Today I’d like to talk to you about how to find something to draw.
When I first published this post, it was part of a series on plein aire drawing. If you’re interested in drawing outside, other posts in the series include the equipment I use instead of a standard easel, and putting together a field kit.
But even if you aren’t interested in drawing outside, you may sometimes find it difficult to find your next subject.
Let’s talk about that.
How to Find Something to Draw
Most of the time, this probably isn’t a problem. You no doubt have your favorite subjects (as I do) and can find potential subjects in your own photos or in other places.
But there can also be times when your favorite subjects are uninspiring. Nothing looks good. None of the photos appeal to you for more than a few minutes.
What do you do then?
Let me share a few ideas.
Outside Your Back Door
This detail drawing shows an oddity that appears at the foot of a tree that’s scarcely four feet from our back steps. I sat on the back steps and drew it from life. I actually drew it twice. The first time was in graphite. This is the second drawing.
What attracted me to this?
The main reason is that I like drawing trees in general. The structure of branches and trunks fascinate me.
But the uniqueness of this particular tree feature (and it’s nearness) was what prompted me to sit down and draw it. I have to be honest. This isn’t a subject I would ordinarily draw, but once I did, I looked at trees in a brand new way.
Above Your Head
These clouds are further away, but I sat in a lawn chair just a few feet from the above mentioned tree while I drew the clouds.
Such scenes are available from anywhere around the house, around town, or in the countryside. All you have to do is look!
Tips for Finding Something to Draw
When looking for subjects, keep an eye on the big picture, but also be aware that your subject will most likely be a very small part of the big picture.
Like the interesting detail at the foot of a towering elm.
If you’re not a fan of landscapes, that’s okay. There are still plenty of interesting things all around. Take a look at the things on or around your front porch. Here are a few of the things I found just outside my front door.
We also have cats, so there are opportunities to draw them if I happen to find them napping.
You Don’t Have to Go Outside
Look around your house. There are probably many things to draw in every room. Spoons, forks, and other utensils. Boxes, bags, and packages. Even a shiny piece of tin foil or candy wrapper.
Don’t forget the candy itself!
How to Find Something to Draw
The point is that there are always things to draw close at hand.
When searching for something to draw, I’ve identified two keys to keep in mind.
- Don’t rule anything out at a glance
- Look for the thing that attracts your glance repeatedly
What makes a subject interesting as a drawing or sketch has as much to do with how you see it and choose to draw it as with its innate qualities.
So take a look around, and see what’s available.
Then take a little time to sketch it. You might be surprised at the results!
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Thank you so much for this. I am really in a dry spell right now. This will help me to see the not so obvious things to draw and paint.
Shirley,
I’m glad to have been of help!
You don’t have to do large drawings, complex drawings, or even polished drawings. Sketches and small work is just as helpful and can actually be quite a bit of fun.