You don’t have to show your drawings to anyone – Golden Secret of Drawing #7

Many people feel a nudge to share their art, but it’s absolutely okay if you’re not ready. Drawing can be a deeply personal activity, as private as you like it to be. Showing your work can sometimes feel as intimidating as singing solo on stage—you might worry about others’ opinions or judgments. But you don’t have to show or tell anyone if you don’t want to. Until the day you feel ready to share, keep it just for yourself. That’s perfectly fine.

This is one of the Golden Secrets from my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing. Unlike typical “how-to” guides, this book doesn’t focus on techniques like shading or choosing the right pencils. Instead, it’s about your mindset as a creative person. The Golden Secrets are designed to help clear away the doubts and excuses that keep us from simply picking up a pencil and drawing freely.

I like to think of this book as a comfort blanket for anyone who needs a gentle boost in creative confidence. It’s made for those moments when self-doubt creeps in, and you need a reminder that creating is enough on its own, whether or not you choose to share.

If this sounds like something you need, you can find The Golden Secrets of Drawing here:

And, as a bonus, it’s got a lovely soft cover that makes it as nice to hold as it is to read.

Remove all Obstacles & Excuses to Start Drawing – Golden Secret of Drawing #3

Ready to start drawing? It’s time to let go of the excuses! Break down the walls that might be holding you back—especially those you’ve unknowingly put up yourself. Fear and self-doubt often stand in the way of your creative dreams, but it’s time to overcome them!

In this video, I’ll be sharing the third Golden Secret from my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing. Let’s unlock your potential together!

How to work up a sketch into finished artwork.

Click the flip book below to see all the stages of the artwork in full screen detail.

Open Book

A sketchbook serves as a space for capturing ideas as they come, whether from observation or imagination. There’s something special about sketching people and scenes from everyday life while you’re out and about. Quick sketches tend to be a little rough around the edges—so how can you turn them into more refined drawings?

One of the simplest ways is by using thin layout paper to trace your sketch. This technique allows you to adjust and refine the composition while keeping the lively feel of the original sketch. Often, these quick sketches have more energy and character than a polished piece.

Using a light pad, you can then transfer this improved version from layout paper to your final drawing surface. While tracing might seem like cheating, it’s really a way to enhance your first inspiration. Many renowned artists have used sketches as a base for their finished works, tracing them onto walls, canvases, or paper.

The key is to maintain the spontaneity and looseness of the original sketch, even as you refine it.

You are not Starting to Draw From Scratch – Golden Secrets of Drawing #2

The second Golden Secret in my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing, explains how you are not starting a new hobby, pastime or career from scratch.

You did a lot of drawing as a child, so you know how to hold a pencil and make it move in the direction you want. That is an incredible skill we take for granted. With a bit of instruction and practice you can be drawing with confidence sooner than you think!

You can get the book here: Amazon in the USA and Amazon in the UK

There is Nothing to Stop You Drawing Right now! – Golden Secret of Drawing #1

This is the first Golden Secret in my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing. It explains that the only thing from stopping you drawing, right now, is you and the mental blocks you have built up over a lifetime.

Your parents probably told you it was a waste of time.

Your teacher may have said you were no good!

Drop the excuses. pick up a pencil and begin drawing today!

Get the book here: Amazon in the USA and Amazon in the UK

A Very Long Drawing for the Golden Secrets of Drawing

This is a very long video of me drawing lines on a long piece of paper for my new book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing. Enjoy the thought processes!

To make a long continuous line throughout the book, I had to stick printouts of the pages to a long roll of paper that I could draw the line on.

When it was ready, I had to scan the roll, page by page, feeding it through the scanner!

I’m really pleased with how it all turned out.

Get the book here: Amazon in the USA and Amazon in the UK

The Golden Secrets of Drawing – My New Book

Feeling uninspired to draw and be creative?

Did your parents or teachers say you were no good at drawing and that drawing was a waste of time?

Do you want to draw in secret and need permission to do so?

The Golden Secrets of Drawing may have the key to get you going again.

Amazon in the USA https://amzn.to/4gBsb3L

Amazon in the UK https://amzn.to/3TK7IzQ

As a children’s author and illustrator of many year’s standing, this is my first book ever for grown-ups.

It is NOT a how to draw book.

It has no advice about pencils or shading. It is all about your frame of mind as a creative person, clearing out all the reasons and excuses that hinder the simple act of picking up a pencil and making a mark on a piece of paper.

I like to think of this book as a comfort blanket for creative people who need a little boost to their confidence. It also has a nice, soft feel to the cover.

I will be making videos for all the Golden Secrets, but if you would like to have your own copy to hold and hug on during those dark nights of the soul, here are the Amazon links again:

Amazon in the USA https://amzn.to/4gBsb3L

Amazon in the UK https://amzn.to/3TK7IzQ