The hottest Drawing Substack posts right now

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The comfort of drawing Batman

Austin Kleon • 2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Comics Cultural Commentary Personal Reflection
  1. Drawing can be a comforting activity, especially during times of boredom or stress. For some, like the author, drawing familiar characters like Batman brings joy.
  2. Airplane mode can enhance productivity because it eliminates distractions. This can turn a flight into a great opportunity to focus and create.
  3. Comfort work is any creative task you do when you don't know what else to tackle. It's nice to have simple activities, like drawing, to fall back on.

My favorite artist

Austin Kleon • 4036 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Artists Drawing Creativity
  1. Many artists believe that all kids are born artists because they naturally create and imagine. Staying artistic is about keeping that sense of wonder and creativity as we grow up.
  2. A personal story highlights the moment a child started drawing, showing that creativity can start at a young age. Encouragement from parents helps nurture this talent.
  3. The act of drawing and creating is a joyful and playful experience, often leading to spontaneous and fun discoveries in art.

Drawing an unlikeness

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Culture History Literature
  1. Ralph Steadman and Hunter S. Thompson had a unique partnership that started with the Kentucky Derby. Their first collaboration was more about their friendship than the actual event.
  2. Steadman's drawings of people sometimes upset them, which confused him because people in England usually accept caricatures lightly.
  3. Trying blind contour drawing helped explore the idea of not needing to create a perfect likeness. It's okay to let loose and embrace the 'unlikeness' in your art.

Day 10. Delight: BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 3930 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Instruction Technique
  1. Blind contour drawing focuses on HOW we draw, not just WHAT we draw.
  2. Blind contour drawing helps connect our eyes and hands, improving drawing skills and teaching us to really SEE.
  3. Blind contour drawing encourages us to let go of expectations and focus on the process of drawing, leading to fun and transformative experiences.
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Day 14. Fun Lesson: HOW TO HAVE FUN... DRAWING (Closed Eyes, Alternate Hand)

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2928 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Community Creativity Lessons Challenges
  1. 30-Day Drawing Habit involves fun drawing lessons with no tests or rules, encouraging experimentation and new perspectives.
  2. Drawing should be fun, and to keep it that way, focus on playfulness, connection, and flow while letting go of perfectionism and judgement.
  3. Having fun while drawing helps retrain the brain to focus on positive things, promotes wellbeing, and can replace the urge to seek entertainment on social media.

GO BIG!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1297 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Composition Technique Inspiration
  1. Visual composition in drawing is key to achieving the desired impact of your artwork, focusing on elements like focal point, balance, movement, and interestingness.
  2. Drawing big can push you out of your comfort zone and lead to more interesting and engaging artwork, as you pay closer attention to details and take up more space in your drawing.
  3. Taking inspiration from artists like Georgia O'Keefe can encourage you to experiment, push boundaries, and capture the essence of your subject in a unique and captivating way.

Drawing A Life

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2122 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Artist Creativity Inspiration
  1. Ruth Asawa's drawing practice started on her family's farm, developing her motor skills and creativity.
  2. During World War 2 internment, Ruth Asawa honed her drawing skills with support from animators and using found materials.
  3. Ruth Asawa's consistent drawing practice at her kitchen table, amidst family life, reflects the importance of a creative space and daily commitment.

A Kid Who Loved to Draw

Shades of Greaves • 727 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Imagination Expression
  1. The joy of drawing as a child can be rediscovered as an adult, allowing for creative expression and fun without a specific purpose.
  2. Taking time to engage in creative activities just for the sake of enjoyment can have positive effects on mental well-being, even if it doesn't directly contribute to professional goals.
  3. Embracing moments of creative 'fuckaroundery' can lead to a more enjoyable life, even if it challenges traditional ideas of productivity and goal achievement.

GUT Visiting Artist: Gretchen Rubin

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1257 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Senses Drawing Inspiration Community
  1. Gretchen Rubin highlights the link between creativity and happiness, showing how it boosts mood, energy, and social connections.
  2. She shares about her sources of creative inspiration, like reading and visiting the Met museum, and how those experiences lead to new projects.
  3. Gretchen suggests a creative exercise of keeping a Five-Senses Journal to spark memories, ideas, and gratitude through daily sensory experiences.

Drawing his way to 100k

Kenny’s Sub • 199 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creative Process Business Strategies Freelancing Content creation
  1. Experimenting is essential. Janis Ozolins tried many different ideas before he found success with drawing. He learned a lot through mistakes and kept exploring until he found what worked for him.
  2. The grind is part of the job. Even if you love what you do, there are always some tasks that can feel tedious, like answering emails or bookkeeping. It’s important to find a balance between fun work and those less enjoyable tasks.
  3. Building an audience matters. Janis didn't rely heavily on freelance work at first. Instead, he focused on creating valuable content and engaging with his audience, which naturally led to opportunities without having to chase them.

The Creative Playground

Ralph Ammer • 825 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Games Skills Craft
  1. The secret to jumpstarting creativity is having fun and being immersed in a game with clear goals and rules.
  2. Drawing exercises are like structured games that set creative limitations to free up our creativity.
  3. To build a creative playground, make variations, limit your time, pick a format, and focus on improving a skill.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

On Looking • 259 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Photography Illustration Drawing Painting
  1. Eclipses provide a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of cosmic events, reminding us of the intricate alignment of celestial bodies.
  2. The experience of observing an eclipse challenges our perception of reality, showcasing how our brain interprets electromagnetic waves and alters our vision.
  3. Looking directly at an eclipse can be harmful and cause solar retinopathy, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear and caution during such rare events.

ART: The Etchings of Martin Lewis

So Here’s a Thing • 766 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Drawing
  1. Martin Lewis created captivating etchings admired by renowned artist Edward Hopper.
  2. Lewis had a diverse background, from mining and logging to being a sailor, before becoming an illustrator and printmaker.
  3. His best-known urban scenes were produced in the 1920s and 30s, showcasing an uncanny poise and gaining him recognition in the art world.

art delivery : 04.01.23

The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society • 648 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Artist spotlight Art Process Podcasts Drawing Visual art
  1. Artist Melissa Louise Bolger creates large-scale crocheted drawings as an ode to her mother.
  2. The artist's work is inspired by an Afghan her mother made and is a way for her to connect with her late mother's spirit.
  3. Listeners can find more about the artist and her work in a new episode available for watching on YouTube.

Drawing at the skate park

Austin Kleon • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Art events Creative Process
  1. Spending one-on-one time with kids is really important. It helps you create special memories and strengthen your bond with them.
  2. Reading can offer unique insights into relationships and creativity. Books like Ada Calhoun’s memoir can inspire thought about family dynamics and artistry.
  3. Music and art have a lasting impact. Remembering and exploring the work of musicians and artists who have passed can help keep their legacy alive.