How long did that take?
Colored Pencil Drawing Tips
This is the #1 Question I get asked
How long did that take?!?
Here is the answer. I can spend anywhere from 2-40 hours on a drawing depending on the size and complexity. But, on average, I typically spend somewhere around 20 hours on a drawing.
This response often elicits comments like, “I could never do that!” or “You must have so much patience!”
This reaction always surprises me because, I am thinking 20 hours is nothing!
There is immense value in dedicating time to our creative pursuits. To me, the notion of spending 20 hours on a piece of art is something I look forward to. Within those hours, I can create something beautiful to share with others or even sell. That time is an opportunity to immerse myself in a world that I love.
But it does require patience
So, how do I have so much patience? Well, I don’t, of course. I have just found strategies to keep me motivated.
For example, I love to take advantage of my drawing time to listen to a good audiobook. I like who-done-its, historical fiction, and mystery. Drawing is one of the only times I have to listen to my favorite books and I am often more excited to listen to the story than I am to draw. So, it keeps me motivated to continue.
When I am tired of books, I can listen to podcasts. If you are my friend, you will know that most of my sentences start with the words, “I just heard on a podcast…” Depending on my mood, I listen to business podcasts, self-help, health and wellness or true crime.
And, occasionally, I find that I have been drawing for an hour without a thought in my head. Accidental meditation. I think they call that the zone. Those are the best times.
Let’s put 20 hours into perspective.
It is one hour a day for three weeks. At that pace, you could create 17 new drawings each year. Even with the busiest of schedules, carving out just a portion of our days or weeks to draw can lead to surprising results.
20 Hours to…
20 hours to listen to a great audiobook
20 hours to listen to my favorite podcasts
20 hours to listen to music
20 hours to meditate
20 hours to learn a new skill
20 hours to accomplish something
20 hours to create something beautiful
20 hours to do something I love
20 hours to make myself proud
20 hours to inspire someone else to draw
20 hours is nothing!
Is it worth it?
Imagine the sense of pride that comes from dedicating yourself to learning and honing a craft. With each passing hour, you improve. And those 20 hours become a stepping stone toward mastery. That feeling of accomplishment is immeasurable! It fuels your confidence and inspires you to continue to push yourself to try new things.
Perhaps most importantly, you are taking time for yourself. To relax. To be creative. To have fun!
And, when others witness what you are creating, they may feel inspired to try something creative themselves. How amazing is that?!? I can tell you. It is the best!
So, I encourage you to use some of your free time to draw. Embrace the time it takes to be creative and nurture your artistic side. Dedicate those hours to something that brings you joy, fulfillment, and self-expression. You may be surprised by what you can accomplish when you allow yourself the gift of this time. Let the gasps of surprise and disbelief turn into awe and admiration for what you can create in just 20 hours.