usually chooses.

4. Draw a model. Ask your spouse, friend or child to pose for you. If they're not around, try drawing a portrait of the dog or a hummingbird outside the window.

5. Study a drawing or painting. Try to draw it without looking at your hand as you sketch. Keep your eyesight focused on the drawing as you do it, and imagine touching the form as you move the pencil. Free your mind of extraneous thoughts. Sometimes thinking about nothing can be great for your creativity.

[BobbiK]

on 8/20/2008 Great advice. Sometimes the best work comes from no plan at all...