Drawing is the backbone of almost every art discipline and a fundamental form of communication. This makes the ability to translate what the eye sees onto paper a valuable skill for all artists. Before one can toss aside convention and explore the abstract and the fantastic the original form and realistic representation must be understood.

Observational drawing is the way to exercise the connection between what the eyes see and what ends up on paper or canvas. It requires focus as well as attention to detail and the ability to find relationships. The relationship of one object to another and the relationship of those objects in space. The practice of observational drawing will improve concentration, drawing skill and your overall ability to see the world around you.

Observational drawing can include cityscapes, landscapes, a small or large still life, friends and family, interiors or exteriors... Pretty much anything that you can find to look at and draw. Here are a few ideas:

• On nice days take an hour to do a drawing in your local park or at the zoo.
• Sit in front of a mirror or other reflective surface and create a self portrait.
• Choose a few objects that you feel represent you and set up a still life.
• Hold a small object in your hand and spend 10 minutes sketching it.
• Have a friend or family member pose for a portrait.

Remember to keep looking back and forth from your drawing to your reference. You should spend almost as much time observing and evaluating as you are making marks on your page.

Good luck and keep drawing!