An artist painting on an easel and he is frustrated

Why Cant I draw Anymore? Feeling Embarrassed and Frustrated Now!

You used to draw well, but now you can’t seem to make anything look good. You’re frustrated because you don’t know why your skills have suddenly disappeared. Do you keep asking Why I can’t draw anymore?

You suddenly can’t draw as well as you used to for several reasons. Maybe you haven’t been practicing enough, using the wrong tools, trying to draw too complex things without adequate knowledge, having a long art block, etc. 

Whatever the reason, there are ways to regain your drawing skills. We shall look at some causes and ways to recover from the slump.

You Aren’t Practicing Enough Lately

The best and only way to improve at drawing is to practice regularly. If you’re not practicing enough, your skills will start to deteriorate. You don’t need to spend hours and hours on it every day, but you’ll see a decline in your abilities if you don’t do anything.

There may be reasons like not having enough time or feeling like you can’t improve, so why bother? That is preventing you from practicing.

To improve your skills, it’s essential to set aside dedicated practice time. The more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become.

It may be helpful to examine your reasons for not wanting to practice and find ways to overcome them.

How to Practice the Right Way?

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when practicing:

Pick something easy to start with: If you try to draw something too complex, you’ll get frustrated and give up. Start with a simple line, basic shape, basic form, and object, and work your way up. Or you can draw some simple, common, or abstract shapes. 

Focus on the basics: Before drawing anything complex, know the drawing concepts, like proportions, perspective, and shading. 

Don’t strive for perfection: If your drawings are imperfect, it’s okay. It’s better if they’re not. This way, you can see your progress as you improve over time.

Get feedback: Don’t be afraid to show your drawings to other people and get feedback. This can help you improve by giving you a different perspective on your work.

You May Have Changed Your Style or Method

As any artist knows, change is essential for the creative process. However, it is necessary to remember that too much change can be as damaging as no change.

When we drastically alter our methods or style, we risk losing the skills we have spent years perfecting.

It would help avoid this if you balanced exploration and familiarity.

By making small changes within our comfort zone, we can continue to grow as artists without sacrificing the skills that we have already acquired.

Do a self-introspection and see if you have changed your art style or method and how it affects your art.

I have changed my style and methods, but that has mostly been better.

I’m always experimenting with new techniques and styles, but I also keep the fundamentals of art in mind so that my skill level doesn’t decline.

This balance has helped me improve as an artist, and I would recommend it to all who feel stuck with their current style.

If you have changed your style or method and adversely affected your art, it is time to change.

Sometimes, the only way to improve is to start from scratch and try something completely new.

Of course, this can be scary, but it can also be gratifying.

You Maybe Using Different Art Tools or Different Brands

As an artist, you must always choose the type of paper, the brand of pencils or paint, etc.

And while it may be wise to stay with what you know, sometimes it is essential to experiment with new materials.

After all, being an artist part of it is open to change. However, there is a downside to experimenting with new materials; it can result in losing your drawing skill.

When you change materials, you must also adjust how you use them.

For example, if you usually use watercolors but decide to switch to acrylics, you will have to learn how to apply the paint differently.

The same is true for pencils and other art supplies. So while it is essential to experiment with new materials, you must also be aware of the risks.

A change in drawing tools can have a significant impact on your drawing. If you’re careless, you will make your drawings worse.

When you choose a new drawing tool, keep these things in mind:

  • The weight and feel of the pen or pencil in your hand: A heavier pen may be more difficult to control, while a lighter one may feel like it’s not doing much.
  • The width of the lead. A thinner lead will give you more precision, while a thicker one will be easier to use but less precise.
  • The type of lead. Some leads are softer and easier to erase, while others are harder to erase.
  • The type of paper. Some papers are smoother and easier to draw on, while others are rougher and more difficult to use.
  • The type of eraser. Some erasers are better at removing mistakes, while others are better at leaving your drawing intact.

These are just a few things to consider when choosing a new drawing tool.

If you are uncomfortable with the change, I recommend returning to what you’re used to.

Experimenting with new materials is excellent, but only if prepared for the challenge. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your drawing skill.

Change in Your External Environment

As an artist, it is important to be aware of the changes in your external environment and how they can affect your drawing skills.

For example, if you move to a new location, the change in scenery can result in you losing your ability to capture the nuances of your old surroundings.

The amount of light in your new environment can also impact your drawings. If you are used to working in a dimly lit room, moving to a brighter space can make it difficult to see your paper.

Similarly, if you are accustomed to working outdoors, moving indoors can cause problems with glare and reflections.

Even small changes in your external environment can significantly change your ability to produce quality artwork.

It is necessary to be aware of these changes and take steps to adjust your drawing habits accordingly.

Lost Your Patience Due to Other Factors

Losing patience while drawing can result in you losing your skill for several reasons.

When you become impatient, your muscles tense up. They might make mistakes, leading to frustration and further impacting your ability to concentrate and produce a quality drawing.

In addition, if you frequently lose patience while drawing, it may become harder to enjoy the process and stick with it over the long term.

As a result, you may find that your skills decline as you become less motivated to practice.

To maintain your drawing skills, remaining patient and focused on the task is essential.

By taking breaks as needed and staying calm, you can ensure that you produce the best possible drawings.

You May Have an Art Block

Art block is a condition that can afflict any artist at any stage in their career.

It is characterized by a loss of motivation and creativity, making it challenging to produce new work.

While art block can be frustrating, it is essential to remember that it is only temporary. With some effort, it is possible to overcome creative obstacles and resume the process of creating art.

One of the ways to overcome art block is to take a break from your routine. If you usually work in a studio, try painting outdoors.

If you typically use oil paints, try working with watercolors. You can jump-start your creativity and get your art practice back on track by shaking up your routine.

In addition to changing your routine, setting aside dedicated time for creating art is essential.

If required, set aside a few hours each week that you will devote to making art without interruption.

A little time will give you the space and time to explore new ideas and techniques without feeling rushed or stressed.

Several books and websites offer advice and guidance if you struggle to overcome your art block.

Artists of all skill levels benefit from the tips and tricks found in these resources. With some effort, you can get your creative juices flowing again.

What should you do to start drawing again?

Many people enjoy drawing, but it can be challenging for some to find the motivation to start again after taking a break. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, here are a few tips to help get you started again:

Choose Right Materials

Not all art supplies are created equal. Do some research or ask a professional at your local art store for advice on which supplies are best for your needs. You’ll need different tools depending on the type of drawings you want to make. For example, if you’re sketching landscapes, a watercolor set would be better than oil paints.

Set Aside Some Time Each Day

Dedicating even 30 minutes to drawing each day can make a big difference. If you can’t find much time in your schedule, break it into smaller chunks, 15 minutes in the morning and night. Join a drawing class or do regular drawing exercises. Creating a drawing habit and consistency will help you see results faster. 

Experiment With Different Styles and Techniques

Try new things daily; it is a great way to keep your drawings fresh and exciting. If you think about where to start, look for online tutorials or take a class at your local community center. Looking for a change can motivate you to keep drawing.

Set Realistic Art Goals

Trying to accomplish too much at once can be overwhelming and lead to frustration. Set small, achievable goals for each drawing session. For example, if you’re starting after a long time, your goal could be to fill one sketchbook page with drawings. After completing that, you can move on to more challenging objectives.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Remember that everyone makes mistakes, even experienced artists. If you’re not happy with a drawing, don’t throw it away; use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Also, don’t be afraid to use eraser options; they’re there for a reason!

Have Fun

Drawing should be enjoyable, so make sure to find subjects and styles. If you’re not enjoying yourself, it will reflect in your drawings. Whenever you take your pencils or paints out, consider it an opportunity to relax and experiment.

Conclusion

If you can no longer draw like you used to, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your talent is gone for good.

Several factors could be causing your art block, but thankfully, there are ways to get past it and start drawing again.

What is the best way to start? Take your pen or pencil and get practicing! Draw every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and before long, you should find your old skills returning.

Also, nothing is embarrassing or frustrating about being unable to draw. Maybe you’ll even discover new talents and start creating fantastic drawings again. Trust me, with enough practice.

Ready to get started? Why not try any of the tips above today?

Happy drawing!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is Drawing so Difficult for me?

    Perfecting the art of drawing can be difficult, especially for those just starting. So to succeed in this creative endeavor, remember: practice makes perfect. Taking the time and dedicating yourself to learning the basics is essential for crafting your unique style. Additionally, don’t stop experimenting with different methods and materials; these key steps could open up a new world of possibilities.

  2. Why Can’t Some People Draw?

    Drawing isn’t easy for everyone, as it takes knowledge of fundamentals such as perspective, value, line, and shape, all skills honed with practice. It can be daunting to master the drawing technique; however, with patience and dedication, you will get there.

  3. How do I Force Myself to Draw?

    Dedication and practice are essential for your development as an artist. To ensure that you stay motivated, set aside a specific time each day to focus on drawing. Start with easily achievable goals and be patient with yourself; progress will come over time. Taking art classes or participating in online courses can also help widen your knowledge of the subject. With perseverance and dedication, you will soon improve steadily on this beautiful journey of expression through art.

  4. Why do I Feel Like I Can’t Draw?

    Many of us feel we can’t draw; this could be due to a lack of trust and experience. Drawing is an amalgamation of the fundamentals such as composition, line weight, perspective, and technique that requires practice and patience to develop your skill set. To speed up this process, you can take drawing classes or online courses while dedicating set periods throughout the week to better yourself. Eventually, you’ll tap into your creative side.

  5. Why Won’t My Art Improve?

    Becoming a proficient artist requires time, commitment, and practice. Ensure to commence by understanding the essentials: composition, color theory, and perspective. Devote yourself daily to create multiple sketches with varying techniques and concepts. In addition, seek out experienced artists for help or consider enrolling in an art class if needed. With dedication and perseverance, improvements will start appearing in your artwork soon enough.

  6. Why do I Feel Scared to Draw?

    It is natural to feel scared or anxious when first starting something new, such as drawing. But don’t let this fear hinder your progress start by creating small drawings for yourself and allowing yourself the freedom to experiment with different techniques and make mistakes along the way. As long as you remain dedicated, practice consistently, and have patience in your learning to draw, you will find confidence blossoming within you over time.It may be helpful to examine your reasons for not wanting to practice and find ways to overcome them.

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