I hadn’t drawn properly for a while. I went to art school, always had a sketchbook with me. Even as a costume designer I haven’t drawn much for work.
I joined the Drawing Is Free portrait zooms a few weeks ago. The drawings were terrible. I was mortified but then I decided to just show up and draw and steadily they are getting less cringy.
I have assembled all of my old art materials including a watercolour palette from the 80s! My sketchbook sits in the kitchen waiting to go into the garden or draw the cats and dogs. I now know that drawing is what makes me feel creatively alive. Thank you for sharing and all of the recommendations.
"Creatively alive" is exactly it. I am so pleased you have returned to it and even better, kept going. I have found it makes such a difference to my wellbeing. It doesn't matter, at the moment, that it doesn't lead to anything else, just drawing in my sketchbook is enough. Keeping the sketchbook at hand really helps. Happy drawing and thank you very much for reading it.
”If this post encourages one person to pick up that pen, pencil or biro, then it has done its job.” It has done its job, in this case. It made me long to do that. It's funny — I often write longhand in the garden, using a fountain pen, so it would seem that I'm already a little present there in this way. But even though I can't draw even a little, on reading this I knew immediately that I would be out there with paper and pencils tomorrow, trying. The very idea of it feels like an expansion. Thank you so much, Deborah.
I was walking my dogs yesterday thinking of all the photos we take on our phones and possibly never look at again. It’s only when you draw something that you truly see every detail.
Taking a photo is a very different thing, isn't it? It is recording not looking. I am now tring to draw again everyday, even if it is only for a few minutes.
It is so easy to get out of the habit, and hard to begin again. I really missed it and am so glad to be drawing again regularly. I really hope you begin again.
After reading your post I will add pencils, a sketch book and being cautious an eraser to my packing list when I travel to Southern Italy in September. Thank you for your recommendation of on-line drawing courses I will check those out.
That is marvellous! In advance can I recommend Sam Marshall book Sketching, which I will be coming back to, who uses coloured pencils to draw. You can also find her on Instagram. Have a very happy trip - any drawings made will certainly help hold the memories made.
Thank you very much! The geese are so funny. I was giving them some food and I got the usual hissing. So I bent over and kissed back. They were completely nonplussed!
This is a wonderful post, Deborah. To rediscover drawing as you have . . . it reminds me of when I decided to go back to writing poetry post-retirement. It lead to many good things, especially reestablishing myself in a community of like-minded writers and artists of all kinds. I'm so delighted for you! And your drawings are terrific, I think.
A lovely post! Not a female artist, but I was just admiring the work of Swiss graphic artist, Felix Hoffmann, who might be of interest to you if you don’t know him, this link takes you to some lovely illustrations he made in 1974 (love the aqua tint): https://blog.library.villanova.edu/2026/02/13/the-printed-image-daphnis-and-chloe/
I’ve always enjoyed the experience of sketching because it makes you look closely. I have no talent for it but I like the way it calms me. Your post has reminded me - I’ll get out my sketchbook again.
I am so glad to hear that, Yasmin. I can't believe how I forgot the impact it has. It stills the mind, and fills the space. I have tried meditation so many times, but realise drawing is what works for me.
Wonderful, Deborah. Steve Jobs used to advise: stay a beginner. And you really capture that here.
There are parallels with writing, I think. I loved this paragraph.
“The results of your drawings really don’t matter; it is the process and the peace it brings that matters more. The drawing itself almost isn’t the point, it is what is left behind by paying attention. While drawing something that doesn’t meet expectations is frustrating, it is just one drawing and a fresh sheet of your sketchbook is always waiting.”
Replace ‘drawing’ with ‘writing’ and it’s all still true, at least for me.
Like June, I haven’t drawn anything since I was in school. I was never very good! I’m not making any promises, but I might just try to sketch something for the first time in a long time.
It is just as relevant for writing. Without the self-imposed framework of writing for Substack I would never have started writing again, and very glad I did. The only way to get better is to begin, and I found that so hard after such a break. Thank you for your lovely comment and really hope you do.
It is difficult to begin. Nothing more frightening than a blank piece of paper, right? But so worth it once you start. I’m sure I’m not alone in being grateful you began again, Deborah 🙌😊
Thank you very much for this post Deborah - and lovely to see your delightful drawings and sketchbooks. You’ve definitely inspired me to have a go myself, when I have a bit of free time! I hadn’t realised those pictures at Charing Cross were by David Gentleman either. Excellent! Xx
I love your geese, and your description of them too! Half a lifetime ago I bought a copy of Drawing on the right side of the brain and it transformed my attitude to drawing by making me look with close attention rather than worrying about manual dexterity. These days I mostly draw with my granddaughter, but I’m starting to think I should carry on after she’s gone home, when I can concentrate properly. I will look for your suggested titles, thank you.
I am sorry, Alison, my reply didn't link to your comment, so I have tried again!
I had forgotten that book, and still have it in my shelves! It is the looking that matters. She very cleverly, by removing the obstacle of focusing on what our drawing looked like, bypassed that critical faculty. I really do hope you continue.
As for the geese, they were abandoned in the local park some tears ago and now seems to find my garden appealing. I am getting very fond of them in spite of their absurd grumpiness!
”If this post encourages one person to pick up that pen, pencil or biro, then it has done its job.” It has done its job, in this case. It made me long to do that. It's funny — I often write longhand in the garden, using a fountain pen, so it would seem that I'm already a little present there in this way. But even though I can't draw even a little, on reading this I knew immediately that I would be out there with paper and pencils tomorrow, trying. The very idea of it feels like an expansion. Thank you so much, Deborah.
A fountain pen is a lovely way to draw and much more convenient than pen and ink, which can be hazardous if tipped! It really is the looking and focus that matters, the improving results are a happy byproduct! I do hope you sit on your garden and give it a try x
Wait — do you mean try sketching with my writing pen? Do you know, that has never, ever, ever occured to me? And it's revolutionary — I mean it. I know my writing pen extremely well, but somehow had the idea that I needed to learn how to use pencils, which I don't. Wild. The first tiny Perenniel Blue rose has opened on the rose arbor mentioned in that garden essay. I'm planning to try to sketch it, and now will try with the pen, see what happens.🌸
Yes! I often use mine for outdoors as it is more convenient. I have a Kaweco and a Lamy that I love using. How wonderful that the rose has appeared this season - the perfect subject!
Thank you — will check those out as a replacement for when this one ceases to work.
It's a super cheap Pilot pen, the perfect size for my hand, that unfortunately they have stopped making.
It's essentially a reusable version of their disposable fountain pens, which I mention here for the sake of anyone reading this who wants to try writing with a fountain pen — it moves so swiftly on the page compared to other kinds of pens! — but doesn't want to buy one yet. The disposable ones are fantastic.
Now to try it as a drawing pen, which is huge. Thank you!
Exactly! So fun that you know that pen too. How frustrating that they wear out eventually.
Have been sketching, thanks to you and your post. There was something about that sentence about just starting over again on a new page that made it sound doable. (Which is a huge thing.)
Sort of interesting to sit in the exact same spot I write in, only sketching instead of writing. No expectations with the sketching whatsoever.
That is such good news! Turning the page over, and not dwelling on the previous sketch, makes such a difference. I love how it encourages the mind to settle and just observe. Enjoy x
My goodness Deborah, this will be extremely challenging for me but I'll give it a go. There is absolutely zero connection between what I see and what emerges from a pencil (or any other writing implement) in my hand. I am astounded that people can actually do this. I fear my attempts will be perhaps at age 5 level of development. I have one child who can draw, and who takes a sketch book with them and draws for pleasure. I can feel my brain creaking at the very thought! I'm not sure it will bring me much peace, but I'll enjoy reading the other Substacks you mention. The plays sound interesting too. It's very definitely Lammas here in Scotland now. And my mother's family were North Sea fishers, so Three Fevers will be of interest. Finally, I had completely missed that BBC 4 had a Geoff Hamilton evening, so will look forward to catching up.
Fear is the biggest obstacle. It is hard initially not to be frustrated, but I really think everyone can draw. Sadly, baggage from school is often a huge inhibitor, but it really does make observation stronger. I do hope you give it a go. I loved Three Fevers. It brought alive how dependent places like Robin Hood's Bay were on fishing and how dangerous am occupation it was. Do watch the Geoff programmes, they were a joy to watch. X
I hadn’t drawn properly for a while. I went to art school, always had a sketchbook with me. Even as a costume designer I haven’t drawn much for work.
I joined the Drawing Is Free portrait zooms a few weeks ago. The drawings were terrible. I was mortified but then I decided to just show up and draw and steadily they are getting less cringy.
I have assembled all of my old art materials including a watercolour palette from the 80s! My sketchbook sits in the kitchen waiting to go into the garden or draw the cats and dogs. I now know that drawing is what makes me feel creatively alive. Thank you for sharing and all of the recommendations.
"Creatively alive" is exactly it. I am so pleased you have returned to it and even better, kept going. I have found it makes such a difference to my wellbeing. It doesn't matter, at the moment, that it doesn't lead to anything else, just drawing in my sketchbook is enough. Keeping the sketchbook at hand really helps. Happy drawing and thank you very much for reading it.
”If this post encourages one person to pick up that pen, pencil or biro, then it has done its job.” It has done its job, in this case. It made me long to do that. It's funny — I often write longhand in the garden, using a fountain pen, so it would seem that I'm already a little present there in this way. But even though I can't draw even a little, on reading this I knew immediately that I would be out there with paper and pencils tomorrow, trying. The very idea of it feels like an expansion. Thank you so much, Deborah.
Much of what you say about drawing is also true of writing. Attention is the wellspring.
Yes, it really is.
I was walking my dogs yesterday thinking of all the photos we take on our phones and possibly never look at again. It’s only when you draw something that you truly see every detail.
Taking a photo is a very different thing, isn't it? It is recording not looking. I am now tring to draw again everyday, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Thank you for this prompt. I used to draw every day. That was long ago. You reminded me about the playfulness of drawing.
It is so easy to get out of the habit, and hard to begin again. I really missed it and am so glad to be drawing again regularly. I really hope you begin again.
After reading your post I will add pencils, a sketch book and being cautious an eraser to my packing list when I travel to Southern Italy in September. Thank you for your recommendation of on-line drawing courses I will check those out.
That is marvellous! In advance can I recommend Sam Marshall book Sketching, which I will be coming back to, who uses coloured pencils to draw. You can also find her on Instagram. Have a very happy trip - any drawings made will certainly help hold the memories made.
Thank you, I will have a look at Marshalls book
Your description of geese being “all mouth and no trousers” is spot-on and very funny! Your drawings are beautiful.
Thank you very much! The geese are so funny. I was giving them some food and I got the usual hissing. So I bent over and kissed back. They were completely nonplussed!
This is a wonderful post, Deborah. To rediscover drawing as you have . . . it reminds me of when I decided to go back to writing poetry post-retirement. It lead to many good things, especially reestablishing myself in a community of like-minded writers and artists of all kinds. I'm so delighted for you! And your drawings are terrific, I think.
Thank you very much, Maureen. It is never too late to go back and find what you love!
Oh I love David Gentleman’s work. And I so want to draw.
His book In the Country is so beautiful. I want you to draw too!
I have it! And ‘My Town’.
Isn't it a wonderful record of Suffolk? I thought I had them, all but don't have ‘My Town’, so am now off to look.
A lovely post! Not a female artist, but I was just admiring the work of Swiss graphic artist, Felix Hoffmann, who might be of interest to you if you don’t know him, this link takes you to some lovely illustrations he made in 1974 (love the aqua tint): https://blog.library.villanova.edu/2026/02/13/the-printed-image-daphnis-and-chloe/
Such beautiful drawings, thank you for introducing me to his work!
I’ve always enjoyed the experience of sketching because it makes you look closely. I have no talent for it but I like the way it calms me. Your post has reminded me - I’ll get out my sketchbook again.
I am so glad to hear that, Yasmin. I can't believe how I forgot the impact it has. It stills the mind, and fills the space. I have tried meditation so many times, but realise drawing is what works for me.
Yes, ‘meditation’ is the right word for it I think.
For years, I thought it didn't count, but it is just the same thing.
Wonderful, Deborah. Steve Jobs used to advise: stay a beginner. And you really capture that here.
There are parallels with writing, I think. I loved this paragraph.
“The results of your drawings really don’t matter; it is the process and the peace it brings that matters more. The drawing itself almost isn’t the point, it is what is left behind by paying attention. While drawing something that doesn’t meet expectations is frustrating, it is just one drawing and a fresh sheet of your sketchbook is always waiting.”
Replace ‘drawing’ with ‘writing’ and it’s all still true, at least for me.
Like June, I haven’t drawn anything since I was in school. I was never very good! I’m not making any promises, but I might just try to sketch something for the first time in a long time.
It is just as relevant for writing. Without the self-imposed framework of writing for Substack I would never have started writing again, and very glad I did. The only way to get better is to begin, and I found that so hard after such a break. Thank you for your lovely comment and really hope you do.
It is difficult to begin. Nothing more frightening than a blank piece of paper, right? But so worth it once you start. I’m sure I’m not alone in being grateful you began again, Deborah 🙌😊
What a lovely thing to say, Michael. Thank you.
Thank you very much for this post Deborah - and lovely to see your delightful drawings and sketchbooks. You’ve definitely inspired me to have a go myself, when I have a bit of free time! I hadn’t realised those pictures at Charing Cross were by David Gentleman either. Excellent! Xx
I love your geese, and your description of them too! Half a lifetime ago I bought a copy of Drawing on the right side of the brain and it transformed my attitude to drawing by making me look with close attention rather than worrying about manual dexterity. These days I mostly draw with my granddaughter, but I’m starting to think I should carry on after she’s gone home, when I can concentrate properly. I will look for your suggested titles, thank you.
I am sorry, Alison, my reply didn't link to your comment, so I have tried again!
I had forgotten that book, and still have it in my shelves! It is the looking that matters. She very cleverly, by removing the obstacle of focusing on what our drawing looked like, bypassed that critical faculty. I really do hope you continue.
As for the geese, they were abandoned in the local park some tears ago and now seems to find my garden appealing. I am getting very fond of them in spite of their absurd grumpiness!
I love your work Deborah. One of these days I will pick up a pencil again. A timely reminder to use that muscle. X
I hope you do, when times are easier. Thank you, Margaret x
”If this post encourages one person to pick up that pen, pencil or biro, then it has done its job.” It has done its job, in this case. It made me long to do that. It's funny — I often write longhand in the garden, using a fountain pen, so it would seem that I'm already a little present there in this way. But even though I can't draw even a little, on reading this I knew immediately that I would be out there with paper and pencils tomorrow, trying. The very idea of it feels like an expansion. Thank you so much, Deborah.
A fountain pen is a lovely way to draw and much more convenient than pen and ink, which can be hazardous if tipped! It really is the looking and focus that matters, the improving results are a happy byproduct! I do hope you sit on your garden and give it a try x
Wait — do you mean try sketching with my writing pen? Do you know, that has never, ever, ever occured to me? And it's revolutionary — I mean it. I know my writing pen extremely well, but somehow had the idea that I needed to learn how to use pencils, which I don't. Wild. The first tiny Perenniel Blue rose has opened on the rose arbor mentioned in that garden essay. I'm planning to try to sketch it, and now will try with the pen, see what happens.🌸
Yes! I often use mine for outdoors as it is more convenient. I have a Kaweco and a Lamy that I love using. How wonderful that the rose has appeared this season - the perfect subject!
Thank you — will check those out as a replacement for when this one ceases to work.
It's a super cheap Pilot pen, the perfect size for my hand, that unfortunately they have stopped making.
It's essentially a reusable version of their disposable fountain pens, which I mention here for the sake of anyone reading this who wants to try writing with a fountain pen — it moves so swiftly on the page compared to other kinds of pens! — but doesn't want to buy one yet. The disposable ones are fantastic.
Now to try it as a drawing pen, which is huge. Thank you!
I know that Pilot pen, I wish I could still get it. They are lovely to write with, so smooth.
Exactly! So fun that you know that pen too. How frustrating that they wear out eventually.
Have been sketching, thanks to you and your post. There was something about that sentence about just starting over again on a new page that made it sound doable. (Which is a huge thing.)
Sort of interesting to sit in the exact same spot I write in, only sketching instead of writing. No expectations with the sketching whatsoever.
That is such good news! Turning the page over, and not dwelling on the previous sketch, makes such a difference. I love how it encourages the mind to settle and just observe. Enjoy x
My goodness Deborah, this will be extremely challenging for me but I'll give it a go. There is absolutely zero connection between what I see and what emerges from a pencil (or any other writing implement) in my hand. I am astounded that people can actually do this. I fear my attempts will be perhaps at age 5 level of development. I have one child who can draw, and who takes a sketch book with them and draws for pleasure. I can feel my brain creaking at the very thought! I'm not sure it will bring me much peace, but I'll enjoy reading the other Substacks you mention. The plays sound interesting too. It's very definitely Lammas here in Scotland now. And my mother's family were North Sea fishers, so Three Fevers will be of interest. Finally, I had completely missed that BBC 4 had a Geoff Hamilton evening, so will look forward to catching up.
Fear is the biggest obstacle. It is hard initially not to be frustrated, but I really think everyone can draw. Sadly, baggage from school is often a huge inhibitor, but it really does make observation stronger. I do hope you give it a go. I loved Three Fevers. It brought alive how dependent places like Robin Hood's Bay were on fishing and how dangerous am occupation it was. Do watch the Geoff programmes, they were a joy to watch. X