Wil Wheaton isn't here.Aug 21, 2018

Is anyone else here learning how to paint with #BobRoss? I've watched about 50 Joy of Paintings, and I've done three (bad) paintings of my own.

I'm slowly getting better at some things, but I'm still mostly incompetent, and I'm wondering if anyone else is learning, and has experiences or tips to share that have helped your learning curve?

Show thread Kat Draws

@wilw When you're learning any new art skill, *quantity* is better than quality.

I struggle with that a lot, because I tend to be a perfectionist. (I get hung up on minor details, and become frustrated when things don't turn out how I want.)

But you learn more by trying [and failing] a bunch than you do by sinking all your time into one single painting.

And be nice to yourself while you're learning. 👍

Aug 21, 2018 at 9:16pmWeb
Show threadWil Wheaton isn't here.Aug 21, 2018
@katwylder Thanks for this. I'm *such* a perfectionist, I can be really hard on myself when the thing in my head doesn't make it through my hands to the canvas. I'll remember what you said about repetition and practice.
Show thread Kat DrawsAug 21, 2018

@wilw I actually devised a way to trick my brain into cooperating. Maybe something like this can help you, too.

I keep at least one sketchbook at all times for "bad" art. Everything in it is allowed to be really crappy, and I don't have to show it to anyone.

But at least half the time, I end up being *really* pleased with what I've drawn in that sketchbook, because I didn't psych myself out with expectations.

Show thread✨Heather G.  ✨Aug 21, 2018
@katwylder @wilw I've done this trick, too. XD I have my sketchbook and my "shitbook". I draw a lot more in my shitbook, and it's a lot more fun, too!
Show threadSuwAug 22, 2018

@wilw @katwylder Last year I decided to do something new and creative each month, including drawing. I found that the most important thing was not setting any expectations, letting myself be a bit crap, but also embracing repetition.

Here's a post that exemplifies both crapness and repetition: https://chocolateandvodka.com/2017/03/20/c17-day-79-let-me-tell-you-a-tail/

The other key lesson was flexibility, eg drawing from life is hard, so I drew from photos. https://chocolateandvodka.com/2017/03/

Mostly, though, I learnt to enjoy the process.