One of the biggest challenges in drawing is learning to see what is actually in front of you, rather than what you think should be there. Our brains are very good at filling in gaps, simplifying shapes and jumping to conclusions, and this can quietly creep into our artwork.
When this happens, drawings often feel stiff or slightly off, even if you cannot quite explain why.
The reason is usually that the brain has taken over from the eye.
We all carry strong ideas about what things look like. We think we know how eyes are shaped, how trees grow, how animals sit or how buildings are constructed. When we draw from these assumptions instead of observation, we end up drawing symbols rather than subjects.
Learning to draw what you see is about slowing down and really looking. It means noticing proportions, angles, relationships and negative spaces, rather than naming the object in front of you and drawing what you remember.
A helpful way to do this is to stop thinking about what the subject is and start thinking about shapes. Instead of drawing “an eye”, look for light and dark areas. Instead of drawing “a tree”, look at the angles of branches and the spaces between them.
It can also help to check your work regularly. Step back, compare your drawing to the reference, and look for differences rather than similarities. This is not about being critical, but about staying observant.
Drawing what you see takes practice, and it does not happen overnight. It is a skill that develops gradually as you train yourself to look more carefully and trust your observation.
If your drawings sometimes feel awkward or inaccurate, it does not mean you lack ability. It often just means your eye is still learning to slow down.
And if you would like a subject to practise careful observation with, our Weekend Art Challenges, posted here on the blog every Friday, are a gentle way to focus on looking closely without pressure.
Seeing properly is one of the most important skills an artist can develop, and every drawing helps to build it.
If you would like to receive a roundup of all of our blog posts once a week to keep you inspired in your inbox, why not sign up to our newsletter. You can access our sign up at the top of our page. If you are a London Art College student and you would like your artwork featured here, drop us a line at any time.
