‘ I would rather teach drawing that my pupils may learn to love nature, than teach the looking at nature that they may learn to draw.’ John Ruskin

One of my favourite quotes that I’ve been remembering as I start my Masters in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Our first term is Observational drawing, and we are being introduced to different drawing theories each week, from Perspective to Tonal Value. Its been an emotional roller coaster as our drawings have been deconstructed to help us improve! At times it has felt my drawing has gotten worse before its improving. I’ve been struggling with some basic things, like getting my eye level right when drawing perspective and proportion when drawing the figure.

We were introduced to ‘framing’ to help us see and plan a composition on the page. I initially found this very challenging, but the more I’ve practised, the more enjoyment I’ve found. I’m really enjoying how I am looking at the world differently, and trying to find interesting compositions that tell a story.

If you are interested in drawing on location, but feel too intimidated or don’t know where to start, I encourage you to check out the Urban Sketchers! They are an international community who meet up once a month, all over the world to sketch together. check out their website to find your local group.