Drawing can be so much fun. But more often than not, it is overwhelming. Especially when you first start out, and you have been working really hard to draw the perfect picture. But then you take a step back and look at the page or canvas you have been spending hours on and the picture looks terrible. So terrible you want to rip it to pieces or throw it at the wall and never think about art again. I know. We've all been there. And if you haven't, rest assured, you will be there someday. 

Now, I am not here to give you some formula that will turn you into a Master Artist, make all of your drawings perfect, or that will help you never struggle in art again. However, I am here to encourage you. Your work will pay off. You will get the results you want someday. And, if you keep going, that day may come sooner than you think. 

In the following paragraphs, I want to share some tips and encouragement with you. Near the end of this page, I have some pictures I would like to share with you. The pictures that I have been proud of and the very frustrating pictures. Unfortunately, I have thrown a few of those pictures away. But please don't do that. Keep that terrible art that looks like your dog tried to draw a picture of Squidward. Why? Because one day, you can put that picture next to a beautiful masterpiece you finished after hours, days, or weeks of hard work. Then you can remember how far you've come and feel proud that you kept going even when it was extremely frustrating. And that all your hard work gave you good results and paid off. But after you pat yourself on the back, don't stop there. 

You may not be there yet. Or maybe you're not even close. Here are a few tips as you move forward, no matter where you are in your journey. 

First- learn the foundational skills. This includes shading, proportions, colour relationships, how light works, etc. Get the boring stuff down first so you can move on. Also, if you want to learn how to draw a specific style, study realism (not exactly hyperrealism or anything like that) because it is the foundational proportions that other styles may stretch. (I will write another article more in-depth about this topic and link it here soon.) 

Second- learn in baby steps. Don't try to learn everything at once. For example, if you want to learn how to draw a face, practice drawing the different parts of the face first. Find the proportions of the face, then put it all together. It may be helpful to draw the entire face first to see where you are at and then practice what you need to. 

Third- Start with the supplies you have. If all you have is a piece of paper and a pencil, that's okay. You can still learn and make beautiful pictures with that. Realize that better supplies can help drawings look better. However, skill and practice are more impactful than supplies. 

Fourth- Take your sweet time. STOP and relax. Take a deep breath and enjoy yourself. Don't rush the learning process. Take breaks from drawing. If you become frustrated, go outside or drink some water. And if you are tired and drawing isn't working out that day, come back and try tomorrow. 

Fifth- Find your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is very helpful because you can see what you are more inclined to. You will need to more purposefully practice your weak spots because you will already be inclined to practicing your strengths.

Sixth- Keep Going. Don't give up. Find out what works for you. Practice. Look things up online or find a book. Use your resources. Realize some days will be easier than others. If you are having a bad day, don't give up. Think like this: " Today was terrible. That is okay. I will come back and see how I can do better tomorrow." I know some of you may be thinking, "Are you kidding? I could do everything better. There is nothing good about this drawing." That is okay. Don't feel overwhelmed. Step back and pin down the things that make the drawing look bad. For example, it may be the proportions or shading, or your art is flat. Then go back and learn each part until you have it. Then put it together and try again. 

I hope this article was helpful or encouraging to you in some way. Keep going in your art journey. 

I am Melinda Matthews, owner of MelindaSunshineArt. I love drawing and want to help others in their journey as an artist. I am still learning and growing too. If you are interested, please visit my Etsy shop. I sell customized drawing originals at an affordable price. To get more articles like this, you can sign up for my email list, where you can be updated about everything new at MelindaSunshineArt. 

Thank you and have a blessed day!