PRACTICE

There are many good reasons to draw everyday, but Henri expresses one of my favorites.

Its a wonderful headspace. Not only does the brain thrive where there is consistency and dependability in such habits, but the spirit thrives in the creative act.

There is something very meditative in drawing. But it’s not automatic. Of course time and routine play a part. But there is one more important ingredient.

Lean in.

Lets take the 10,000 hours to mastery theory. How many countless hours have you logged driving your car? For many, probably over 10,000 hours. And think about your mindset while driving. After awhile driving becomes second nature, unconscious. Now compare your mental state while driving to work to that of a Daytona race car driver, pushing physical and mechanical limits around every corner!

Technically driving to work and racing around a track are both “driving practice” but realistically they are two totally different head spaces. One is on autopilot and the other is leaning in, pushing limits, maximum focus.

Now a race track forces that kind of focus. It’s external. But an artist, to achieve something similar, needs an internal force.

You must find the motivation to commit to a ritual of deep concentration. Lean in. Not a lot, just enough to be slightly past your abilities.

Doing this and the skill acquisition benefits are obvious, but even better once you start slipping ‘into the higher state of mind” that Henri talks about – you’ll fall in love with drawing and painting all over again:)

Happy Sketching!