This week, we're ditching the pencil and embracing the true nature of sketching: searching out loud for the lines we like - and we're doing it in ink. Starting with pencil makes it way too easy to get trapped in an endless loop of erasing & overthinking. So leave your early marks visible. They bring so much movement, character, and life to a page! 🎨 The Prompt: Sketch What You’re Eating or Drinking No need to set up a fancy still life. Just pull out a pen and draw whatever's on the table in front of you while you enjoy a snack or coffee. - Commit to Ink: Jump straight in with pen or marker. No erasing allowed! - Search for Lines: Build your form with loose lines. If a line misses the mark, just draw the next one right next to it until you find the right curve or placement. - Highlight the Winners: Go over your favorite lines with a darker tool or a splash of bold color. - Leave the History: Let those early "searching" lines show underneath. They add a lively energy to the final drawing! ☕ I started my sketch of my cold brew while waiting for tacos, layering blue and grey lines until they felt right, before anchoring the forms with darker markers. So give it a try! Sketch your drink or snack and drop it in the comments below so we can see your beautifully layered lines! 👇

🎨Pick a single object on your desk right now (or nearby if you aren’t at a desk). It could be your coffee mug, a pair of scissors, or even your phone charger. ⏲️Give yourself about three minutes to do a simple contour drawing (using only line). 🎨No erasing allowed - just let your lines be! ⭐Share your sketch with us in the comments below using the paperclip to attach a pic. I've added mine here to start us off. P.s. If you’re feeling nervous about sharing a “messy” sketch, remember that “perfect” drawings are pretty boring. We want to see your one-of-a-kind lines, quirks & all.

Hey everyone! For this week’s low-pressure still life, we’re looking to nature for inspiration. Grab a few found objects from the outdoors: rocks, dried leaves, seed pods, shells, bark, etc. and focus on finding a contrast of textures (smooth vs. rough, sleek vs. jagged). 🌿 A few tips for your page: - Focus on texture over precision: Don't worry about getting the proportions perfectly accurate. Focus on descriptive contour lines and capturing how the surfaces feel. - Zero in on what excites you: Highlight a favorite tiny detail or a subtle color that catches your eye. - Help the eye "read" the drawing: If your initial line drawing feels a little messy or hard to parse, try layering in varied hatch marks, line weights, or pops of color to help separate overlapping forms. 🌿 I used a handful of seashells for mine and had so much fun leaning into the ridges on that tiny crab claw and bringing out the subtle pinks and oranges! Grab your natural found objects, fill a page in your sketchbook, and share your drawing in the comments below. I’d love to see what you forage this week! 👇

So glad you're here, new art pal! Do you struggle with trying to draw perfectly? Want to know how to make drawing more fun? Check out my "3 tips for More Enjoyable Drawing" video in the classroom, and let me know if you found it helpful. I'd love your feedback. Thanks!