For today’s prompt, draw your keys.
Actually, draw any sort of keys! They can be loose, like in the image above, or attached to a key ring.
Keys attached to a key ring will allow for unique angles and interesting details. Again, this supports your practice of learning to see. Capture the tiny lines, the grooves, the shine.
As a bonus, include any interesting key chain items!
Today’s prompt: Draw a stack of books!
Go to your bookshelves or wherever you keep your books. You decide how tall your book stack will be.
Maybe you will make it uniform with all the same type of books lined up perfectly. Or, maybe you will choose a variety of sizes and shapes and create a varied stack.
If you want, could even play with the lighting and create a strong cast shadow.
Who knows, maybe you will rediscover an old book that must be read again!
Yesterday, we played with contrast by sketching something light in a dark environment. For today, we are going to reverse that.
Today’s prompt: Sketch a dark object in a light environment.
Again, feel free to go the literal or metaphorical route.
If you chose the literal route for both, reflect on the two sketches for a moment.
Was one more challenging than the other? Why? Did you have to change how you saw your object?
As a challenge, try not to just block in the dark object in a flat black. Try to find a way to create the darker tones within that object.
Happy sketching!
Today’s prompt: Sketch a light object in a dark environment.
You can take this one of two ways: One is literal, while the other way being metaphorical. Choose whichever you would like to explore.
For the literal route, see if you can capture the tonal range and the stark contrast of the light vs. the dark. Maybe even challenge yourself to see the richness of the darks. Trying capturing them rather than blocking out the background in a flat black.
For the metaphorical route, perhaps you will explore what brings you light during dark times.
Here is a quote I love from Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings: “It is the everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.
Today’s prompt! Draw something from your pantry!
Will it be a can of soup? Or, how about a classic– A box of macaroni and cheese?
Whatever you choose, again, set it on a flat surface to give it perspective! If you do choose something round, try curving the lines slightly as you shade around the edges.
Let’s fill a pantry of our own with sketches!
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Today’s prompt: Draw your shoes or one shoe!
Find one that is your favorite, or one that rarely gets picked to step out into the world.
It can be simple or elaborate with long laces and fine stitching.
A helpful tip?
Look at the overall shape. Start with the contour lines.
See the shoe as an object built shape by shape. Are there circles, ovals, rounded rectangles?
In other words, try not to draw the shoe by ‘seeing’ the shoe as a whole. Try drawing the shoe by noticing the shapes of the spaces within– the shapes of the sole, the toe, and the shapes shadows make. Break the whole into those smaller shapes and place them where they fit in relation to the overall outline of the shoe.
Remember, a sketchbook is a place for practice and mistakes. It is not a place for finished pieces that you put up for sale. Well, maybe you get lucky every now and again, but do remember that is not the first purpose of a sketchbook.
Give yourself permission to draw a very wonky shoe today.
Let’s draw!
Autumn
Today’s Prompt: Draw a mysterious doorway or staircase.
One thing of many that I found striking when traveling abroad is how differently doors, doorways, entryways appear.
When my husband and I traveled to Malta, we were immediately enamored by the narrow, brightly covered front doors of the dwellings that only had about a foot clearance to the main road.
Each door was incredibly inviting and stood out among the stone walls. They were beautiful and were works of art in and of themselves.
This care taken with front entries suggested that behind this door there lies more than meets the eye. That you must enter because if you don’t, you will miss out on an adventure, on new insights, on a sprinkle of magic. And, you have a choice! Will it be the red door with the narrow slots at the top? Or, maybe the weathered blue door with raised wooden panels and touches of black filigrees?
I loved this about Malta, and many other places I visited. It’s welcoming and enchanting.
So today, draw a mysterious or ornate doorway. You can always use a door in your own dwelling and add to it! Or maybe you will search online for ‘mysterious doorways’ and work from an image. If you want, you can work from the image in this post!
And, if you feel so inclined, add a little caption or story that hints at what is behind the door or up the staircase.
-Autumn
Congratulations! You’ve made it to Day 10. I hope you are getting into a sketching groove and enjoying scribbling away on the pages.
So, for today’s prompt, the word is essential.
Who or what do you find essential in your life? Is it a fresh cup of coffee right when you get up in the morning? Or an evening cup of tea in your favorite mug?
Is it a good book and time to read before bed? Or maybe there is someone in your life whom you find essential to your safety, growth, and happiness.
However, objects or habits can also serve to support your growth, happiness, and safety. There are no wrong answers here. In fact, what you find essential may change from day to day based on what is happening in the world around you.
I know for me, having time to create is essential to managing my anxiety. I need that quiet reflection to recharge and ground myself. When I don’t have that quiet, contemplative time to create, I find myself on edge and not my best self.
So, what is something that is essential for you? Is it a thing, a person, a ritual?
Don’t feel embarrassed about how little or frivolous it might seem to someone else. This isn’t about them. It’s about celebrating you and acknowledging what you need to feel grounded and better.
-Autumn
The Mug of your Wildest Dreams!
Draw your favorite mug again, but this time add a little something more! What I mean by this is for you to add brilliant and fantastical features to your mug that would make it that much more special.
Add any features from your imagination that would improve upon your favorite mug! Have fun. Be creative. And make it fantastic! Maybe think: What would a kid want to be added to a mug? (They don’t limit themselves as we adults do!)
Please share if you feel brave. I can’t wait to see what features or powers your mug has gained overnight.
In creative adventures,
Autumn