It is very easy to assume that more detail automatically means better artwork. Many artists feel that if they just add more lines, more texture or more information, the piece will somehow improve.
In reality, the opposite is often true.
Simple drawings tend to work well because they are clear. They focus on what really matters and leave out what does not. When a drawing is overloaded with detail, the main idea can easily get lost.
Simplicity is not about being basic or careless. It is about making thoughtful choices. A simple drawing usually has a clear focal point, strong shapes and a sense of balance. The viewer knows where to look and what the drawing is about.
When artists struggle, it is often because they are trying to do too much at once. Too many elements, too many textures, too many decisions. This can make the work feel heavy and confusing, both to make and to look at.
Starting simply gives you room to build. You can always add more if you need to, but it is much harder to take things away once they are on the page. Many experienced artists work this way deliberately, beginning with the simplest version of an idea and only adding what genuinely improves it.
It is also worth remembering that the viewer does not need to see everything to understand a subject. Suggestion is often far more powerful than description. A few confident marks can say more than hours of careful detailing.
If you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed, try asking a simple question: What is the most important part of this drawing? Focus on that first and let everything else support it.
And if you would like to put this into practice, why not take part in our next Weekend Art Challenge, posted here on the blog every Friday. The themes are designed to encourage clear ideas and confident starting points.
Sometimes less really is more.
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