1) The basics you shouldn't ignore
The Core Idea: Never Ignore the Fundamentals
Because advanced artists Don’t Use Advanced Techniques ❌
They just Do the Basics really really Well ✅
Take a look at master Kim Jung Ji ✏️
A Korean based artist who is famously known for drawing large, complex scenes directly with a pen. And in extreme perspectives.
When asked how is he able to do this, he simply answered :
(And I’m paraphrasing)
“I just imagine and draw everything in a box”
That’s the magical lesson here,
Master Kim has True Mastery Over the Basics,
To a point where he draws them in his head, and therefore is able to draw the stuff he wants without guidelines.
The basics are so important:
• Lines
• Shapes
• Forms
• Perspective
• Space
These form the Foundations of a good drawing.
And the continuous practice of them
– Gives one the ability to draw more “freely” from their imagination 🧠
2) My Fundamentals Sketchbook
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with having a “Fundamentals” Sketchbook.
A book where I just practice my lines, shapes, forms and perspective.
I just try to spend 10-30 Mins in this book first thing in the morning or at night after dinner (while watching TV) or right before bed to de-stress.
It’s such a fun way to practice the basics while getting yourself prepped for sleep (instead of doomscrolling)
My routine is this;
• Practice some lines
• Then boxes
• Then rotating boxes
• Then boxes in space
(I might add some ribbons, forms and planes as well)
Give it a shot.
It has drastically helped me in thinking “Less” about the Structure of my Drawing.✏️
And “More” in my Design and Creativity (or even enjoyment)
Btw, if you want a list of 30 Proven Fundamental Exercises that you can include in your Daily Practice, that takes less than 10 Mins a day,
Checkout my “30 Days of Drawing Fundamentals” Challenge.
3) Favourite Quote of the Week
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
– Bruce Lee
That’s it.
I’ll see you again next week 🙂
Best,
Kesh.
