Hi everyone!

I've been having trouble setting time aside to draw and even more so now that the holidays are coming around. Maybe it's my inability to focus, or need for multitasking but I realize for me to improve I just need to learn how to set aside time. However, I don't even know where to start or how I should come about this issue. Currently, I'm enrolled in college, and have a pretty laid-back part-time job, so in theory, I *should* have time. I just don't know where it all goes.

Yup... My time disappears somewhere too...

Hi Kari_zi

The people who draw the most are the ones who carry a sketch pad and pencil with then almost everywhere they go. Dan Flowers, one of our members, tells us how he drew a piano while he was waiting for his daughter to finish her piano lessons. That kind of habit will keep your skills sharp and when you do have time to set aside you will be ready to dive right in.

Indeed, I think the worst thing is to say "if I could just get some time..." Instead, try to use the time you have. Bob's suggestion of carrying a sketchbook is definitely a good one; if you don't have the time to do finished drawings, then just scribbling is definitely better than nothing. I like the example of drawing a piano waiting for piano lessons to be over because I've sketched chairs , shoes, and a lot of little kids in exactly the same scenario (no pianos; spinets are ugly enough to not be worth drawing )

back in high school i used to carry a notebook to write or draw but i just kind of fell out of the habit in college. maybe i'll try the sketchbook idea. it would probably force me to continuously draw more since i imagine improvement comes from the habit itself. thanks!

Tiime management is a challenge for most people, but we manage to fit in what we want to do. It really is a matter of wanting to do something badly enough and then you will make time.

Set aside even 10 minutes a day for drawing. Do some sketching while you have lunch or breakfast, while you wait at appointments. Start a new drawing an dedicate 30 minutes a day to it - for a week.

I'll bet you probably sit and watch tv or videos, you eat, you exercise, you read. If you want to draw badly enough, make time for that too.

Well said Jeanette ..I know with my days it sometimes feels like it starts then befor I know it it's over ....but drawing for me is very relaxing so I try to spend at least 30 min. per day to draw and normally its just right after my walk and dinner when my day begins to culm down ...or it will be early in the morning after kids are off to school .

I definitely feel you on this one! But usually when I am not studying, (and this semester I'm lucky to be in easier classes and only be taking two), or working at my job, which is really busy, I will draw. Usually it's at night because that's when I'd have some extra time to watch tv, so instead of tv I'll draw.

But the other poster was right, it would be a good idea to start carrying your sketch book around and drawing when you see something that inspires you. I should start doing that.

My problem is I am never really in a place for too long .. and not enough time to begin a drawing .. I have a small one I carry but .. I am a talker lol one of those annoying people that sparks up a conversation with you and you wonder ... " why are they talking to me " lol well thats me

Hi Kari,
Like so many have said before, I think it's a matter of taking a kit of some type with you. I still do that myself. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Just a few items to keep in practice. My time management issue is for things such as this. I'd like to be more involved with forums but it's all I can do to post completed pieces anymore. I do find time to draw / sketch though.
Good luck and keep on keepin' on!

I have really been having problems getting time to draw. I am the primary care giver for my mom and I homeschool my two kids. We have been using this site to help with Art class, but I have also been using it for myself. But the last 2 weeks have been really hectic and I've been having drawing withdrawals!!!! We are taking some time off this week, so maybe while I'm cooking the turkey I can draw it, too!!
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

boswifedeb