I received a great list from “the sneaky artist”, about why people don’t start or don’t finish drawings, and adapted it a bit to fit my problems :
Why People Don’t Start
- There is not enough time, they think
- They are not good enough and the drawing will be ugly
- They are overwhelmed by the scene, they’ll try when they’ll be able to draw
Why People Don’t Finish
- They are not good enough
- They get lost in the details
- They find the drawing “Ugly”
Ever hesitated before starting a drawing because you felt you didn’t have enough time, weren’t skilled enough, or felt overwhelmed by the complexity of your scene?
You’re not alone! Or perhaps you’ve begun with enthusiasm only to find the subject shifting, the details overwhelming, or ended up frustrated because your drawing didn’t match the image in your head.
Or you don’t dare to draw in public, thinking you’ll come back when you’ll be able to draw?
Here’s a comforting truth: these feelings are totally normal, experienced by every artist—novice or experienced alike.
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: it’s all about DOING it and PRACTICE… not about talent. So everybody can LEARN how to draw, but you only learn by doing it and practicing, like you learned how to speak and write…
Drawing isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Give yourself permission to create imperfectly, freely, joyfully. Sketch what you truly see, not what you think you’re supposed to draw. Celebrate the small, messy beginnings and enjoy the process itself.
When interruptions happen (and they always will), remember this isn’t the end—it’s simply a pause. Take a breath, come back, and continue.
Your creativity deserves your kindness, patience, and presence. Embrace your creative journey, one delightful stroke at a time. It’s like meditation: it empties our head…
Choosing a project
Having a project, like making a book, or doing a challenge: “7 days of teacups”, or participating in an online drawing challenge like “100 drawing days” is the most motivating to keep going! Posting your drawings on Instagram will help you to keep going, people cheering you on and you’ll motivate other people to do the same!
I just finished my book about Portugal. it will be printed by the end of May. I love making books because it gives me a purpose to draw. So I don’t have to worry about what will I draw.
And otherwise I always draw my tea cups !
Experiment to play!
Experimenting and playing to try new ways to sketch is also a way to keep going for me and to care less about the result.
To celebrate the publishing of my new book about Portugal with Editions Akinome I published a new tutorial on YouTube, made in Portugal, in Amarante, where I play with watercolour pencils in my watercolour sketch. That way you see the making of one of my favourite sketches in the book! The book will be my most beautiful I made so far. And of course I made an English textbook for you!
In the video below you see how I play with watercolor pincils in my watercolor sketch.
What are your tricks to start and Finish your drawings and to stay motivated to practice?
Much love,
