Straight Lines Are Not a Prerequisite

Periods of Time, wool , 9” x 12”

 

Blog 8


It always breaks my heart to hear from people who feel not artistic because they cannot even draw a straight line. I always tell them that this is only necessary for architects and similar professions that design manufactured objects. Where do you find straight lines in nature? Look around you and let me know what you discover.


I love the work of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect who tried throughout his life to copy nature’s rounded forms in his buildings. We are the ones who create straight lines and symmetry. Nature’s shapes are much more fluid and curved. Therefore, drawing a straight line is not a prerequisite to creating art.


The problem is not that you cannot draw a straight line. The problem is that you compare yourself to the work of others and put pressure on yourself, expecting a specific result. But art is not mathematics. Art is subjective and emotional.


However, pressure creates apprehension. Instead of enjoying the process, the feel of the brush or pencil in your hand, the softness of the material, and the excitement about creating something that you want to express, you freeze and get frustrated. You focus on the result and forget to enjoy the process. If you have ever been on a long trip, you know that it is much more enjoyable if you are excited about the journey and not only the final destination.

I want to encourage you to pick up a regular pencil and draw simple shapes (circles, squares, ovals, etc.) that overlap without thinking about any form you want to create. After a while, look at the map of lines on your paper. Then, start filling some areas with colour or different shades of grey. Not having specific materials should never prevent you from creating art. The more you use your materials, the more ideas you get. You are increasing your creativity by being more creative. This skill will also help you in other areas of your life where you need innovative solutions to a problem. Maybe you want to listen to your favourite music to get inspired or enjoy retreating to a quiet spot. Once you feel more comfortable, you will reach a point when you are in the moment and forget everything around you.


Do I suggest that everyone will be happy with doodling and drawing? Absolutely not. I recommended the above exercise because most people have pencils at home. I wanted to show you that you can create things. Maybe, you will fall in love with pencils. Maybe what you thought you would enjoy is not a medium or technique that suits your personality.


Therefore, instead of going out and feeling overwhelmed in an art store, find out if you can get a starter kit or beginner workshop, or ask friends to show you and perhaps experiment with their materials. If you have questions, send me an email to info@kerstinpeters.ca. I will help you figure out your next steps to exploring your creativity.


It always breaks my heart to hear from people who feel not artistic because they cannot even draw a straight line. I always tell them that this is only necessary for architects and similar professions that design manufactured objects. Where do you find straight lines in nature? Look around you and let me know what you discover.

 

Detail from Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

I love the work of Antoni Gaudí, a Spanish architect who tried throughout his life to copy nature’s rounded forms in his buildings. We are the ones who create straight lines and symmetry. Nature’s shapes are much more fluid and curved. Therefore, if you cannot draw a straight line, that’s the best premise to create art.


The problem is not that you cannot draw a straight line. The problem is that you compare yourself to the work of others and put pressure on yourself, expecting a specific result. But art is not mathematics. Art is subjective and emotional.


However, pressure creates apprehension. Instead of enjoying the process, the feel of the brush or pencil in your hand, the softness of the material, and the excitement about creating something that you want to express, you freeze and get frustrated. You focus on the result and forget to enjoy the process. If you have ever been on a long trip, you know that it is much more enjoyable if you are excited about the journey and not only the final destination.


I want to encourage you to pick up a regular pencil and draw simple shapes (circles, squares, ovals, etc.) that overlap without thinking about any form you want to create. After a while, look at the map of lines on your paper. Then, start filling some areas with colour or different shades of grey. Not having specific materials should never prevent you from creating art. The more you use your materials, the more ideas you get. You are increasing your creativity by being more creative. This skill will also help you in other areas of your life where you need innovative solutions to a problem. Maybe you want to listen to your favourite music to get inspired or enjoy retreating to a quiet spot. Once you feel more comfortable, you will reach a point when you are in the moment and forget everything around you.


Do I suggest that everyone will be happy with doodling and drawing? Absolutely not. I recommended the above exercise because most people have pencils at home. I wanted to show you that you can create things. Maybe, you will fall in love with pencils. Maybe what you thought you would enjoy is not a medium or technique that suits your personality.


Therefore, instead of going out and feeling overwhelmed in an art store, find out if you can get a starter kit or beginner workshop, or ask friends to show you and perhaps experiment with their materials. If you have questions, send me an email to info@kerstinpeters.ca. I will help you figure out your next steps to exploring your creativity.