When I decided to take drawing seriously again, I did what any good little eager artist would do and went looking for resources to help me learn. I checked out numerous books from the library, watched countless videos on the internet, and even went searching for local art classes I could take.
One resource I found was the website Draw A Box. It seemed like the perfect resource for a new learner like myself to dive into. Best of all, it was free. One suggestion the course made was to use regular printing paper for drawing. Since the idea was that you (me) would be drawing a lot, it was better to use cheap paper with plenty to spare. I would later come to regret this decision, but I dutifully went to Target and purchased a pack of 500 pages.
This was the first drawing I did using this paper.
I was craving an oreo milkshake and the idea was born. It was quite the exercise for me. Everything featured was something I drew for the first time and I was very proud of myself. I even got to use some of the new fineliner pens I bought based on research (Sakura Micron and Staedtler).
But as I drew more pieces using the paper, I began to resent it. The paper would sometimes bend if I wasn’t too careful with erasing (and I erase a lot!). I wanted to start using paints and alcohol markers and I knew the paper would not hold up. The paper was also very thin and anytime I photographed it I had to place another sheet underneath it to give it some substance.
More research later I bought a Canson mixed media sketchbook and I’ve been happy ever since. Thankfully I only completed two more drawings using the printing paper before jumping ship.
As for Draw A Box, I gave up on that pretty quickly. I just didn’t have enough free time to do both the coursework and my own drawings, and when I found my free time occupied by the coursework I was done. Besides, I just want to draw. Yes, I want to be good at drawing but on my own terms. And since I’m not pursing a professional career in art there’s no reason to put that pressure on myself. For now, I just want to enjoy the process.
Materials Used
*Target brand mechanical pencils
*Sakura Micron Pens (black)
*Staedtler Colored Pens
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