Stop Expecting Perfection
Some of the Best Art Isn’t Perfect
Stop expecting perfection. Oh, if only I were paid a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “I wish I could draw” I’d be a millionaire by now!
If you want to draw, then just draw! There’s no reason why you can’t. I can guess your response pretty easily… “I can’t even draw a stick figure.” Or maybe you can, but just barely, right?
First of all, let’s set one thing straight.
Drawing (in the truest sense of the word) is a learned skill and not so much pure talent.
Even those with the talent, or apparent knack for drawing, had to begin somewhere. And they continue to learn and improve. Case in point…I would be one of those that people would point to as having a talent for drawing. However, I didn’t start off drawing the way I do now. If you look at my elementary school drawings, I drew like every other kid of the same age group. Little kids don’t expect perfection. They expect fun!
But at the age where my classmates stopped drawing (mostly due to peer pressure), I continued. And practice, as they say, makes better and better and better. And I’m still getting better to this day.
One of your first drawing lessons was how to write the ABC’s.
Still, I would argue the point that everyone who can scrawl out their name with a writing instrument is drawing. Writing is a form of drawing. That isn’t as lame as you think it is. Being able to write the alphabet was one of the first drawing lessons you ever had. You were graded in penmanship. Granted, some people’s handwriting is easier to read than others. And let me tell you right now, that this artist’s signature is anything but legible!
Even I had to start somewhere! This before and after covers a span of 40 years worth of practice.
And even though I’ve said all of that, your words still echo through my mind. I wish I could draw! What I’d like for you to do is to put your skepticism on a shelf for the time being and take a chance that you can draw, or at least learn to draw.
Stop expecting perfection right out of the box. It’s taken me over 40 years to get to my current level and I’m still making mistakes! Allow yourself the luxury of learning through trial and error.
Mistakes should not make you feel badly. They are valuable lessons. Be grateful for them! Instead of hating what you’ve done and berating yourself for it, step back and analyze it. What could have been done differently? What are you struggling with, specifically? Identifying the trouble spots is the first step towards improving. If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could draw,” do you really mean it? If so, you should know that it’s doable, but not easy. Are you willing to put in the work and practice?
If you can manage to stop expecting perfection, you’ll realize how much fun you can have drawing.
Drawings and paintings that are less than perfect are fun and quirky. They have personality. And even with all the so-called flaws, they tell a story. Stop worrying about precision, composition, perspective, or proportions. Celebrate the imperfection of whatever you create.
One thing is certain. If your drawing or painting is full of mistakes, you still worlds ahead of those who aren’t even trying.
So if you’re willing to take the journey, promise that you’ll be kind to yourself. Promise that you’ll keep an open mind and not judge yourself too harshly. And promise to eliminate the word ‘can’t’ from your vocabulary. Because in the words of Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Replace that four letter word with the phrase, “I currently struggle with…” The latter leaves the doorway of your mind open whereas the other little word closes, locks, and deadbolts your mind shut, eliminating any chance of improvement.
In addition, consider keeping your drawings along the way. There’s no better way to measure your progress than by comparing something new to what you’ve done before. And one last thing, understand that there are many different styles of drawing. Photorealism, like what I do with animal portraits is one way. There are caricature artists, doodlers, classic artists, stylized drawings, 3D drawings, and the list goes on.
I really struggle with any of those other forms of drawing. And I know a few other artists who struggle to do what I do. So stop expecting perfection and just do what you do!
Recent Comments