Do you also face the fear and dread of starting to sketch everyday, afraid to ruin your sketchbook?

I’m feeling a lot of resistance lately in my creative work and can’t seem to get going…. My inner critic is louder than ever: I’m overwhelmed by the violence in the world, and with work in the office. And in the evening I just stare at my phone… and as a consequence I don’t sleep well. 

I feel I need to do something with the beautiful autumn colors. But after work it’s getting dark early now and so I also draw my art supplies and tea cups… Tea cups! Why do I paint so much tea cups?

Because

• they help me to empty my head
• they help me to shut down my inner critic ( all those voices in my head telling me I’m not good enough, telling me I should work and do something useful instead of making art)
• they’re a great way to exercise my “looking” and drawing skills
• they’re a great way to learn how to make shadows and bring light to a sketch
• they’re a great way to try out new art supplies and new colors
• they’re a great way to play around without thinking about what to draw
• they make me happy

But in the weekend I started an autumn zine, inspired by a video by Ohn Mar Win on Patreon.

She shows how to make a zine from a single sheet of watercolour paper. It’s such a fun, low-pressure way to explore ideas and tell small stories through paint and drawing.

In a video, she shows you exactly how to fold and cut the paper so you can make your own. All you’ll need is one sheet, a pencil, and a pair of scissors. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll have a little booklet ready to fill with whatever you like doodles, textures, or even seasonal scenes.

I’m filling mine with autumn colors.

I made a Youtube video of my autumn sketching last weekend

(Have you already subscribed to my YouTube channel?)

So how do artists overcome resistance and start drawing? Because we all know that the only way to make a good drawing is to take that damn sketchbook and PRACTICE…. So I write it down a list to help me (note to self…) and after writing this blogpost I will sit down and make a drawing!

• Embrace Imperfection in a sketchbook: Give yourself the PERMISSION to wander around in your sketchbook. I sketch my art supplies or tea cups when I feel too much doubt and resistance. Understand that not every drawing has to be a masterpiece. The goal of a sketchbook is to explore, experiment, and play. Embracing imperfection allows you to make mistakes, which are essential for learning and creative growth. Remember, even the most renowned artists have pages and pages of work they’re not proud of—it’s all part of the process. Embrace imperfection but without being sloppy.
• Talk to yourself like you talk to your best friend and Set Small, Achievable Goals: Start with small drawings that you can complete without much pressure. For me it’s tea cups.
• Do an Art Challenge: Art Challenges are a way to PLAY and don’t take yourself too seriously
• Create a Routine: Resistance often creeps in when you’re out of practice. Set aside a regular time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to work in your sketchbook. Leave your art supplies in sight somewhere in a corner of your home.
• Don’t allow selfdoubt to paralyse you: If you can write, you can draw. Draw like you write, with long lines, a combination of lines. Surround yourself with things that inspire you. It could be music that gets you in the mood, looking at art that excites you, or reading quotes from your favorite artists. Sometimes, seeing the work of others can trigger the urge to create yourself. Be Curious.

Remember, the most important step is to start, even if it’s imperfect. Each mark on the paper is a step forward in your creative journey. Happy drawing!

PS: How do you like my autumn  palettes? Here’s my color list !

In the warm palette are:

• Titanium buff DS
• Potter’s pink W&N
• Sicklerite genuine DS
• Sepia Schmincke
• Bitume brown by Sennelier
• Transparent Yellow Ochre DS
• Raw Umber W&N
• Burnt Sienna W&N
• Transparent red oxide DS
• Transparent Brown oxide
• Rouge Anglais W&N
• Deep Scarlet DS
• Hansa Medium Yellow DS
• Transparent Pyrrol Orange DS
• Burnt Orange by DS
• Coral Reef DS
• Desert Green by Schmincke
• My shadow grey: French Ultramarine + Transparent Orange

In the Cool palette

• Lunar Black DS
• Indigo DS
• Blue Apatite DS
• Cobalt Blue W&N
• Indanthrene Blue DS
• Ultramarine Blue W&N
• Deepsea Blue Schmincke
• Glacier Blue Schmincke
• Imperial Purple DS
• Vert Anglais Sennelier
• Cerulean Blue W&N
• Sap Green W&N
• Cobalt Teal Blue DS
• Sleeping Beauty DS
• Forest Green Schmincke
• Forest Brown Schmincke
• Undersea Green DS
• Rare Green Earth DS
• Green Apatite Genuine DS