Learning To Draw with Christopher Robin

Summary

An individual in addiction recovery discovers a passion for drawing, particularly abstract art, and shares their journey, experiences with different mediums, and the therapeutic benefits of this creative process.

Abstract

The author, who is in the process of addiction recovery, has found solace and enjoyment in drawing. Initially starting with doodles, the author has explored various mediums including pen and ink, graphite, charcoal, and is yet to venture into color. The author's drawings are abstract, allowing for a free-flowing form of expression without adherence to artistic standards. This creative outlet is described as a Zen-like activity that brings peace of mind and personal enjoyment. The author reflects on the learning process, the challenge of knowing when a piece is finished, and the influence of YouTube tutorials on their artistic development. The article encourages readers to engage in drawing as a form of emotional support and shares the author's intention to continue enjoying the act of creation.

Opinions

The author finds drawing to be a therapeutic activity during recovery, helping to uncover a new aspect of their identity.
Abstract art is preferred due to the lack of constraints and the enjoyment derived from the creative process.
The author values the input and shared interest of friend Hollie Petit, Ph.D., in free-flowing artwork.
There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of drawing, even in black and white, with its nuances of values, gradients, textures, and variations.
The author is self-critical yet light-hearted about their work, referring to it as "garbage" while also embracing the fun and learning experience it provides.
Drawing is seen as an activity akin to free-writing, where the process is more important than the end result.
The author expresses a desire to improve, mentioning the potential of YouTube tutorials to enhance their skills.
There is an open invitation for readers to try drawing as a means to improve their emotional state, with the author expressing interest in hearing about others' experiences.

Let’s draw something today, eh?

WTF is this? Garbage. So what? It’s fun. Photo by author.

If you’ve followed any of my journey, you may know that I’ve been in addiction recovery for several months now. During that recovery I’m finding out things about myself I wasn’t really aware of. One of them is that I like to draw.

I’ve spent a lot of time essentially doodling over these several months, and now I decided to write about it. Aren’t you lucky?!?

At this point I’m not even sure what I like to draw, but because I lack the ability to draw anything tangible, I gravitate towards abstract. I’m working on drawing still life and textures, but for now, abstract is where I live.

While chatting with my friend Hollie Petit, Ph.D. a few weeks ago, I learned that she also enjoys this kind of free-flowing artwork. The kind that doesn’t adhere to any artistic standards, except to allow us to enjoy the act of creation.

I’ve experimented with pen and ink, graphite, and recently charcoal, but that one seems like it will take a while to get a grip on. I also haven’t dipped into the colorverse yet, maybe because I thought black and white would be simple. It’s not. Values and gradients and textures and variations and yada yada yada.

Anyway, here’s a bit of a thing I’m doing. Sorry for the lousy pictures of it. I haven’t gotten my starving artist studio set complete yet.

Additional garbage. Step 2. Photo by author.

It’s very Zen-like to do, and I don’t draw with any expectation. It’s really just for peace of mind and my own enjoyment.

Here are the next few I took along the way:

photo by author

Starting to fill in a bit. Photo by author

The finished (?) product. Photo by author.

I call this the “finished” product. I guess it’s finished, but I more or less stopped. Maybe it would be better if I did less with it, but it’s all in the learning process, right? Learning not to overdraw? If I keep watching YouTube, I’ll be an expert in no time!

Even if I’m not, I’m having a lot of fun. My kids watch the drawings take shape over time, and I’m very peaceful and contemplative while working on them. Drawing this way is a lot like free-writing in that you don’t really have to think much. Just go wherever the thing takes you.

I encourage you to try this. You can make some doodles in just a few minutes. Put some music on or sit in silence. Draw some lines, scribble some shapes, add some textures, have some fun. If you do, please tell me about it. I’d love to know how you feel trying this stuff or if it helps your emotional state.

Welcome to…where are we? Pooh Corner? Sure! I love you.