When drawing, how can I free my mind?

Question

I feel that I have an artist hidden deep within me that it simply to afraid to come out. I'm not very good at drawing. People say to look at what you drawn and copy it. My problem is that I think way too much about what I'm doing. I'm very critical of myself and always feel that I'm doing it wrong. I'm a bit of an uptight person. I've been getting counselling to try to break out of that. I just want to stop thinking I'm right or wrong and just do it. So how do I relax my mind and just go with the flow? I think if myself as very creative and imaginative, I just need help bringing that imagination to reality.

Answer 1

I am the same way.

i listen to my favorite genre of music (in my case classic rock, alternative) and within 10- 15 min. I am lost in my mind, only concentrating on the drawing. It really works. Although it can be difficult when you mind doesnt want to draw, then you need to either; force yourself to which will help you control, or put things down and try again later. also what helps me is sitting outside whether stormy or sunny and just take a sketch book and let loose. I usually can not draw while watching T.V. , and i need the music and/or background noise (like; birds, breezes etc.)

Answer 2

Hi.  Someone else on here today was asking how they could relax while drawing and not worry so much about getting things right, and over thinking.  I wrote this for that person; maybe it will be helpful to you to:

In drawing classes the instructor often has students start with a bunch of gesture drawings. Gesture drawings are very fast drawings, so fast that you don't have time to think or "get things right," but rather just make an impression, a "gesture" of what you're seeing. They can definitely help you relax. You could do dozens of them. Set a timer for sixty seconds and when it goes off, just stop. Then start another. And another.

Answer 3

I think every person on here has answered this question well. Almost every one recommended using music. I would just like to add that depending on my mood, the type of music makes a BIG difference. I use drawing as a way to relax. You should stop trying to relax to draw, and instead draw to relax. think about the mood that your in and play music fitting that emotion and draw out your anxiety/stress/love/energy. Or if you want to change the way you feel try playing music that fits the mood you want to be in. There are times to be critical of your drawings and times when you shouldn't. I'm very critical of my own art but i have to push this feeling aside sometimes and remind myself that I'm doing something i love and not let it add to my stress level. only when you doodle something that inspires you or makes you feel that "Passion" should you take it to the next level to be critical.