Drawing isn’t about creating a masterpiece; it’s about personal exploration and connecting with the world.
“I just can’t draw.”
How often have we heard that from friends, or even ourselves, when faced with a blank sketchpad?
There is a barrier we encounter in our later years that discourages us from drawing.
We worry we’re not the next Leonardo da Vinci and should leave it to the “artists.”
But this mindset needs to be revised, according to design historian D.B. Dowd. In his eye-opening book, “Stick Figures: Drawing as a Human Practice,” he emphasizes that drawing shouldn’t be confined to the realm of artistry. Dowd asserts:
“We’ve confused the true value of drawing by treating it as a specialized skill rather than a universal ability. This misunderstanding has limited our appreciation of drawing, obscuring its role as a tool for learning above all.”
In simpler terms, drawing isn’t about showing off; it’s about the process and growth.
It’s for everyone, not just professional artists or hobbyists. Consider drawing as a method of observing the world and acquiring wisdom, akin to jotting down thoughts, taking notes, or communicating through text.