This week I also decided to take time to draw from reference photos–– I created two sketches this week! It was actually quite difficult to find time to sit down and just draw with no distractions this week…I’ve had a crazy week for several reasons. However, taking time and forcing myself to sit and draw was so relaxing and very much needed.

I always get a little worried about drawing faces, because the proportions are so easy to mess up… and I’m definitely a little bit of a perfectionist. I think this goes for any artwork I decide to create, but I’m always a little bit hesitant because I worry my art won’t turn out as good as I want it to and then I’ll either be stressed about it for no reason or I’ll be disappointed at the results. BUT, drawing this week was surprisingly relaxing. I think learning to simply create for the purpose of creating is something so key when aiming to enjoy art––though the reality of that is much more difficult than it seems.

In the picture to the left, I decided to use a photo of Angelina Jolie… but take some ~creative liberties~ with it. I love her face structure and drawing such chiselled features with dramatic shadows and highlights was so much fun. I decided I was not up for drawing eyes, so I decided to draw her eyes closed and a tear on her cheek… and, personally, I think it adds a more solemn look which was the vibe I was going for (especially with the black and white graphite). As well, I drew her hair more slicked back as if she was coming out of water and I really like how it turned out!

A picture of what is above my desk! (with the added drawings from this week)

For my second drawing, I combined two reference photos into one! The bouquet of wildflowers and then a butterfly on one of the flowers! This one was super fun for me because I tend to draw a lot of flowers and plants so I was pretty comfortable drawing this one. With this drawing, I kept it fairly simple, but I took time to shade all the different leaves and petals on the flowers and I really like what the butterfly adds as well.

I would also like to briefly mention that I feel like there is a lot of pressure to create 100% original art pieces, when in reality that is not feasible and should not be the expectation. Drawing, painting, sculpting (or whatever it may be) from a reference is how we learn and, I think, there should be no shame in creating art from a reference as long as you acknowledge what you are creating from.

Overall, I am so so glad I took the time to create art this week. After learning more about art therapy and the principle of expressing yourself through art without worrying about the end result, I was able to make my experience very relaxing and enjoyable. I forgot how much I loved drawing, and will definitely be incorporating it into my weekly routine.