I recently got a book from my local library, on pencil drawing by Gene Franks!!! It improved my drawing immensely. And I ended up buying myself a copy because I learnt so much from it. I was doing an exercise from the book each day.
The last few weeks I have found it really difficult to concerntrate and seem to be having a few Bad Drawing Days.
I just put my toddler down for her nap and wanted to grab some drawing time. But was so disapointed with the result of my work, ended up walking away.
Does anyone else get like this.
I have a lot on my mind, so maybe its that. But its so frustrating.

Yes, there are absolutely bad drawing days, and they do happen when you have a lot on your mind. Especially if you're thinking "OK, I only have an hour to draw, and I need to make it count!" I end up doing some really horrifying drawings under those conditions, reverting to bad habits of all stripes.

Yes, there are. And sometimes it's not just a bad drawing day... Sometimes it's a bad drawing week, month, etc. I guess you just have to wait until it ends
There was a familiar topic in this forum some time ago. Take a look if you want --> http://www.drawspace.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7783

My experience parallels Ernest's 100% - ideally, one needs to relax into the drawing state, be able to take your time, not feel under pressure. If you can only snatch small amounts of time between other things, its OK either to do very quick simple drawings, or to do a few minutes work contributing towards a more polished piece, knowing you'll get there eventually, and that there's no rush, it will take as many sessions as it takes

Dave

I agree ...abd drawing spells I call them and I have learned that I do not even try anymore if I am in a spell because it can cause your confidence in yourself to shatter ,,,now I look for things that inspire me ..because when i am inspired I do my best work . This will pass and you will get back to drawing ...but yes when you only have a few min. to draw it seems to rushed and you are sure to not be happy with the results.

ShadesofBlue - welcome to the dry spell! Here's the good news - they don't last.

We all have bad drawing days, weeks, months, millenia. It may well be that you have too many other things going on and once you deal with them, then the drawing returns.

I think the fact that you want to draw shows that you will eventually work this through! In the meantime, use the time to learn, practice, and yes, make some terrible drawings! Love them and accept them as yours, no matter how "bad" they seem to you. When you look back at them, they will teach you something.

Maybe one of the ATCs going on here or the weekly drawing challenge will give you a jump start? Try starting a journal if you haven't already, it can be a nice place for quick sketches and writing out what's on your mind, maybe make things a little clearer.

Just some suggestions!

Oh my gosh can I relate to this!!! I just saw your post and wanted to respond because I have the same exact thing happen. I love to draw and I have 2 girls and one of which is a toddler and she goes down for her nap and I draw. It does have a lot to do with what is going on in your life which affects your work and it is so easy to walk away. Be encouraged that tomorrow is always a new day and go at it again. Walk away but always come back!!! I have many bad drawing days and usually I try to pin down what might be going on emotionally or spiritually try to work through it.

That's great that you are learning from Gene Franks! Which book was it that really helped you?
Chris

Thanks for all the replies. Everyone has some great ideas. I love the idea of the journal. Because I love to keep a diary.
Definetly going to give that a try. What kind of book do people use for that. Lined, blank etc.

I am also going to give the weekly challenges a go aswell.

The book I mentioned is Gene Franks - Art of Pencil drawings.

Here's a some of the work I have done from the book.

Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment


Thank you so much everyone!

ShadesofBlue - are these the "bad" drawings??? They are great!!! I don't think I would be disappointed at all with these!

Just curious....Have you recently finished a big drawing project - or some other sort of project? My husband and I talked about dry spells last night and both noticed after finishing a complicated or long-term project we would go a week or two just "drifting" around looking for something else to do.

I use an unlined notebook for my journal - nothing special, just the cheapies from Michaels or sometimes I can catch some at the dollar store.

Thanks for the info on Gene Franks' book too - it's going on my wish list.

Hi ncgirl
Thanks for your comments. Those sketches were when I was on a roll!!!!And drawing everyday. Now its come to a halt.
I think I have realised what it is! I usually have all my drawing stuff in a little bag and I sit on the sofa and draw. Mostly when my daughter goes to bed. So I guess I dont feel as rushed. But the last few afternoons I've tried working at my desk in my bedroom which has a slanted drawing desk. A plastic one from ikea.
And thats when Ive found it difficult to work. So Im wondering if its the slanted desk thing ?
I also have just finished some pieces. So there must be some truth in what you said.
I'm definetly going to try the journal.
Hope you get the book. I found it so helpful.