PRACTICE (DOESN'T) MAKE PERFECT

Do you ever wonder how to become a better artist? 
How to draw those perfect lines and improve your skills?
Is there a proven methodology to do that? Does practice make perfect?

  • “How are your lines so perfect?”
  • “You’re so talented.”
  • “I wish my lines were so smooth.”
  • “How long have you been drawing?”
  • “Do you have any advice?”
As I gained followers over the years, there were many questions and quotes like these in the comment sections. It occurred frequently this year when random people stumbled upon my 100-day-project videos. Most of those followers are not Zentangle enthusiasts. I assume that many of them even don’t know what the Zentangle method is.
 

Am I enough?

Reading such comments over the years, I used to feel that I couldn’t even live up to that standard. What they described sounded like a confident artist, and that didn’t sound like me. I only started drawing when I was 40+. I am still discovering my inner artist, aiming to enjoy the process and keep the pressure off.

However, as time went on, I felt less uncomfortable when I read such lines. I know very well that I’m not perfect, but the more I draw, the less I’m trying to become. I believe that’s the key—embracing imperfections. And surprisingly, that’s the advice I’d give, though most people don’t assume it.

Zentangle Drawings
 

Practice (doesn’t) make perfect

Yes, I can offer some solid, concrete tips. However, above all, I believe the ‘secret’ is to simply relax and create. Avoid falling under the spell of comparanoia. Let go of expectations or preconceived notions about what the result should look like. Instead, trust the process, embrace the wonder of it, and let things happen, surprising and astounding us.

Draw one line at a time, allowing each stroke to inform the next. Breathe deeply as you create. Try to accept whatever appears on paper and roll with it, much like we strive to love and accept ourselves and whatever unfolds in our lives. After all, whose life is perfect? What defines a perfect line? Our task is to learn to embrace imperfections and savor each stroke for what it is.

This is the magic that the Zentangle method imparts—the magic of creation and life itself. My wish is for all of us to experience that magic as much as possible in 2024 and beyond.

 
Happy New Year,
Anica

December, 2023

Written by Anica Gabrovec CZT

I don’t have a comment section under my blog posts because it’s really demanding to moderate them due to many spammers. Do you have any questions or remarks? Suggestions for my next blog posts?
Feel free to let me know by emailing me at info@zen-linea.com.

Check out other blog posts.