Enhancing Creativity in Drawing: Tips for Choosing and Drawing Backgrounds

As an experienced SEOer at Google, I have been asked in various forms how to draw more creatively. This article aims to share some valuable insights that can help you enhance your creative endeavors in drawing. Whether you are an aspiring artist or an experienced draftsman, these tips can be applied to improve your technique and output.

Experimenting with Different Styles and Techniques

One of the key ways to enhance your drawing skills is by experimenting with different styles and techniques. Studying different artists and art forms can provide you with inspiration. This can be as simple as looking at works by famous artists, exploring different mediums, or even visiting museums and galleries. The more you expose yourself to different art styles, the more tools you will have in your creative arsenal. This exposure can also help you decide which techniques resonate with your personal style.

Choosing the Appropriate Background

Choosing the right background is crucial in helping to set the mood and context for your drawing. The background should complement and not compete with the main subject. To make an informed choice, consider the following steps:

Study the Subject: Understanding the atmosphere and environment of the subject will help you choose a suitable background. For instance, if you are drawing a sunset scene, it’s important to capture the right hues and textures to convey the warmth and lightness of the time of day. Sketch and Plan: Before embarking on a detailed drawing, make sketches or references. This helps you visualize the final piece and make necessary adjustments before committing to a drawing. Use References: Utilize photographs, paintings, and other visual references to gather inspiration. This can help you capture a wide range of situations and environments.

Practical Tips for Drawing Backgrounds

When drawing, it is often helpful to have a photo reference to work from. However, this does not mean you must replicate the image exactly. Instead, use the reference as a guide to help you capture the essence of your subject. One effective technique is to draw multiple thumbnails. Thumbnails are small preliminary sketches that help you visualize and experiment with different compositions and ideas. This allows you to try out different backgrounds or crops that can make your piece more creative and unique.

It’s also important to have a focal point in your drawing. Including every detail can make the piece appear too busy. Instead, choose a focal point and use atmospheric perspective to soften or blur the background. This technique helps guide the viewer's eye to the focal point and can enhance the overall aesthetic of the drawing.

Practicing and Enhancing Your Skills

To become more creative in your drawing, you need to practice extensively. Inspiration can come from various sources, such as studying works by different artists, creating your own models, or simply observing your surroundings. Artists like Maxfield Parrish, who created detailed models for his paintings, can provide a useful example. Making models can help you understand how to capture complex scenes and environments in your drawings.

Another valuable tip is to search for subjects and styles that interest you. Save examples that inspire you and try to replicate them. This process can help you master different techniques and apply them to your own work. It may not seem directly related, but mastering a technique through practice can lead to more creativity in your finished pieces. Continuous practice, whether through online tutorials or in-person classes, will help you improve and maintain your skills.

Conclusion

Improving your drawing skills and creativity is a process that takes time and practice. By experimenting with different styles, choosing the appropriate background, using references, and practicing consistently, you can enhance your ability to create more compelling and unique drawings. Remember, the more you engage with different art forms and techniques, the more creative you will become.