10 Reasons to Learn Drawing and Sketching

1. Challenges your thinking and creativity skills

When drawing and sketching, it forces you to think about what you want to draw and achieve. Like with any other project, drawing and sketching will force you to look into how to start, what the next step is and how to improve your work. 

Over time as you learn more about drawing and sketching and get more in-depth into your craft of drawing and sketching, you start to be more creative while becoming more critical of your design-thinking skills. Over time with learning professional drawing and sketching, the analytical part of brainstorming prior to creating your own works becomes easier as your taste in subjects will be enhanced compared to when you first started.

2. Improve on your observational, compositional skills

Before working on a sketch, one has to begin by mapping out what they want to draw. This process of composing your work through numerous thumbnail sketches can effectively present to you the general outlook of your artwork – how the elements are arranged and how they interact with one another. As such, drawing and sketching helps you visualise the images in your head better, enabling you to plan and map out concepts more effectively. 


Compositioning skills in professional drawing and sketching is super important! How you frame or place your subject in your work affects your overall outcome. If the drawing and sketching work’s subject is too big, will your main subject matter be out of frame? If your work is too small, will anybody take notice of what you are trying to focus on? Composition skills can be something you learn through professional drawing and sketching. 

This skill, it can also be applied to a series of things! For an instance, photography. The whole concept of composition aka Rule Of Thirds can be applied. It helps us to co

 

3. Polishes your coordination and fine motor skills

Drawing and sketching requires and improves your motor skills. Polishing your hand-eye coordination skills are important since they are made use of in when engaging in most tasks during your daily lives. The more you practice drawing, the better you can get at observing what you see and presenting them as visuals. For example, to be able to draw a straight line or a perfect circle in drawing and sketching takes a lot of practice. It is not the easiest but it is plausible to achieve with time. The more you practice drawing, the better you can get at observing what you see and presenting them as visuals.

4. Assist you in creative careers 

Learning Professional Drawing and sketching enables you to also get a paycheck! 

There are multiple jobs that require the basic elements of drawing and sketching. Fashion Designers, Stage Designers, FX Designers, Tattoo Artists and Architects all need to start with a blank piece of paper to map out their design. Everybody has an idea for a project but it is not easy to draw what you are thinking and at times we do need artists who are able to help us visualize what we are thinking of. 

5. Focus (Meticulous and develops patience, and perseverance)

Drawing and sketching cultivate meticulousness and develop patience. You will learn that from drawing and sketching that it does not take just an hour to draw out a realistic portrait of your peers or of yourself. It does take time to perfect and touch up your drawing and sketching work, developing your patience and perseverance to perfect your drawing.

 

6. Gives you a channel to communicate

Drawing is a form of visual communication, represented by symbols and signs. Convey your thoughts and concepts through painting and drawing. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words, why not draw something to put your point across effectively? After all, art is known as the way of expression, to show what does not translate well into words.

7. Acts as your stress reliever

For some people, drawing and sketching gives them a channel to relieve their stress.  Through drawing and sketching, one can fully immerse themselves in the art and hence, temporarily forget the stress. In a fast-paced country like Singapore, it can definitely be stressful with all the datelines that we have to attend to. The hustle and bustle to get promoted at times can be so appealing that it makes us neglect one’s own mental health. We all need a stress reliever for instances like art to keep us sane, and that is where drawing and sketching come in. It takes your mind off and helps you to center yourself, focusing on just what you have to draw or shade out (highlights and tones). 

This temporal relaxation is likened to a stroll in the park or a quiet meditation session.

That being said, drawing and sketching may not be a stress reliever if you are a beginner to it, but soon, after much practice, you will soon get the hang of it, and find the joy in sketching!

8. Makes you more aware of the things around you!

 

Learn and acquire spatial, 3D awareness (skills of visualisation, design, conceptualising ideas) After learning drawing and sketching, you may find yourself becoming more observant, remembering the shapes and forms of the objects. As some people say, drawing and sketching make you develop an “eye” – a keen “eye” for observation! You become more aware of the distance between subjects and helps you to see shapes thru 3-Dimensional (3D) shapes.

After learning drawing and sketching, you may find yourself becoming more observant, remembering the shapes and forms of the objects. As some people say, drawing and sketching makes you develop an “eye” – a keen “eye” for observation!

9. Brings you opportunities to socialise!

If learning drawing and sketching in your own home can be difficult for you, consider joining an art class/course where all the basics of drawing and sketching are taught. Drawing and sketching, or in fact, going for any art classes gives you the opportunity to make new friends! Especially when you come for a regular drawing class, you will have the opportunity to meet and converse with people with the interest in learning art. Consider joining a drawing and sketching class, it doesn’t cost any harm to learn a new skill like drawing while making new friends; it motivates you to do art!

10. Better appreciate art and design

Being a master at your craft, especially in drawing and sketching makes you admire and appreciate art and design more since you would know with experience how long it takes to achieve a big work. With all the time you dedicate to drawing and sketching, you would notice the minute details of the shades and tones in a drawing and sketching work. 

 

Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio
MacPherson Art Studio Parent children art therapy

Drawing and sketching is a skill. Picking it up and gradually honing your skills in it can allow you to become more acquainted with drawing and sketching, turning it into a hobby. After a long day of work, you can look forward to heading for art class, a quiet time for you to disconnect and fully immerse in drawing and sketching, draining all the tension from work into space…

visual_arts_centre_drawing_and_sketching_professional_art_course_student

Are you ready to pick up a pencil and start your artistic journey? If you aren’t quite convinced, call us at 6255 0711 or email us info@visualartscentre.sg and our friendly assistants will be here to hear about your artistic needs and guide you accordingly.

Sign up for our art courses! We have a Drawing and Sketching course that is suited for learners of all levels.  Over a comfortable validity period of 14 weeks, look forward to kick start your artistic journey with our personalised art courses.

Here at Visual Arts Centre, we conduct other art courses to hone different art skillsets: (Clickable links below)

Student with her completed drawing and sketching work of a plastercast 

Learn how to sketch advanced portrait plaster castes!

At our cozy studio, you will be definitely be able to achieve a new skillset of drawing and sketching! No matter what level you are (beginner, intermediate, advance) our art instructors and art assistants are able to cater to your needs if you do not have any experiences. It takes time to master a skill like drawing and sketching, the benefit will sow in the long run for your art journey. Start your art journey with us today!

Click here to find out more about our Drawing and Sketching course!

For more information, feel free to contact us at 6255 0711 / 6733 2155, or email us at info@visualartscentre.sg

We also run Life Drawing sessions every month! With a life model, you can come down to our drawing and sketching workshop to have our instructors guide you! Registrations are open for 2023, join us today!

Click here to find out more about life model drawing workshops! 


Ideas and content extracted from these following sites:

The Odyssey Online: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-reasons-why-drawing-is-good-for-you

Super Prof: https://www.superprof.co.uk/blog/reasons-to-learn-to-sketch/

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.