Studio: Design, Aesthetics, and Drawing - Nicolaides' The Natural Way to Draw

One of the resources that I chose to focus on is Nicolaides' The Natural Way to Draw.

I think this resource is excellent for teachers, and contains some great advice.

One of the most important elements of this text that teachers need to instill in their students is the need for practice, practice, practice. Nicolaides even suggests a very rigorous time table for practicing.

When a student is frustrated, they always seem to start their complaint with, "I can't...." I tell them, they are not allowed to start a sentence like that. They can only say, "I haven't practiced (insert technique here) that enough."

I think that the benefits of practice is very evident in my work (see earlier post - Early Sketches) Not only is the need for practice noticeable in my drawing, but it is also evident in my scrapbooking and card making hobby.

In the above pictures it is very evident how my work has improved through practice in this craft. The top card is my very first card. It employs three techniques: paper layering, a sticker, and a brad. The later tag employs three paper techniques, and four inking techniques.