10 things about drawing I wish I knew when I was 35.

[@betsy773]

I whipped through the house cleaning, husband finally left for the morning, I watched about 6 of your videos to get caught up, ate 1/2 bag of chips, a bagel with cream cheese, spilled my water all over the couch and now I think Im ready to actually put pen to paper. Thanks for your vidoes Danny.

[@Oydem]

I spent most of this video tearing up, on the verge of crying. I’m 33, I’ve been failing to connect with the world, other people, even my own life, constantly feeling out of place just waiting it out till it’s over. I’ve been almost haunted by the idea of drawing, of doing art, having been told to do something serious, sensible and stable growing up, but always falling to the idea of ‘maybe I could take it up…’, then failing to do so out of some emotions I can’t understand. I’m seeing this video, almost as if it’s a message from the future and I’m now the past version that gets to hear this message, I’m fearful of what this means but bubbling underneath that I’m excited to think this, creating art as you say in this video, might be the key to better connect my mind to my emotions, to who I really am underneath this depression, and then to everything else. I have no idea what I’m going to draw, I have no idea what I want to draw, I don’t think I have anything important to say, but I’ll accept this challenge and draw something, anything, and hope I can keep it up consistently enough for it to become a part of me. Thank you, so much, for creating this message. Time to take the next step on this journey.

[@Grownatives50]

You have something important to say, even if it's only to yourself. What's more important than to "better connect my mind to my emotions, to who I really am underneath...and then to everything else"? What could be more important that THAT?! Play. Have fun. Do it for you. Do it for everyone because you more alive is a gift to the world. Enjoy. It is your birthright.

[@lilybay1]

I deeply thank you for sharing your thoughts. You have profound thoughts to share. Begin sharing with paper and pencil. It may help you see and discover. As for what to draw… close your eyes, turn around, open your eyes. Whatever you see is what you will draw. But, but, I can’t draw that, it’s too hard. Do it anyway. A couch? A couple of rectangles? A couple of feet. Well done. I’m off to take my own advice, closing my eyes - open: plant pot on a pedestal. Go

[@suec8179]

Welcome. You are in the right place ❤

[@PartScavenger]

What's cool is that even your crappy drawings teleport you back and force you to be present

[@kimberleyloveridge7822]

33 here too, and I've never read something that rings so true. I've been depressed for years and felt disconnected from the enjoyment others get out of life as for me there's emptiness. I hope art brings us both joy ❤

[@Dirty_Hamble]

I wish I'd known *you* when I was 35. I'm late 50s, and you're helping me through some really tricky times right now. Thank you, Danny. 👍

[@arcuda2001]

Danny , you are probably the main inspiration to my daily sketchbook habit .. I've shared this several times with you ( in comments lol).. after a 20 year hiatus from art , I restarted my art journey about 7 years ago.. Happily I saw your " art of breakfast" video , and since then my daily sketchbook habit began .. 100's of cups of coffee later , (and more than 50 sketchbooks filled, and still going strong) I'm still at it and I thank you for your encouragement , gentle tips and advice, and I thank you for inspiring me to do something that has changed my art, and my trajectory in the world of creativity , and expression.. Thank you once again .. Norakag ❤

[@Tania-qs1hi]

Your video touched my heart, and tears suddenly fell from my eyes... When I was a child, my life was all about drawing and drawing... But there came a time when I stopped doing it. My insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and self-worth led me to abandon parts of myself, including this one, and it's a void that nothing else can fill, nothing but drawing... I've been slowly reclaiming that part of myself over the years, and I want to tell you that your videos always motivate me and help me a lot. THANK YOU ❤❤

[@burghbrat3319]

There is so much empowerment in just putting pen to paper. It won't always be great. It will not often be something you'd want to frame and hang on your wall. And sometimes you will be unhappy, disengaged, or even angry while you're drawing, but that's OK, too. Do it anyway.

[@User1038yrbaoand]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@bobbibrady9649]

Danny, you are so inspiring, I have been an acrylic painter for 34 years and am trying WC, ugh! As a child, I'm almost 79, I always loved drawing with the good old #2 yellow pencil. I have recently, because of you and Koosje, gotten back to just paper and pencil, sometimes fineliners or fountain pens, I'm like a locomotive that can't stop. I want to try it all, old #2 to a fountain pen, which we were not allowed to use because it was "real" ink! Thank you so much for your inspiration, sharing your talent and advice, you're the best.

[@cindysimons2772]

Thank you for sharing how powerful a sketchbook can be.

[@kimlindseyOH]

Thank you Danny for showing pages in your sketchbooks that aren't "finished" - that you left them like that and didn't tear those pages out. Knowing you do that encourages me that it's ok for me to do the same!

[@lakritzeslena]

"I've made the places mine that I've drawn" that resonates deeply with me. Currently i visit construction (or rather deconstruction) sites and when i was at a place once and painted, as ugly as it seemed in the first place, i bond with it, and i go there again to see whats happening in "my site" next. Same with people i sketch in trains, i call them my "harvest", it's that feeling of having a treasure stored in my book when i go off the train. And sometimes i see a face again that i once drew and i think i know that person a bit.

[@keithbell4744]

Thanks Danny. Started drawing again in January. Cannot believe ive nearly filled sketch book 1 and starting number 2 ... and found a love for pens gouche and watercolors ....thank you. Helps with my OCD..😂

[@SketchBookSkool]

Fantastic!

[@joeschmoe3815]

That's pretty cool. Try color inks (waterbased) when you can. I found them better suited for mixed media or even travel notebooks.

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

It took me a while to finally understand the true value of stylized graphic drawings. The thing is, although I enjoy the meditative kind of drawing you are talking about, I still want to be able to draw long realistic drawings and paint complex scenes in oil. We must remember that the goals of drawing are often different, some people are looking for a specific solution to their artistic problems.

[@mn8304]

I once read a quote that went "A life well lived is a life poorly documented" but you have managed to prove that not necessarily true, Danny! Thanks for sharing!

[@gingerkara]

I love this! When you’re away, how much time do you spend drawing in your journal? I always find I’m so busy with activities (or tired from activities!) that I end up note-taking and then retrospectively illustrating the trip afterwards 🤔 I’d like to do more art when I’m away and present in it

[@artscience9981]

Great video Danny! You have really been a great influence for drawing and journaling. You started me on my notebook journey about a decade ago through your book “The Illustrated Life.” Since they I’ve drawn and painted in many notebooks and even taught a class or two to others on how to sketch. Thanks for sharing your drawing life with us!

[@sirguy6678]

Amazing video! I love the idea of using drawing as fun, a diary, personal therapy, finding comfort and exploring curiosity of the world!

[@Oceanwaves-d8l]

That's interesting... Very similar sensations to when I started writing about everything, even the mundane, in journals. I've recently started to love words in the same way, always learning more to express my thoughts and what's going on better, even learning other languages. Will try to do drawings too. Thank you for the video. :)

[@joliekelly517]

This is one of my favorite videos that you have done. There's a lot to think about in this one. As always thank you for sharing your art and you life. PS. I also love reading your books.

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

You give me so much to think about. There are so many ways to see all of the subjects we use for art. I like your idea for using my sketchbook for a place to troubleshoot problems. Thank you for sharing your creativity.😊

[@martinaodell2866]

Idk how you made this sound so practical and not "hippy dippy" But its wonderful. Thank You

[@SketchBookSkool]

Hey, man, I like totally appreciate your good vibes, dude.

[@myartiststory]

Dear Danny Gregory, your passion is so beautiful and contagious!

[@kristinstewart5556]

This is such a lovely synopsis! Your encouragement changes lives.

[@ShivaJalali1149]

Thank you so much Danny!🙏🏻🫶🏻🌸

[@malvenachristianmusicbaxte8830]

Your sketchbooks are so beautiful…. It would take me all day to do anything like you do on a page. I really enjoy your videos. They encourage me to sit down with my at each day.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much!

[@Chai4mom]

I'm so very grateful for your videos. Your encouragement, sharing your sketchbooks, sharing your journey and your process. Not only do you inspire with your art, but with your beautiful words and your kind and gentle voice. It all comes together to be the most wonderful package. I just can't say enough about how much you have helped me accept my own art and my own process. You are such a gift and I wish I lived next door to you. Fortunately for me, I have your KZbin Channel and that is a pretty great alternative. Thank you a million times.

[@merryw5885]

Danny, thank you for your continued inspiration and grounded discussion and for the cohesiveness of art and life that you bring into our shared dimensions!

[@hetalkhatri8018]

So inspiring. 👏📒🖊🎨🖌🙌 Thank you for sharing🧡🙏

[@mp-du2og]

You spoke to my ❤ the moment i needed most. Greetings from Athens. Thank you xxx

[@Isabelle-kq7qh]

Your Illustrated journals are so beautiful and feels deeply personal. Is it okay to ask what sketchbooks do you usually recommend for someone who switches between pen sketching to watercolor pencils?

[@allieeverett9017]

Not Danny here, but someone who draws and paints...it's fun to keep a sketch book that will take all media, like heavy duty watercolor paper. But at times I also use plain old lined paper for practice. It all works...just do it!

[@avihana2002]

You are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your incredible passion for sketching. The reasons you give make me see the possibilities and the benefits. Thank you!!!

[@itafita]

I love how articulate you are ama how you present your ideas. Thank you❤

[@christophermckellar1352]

Thanks! Motivating and comforting as always.

[@meetmewithin]

I love this so much. I just started doing an illustrated journal this week. It is something I have wanted to do watching your videos. I found your book at the library and reading it inspired me to finally go for it.

[@RadhaSrinivasan-yv3gt]

You have certainly ignited the fire in me to start learning to draw, something i have been wanting to since years. Your videos are filled with lessons.. not just about drawing but life lessons of a different kind. You have been soo generous in sharing everything you know about this art form, be it the' how tos', the hints and tips and tricks, the ideas, the benefits, the reasons.. Just about everything that i have always wondered about but din't have an answer to. Thank you soo much 😊😊

[@LindySellsHomes]

“I travel in order to draw”. Amen to that.

[@DoodleDragon4U]

Thanks so much for showing up as a friendly mentor for anyone who wants to learn from you! 📖 ✏️

[@leighrogers1383]

Beautifully expressed 😊…whenever I feel a bit like giving up, your videos are always a wonderful inspiration….thank you 😊

[@jeaniestebbins8324]

Your videos have helped me immensely with my art journey. Thank you!

[@NisrineCherqi]

Thank youuu , your videos really inspire me to make more art

[@1msfit]

How do you make time to sketch when traveling with another person? My husband is really into photography. Even when he takes time to line up and plan out the perfect shot, he is ready to move on before I can sit down, put pen to paper, and sketch my view. This is so frustrating that I have given up on the idea and just try to shoot something with my phone and draw it later-but then it is not done “in the moment” which lacks a certain spontaneity I would like to capture.

[@jumanas4012]

thank you for your inspiring words

[@prabhavathyparameshwar5436]

You are a great inspiration for many like me.Thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@PatriciaWaldo]

Thanks!❤❤❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

Wow! Thanks

[@connieebinger6343]

Hi Danny! This is so inspiring!

[@MomoCho11]

You are so very inspiring! One thing I’ve noticed when you flip through your sketchbooks is that you have/there is a visual cohesion (your style?) that seems to be there no matter the sketchbook paper, medium/materials, or subject matter. It’s so visually pleasing, whether it’s the layout of the style or use of white space or what…no idea. Was that always the case? My pages do not reflect my hand/visual voice like that! And if I switch up paper or materials it looks quite different page to page. How to get that visual continuity?

[@BassPotter46]

Thank you Mr. Danny!

[@julienlandau1072]

I rarely like or comment, but this moved me

[@jodybouchereau9393]

thankyou for sharing

[@Groinattack1]

Danny I love your lettering and writring in your books. I am wondering what kind of pen you use for that? A brush pen maybe?

[@celegleeson1767]

What can I say. Once you asked me by name to sign up. That was a while ago. Thanks. So I just did. Ha ha. Just shows the power of an invitation with yr name on it. I loved this video. You are such a talented human being in so mangy ways.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Welcome aboard! Im sorry it took so long!

[@celegleeson1767]

@@SketchBookSkool let's hope I make the most of it now..

[@guitarjesus88]

Starting doing art again at 30 after not engaging since I was younger. Now 36 and enjoying this channel from time to time

[@alicechfft1992]

Amazing, your work is so inspiring! What kind of tools do you always have on yourself to draw all these at any moments?

[@PartScavenger]

Are all your sketchbooks this beautiful? Mine look like a toddler's been coloring in them mixed in with a few good pictures

[@igorgarcia997]

Maravilloso...!

[@sawmon6079]

You are such a beautiful person. Love you from Myanmar.❤❤❤❤❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are so kind

[@lanasew6913]

Hi Danny, I have recently started to keep a regular sketchbook practice and I am currently going through your Illustrated Life course with my sister. I volunteered to do an art project for a homeschool group this past spring and was amazed at how much I loved it. At the end, I gave each of them a sketchbook with the hopes that they will continue to draw throughout the summer. Would you have any advice for me on how encourage them to stay motivated to keep up the practice? They are 8 and 9 year olds.

[@ayabaadarani3448]

You’re amazing!

[@misoadeio]

52 yo here. Years ago felt the urge to draw. Grabbed a pen and paper and started following KZbin tutorials. Very soon got frustrated realising that my hand does not follow my brain’s instructions. I gave up. Since then I started numerous times, but was quitting soon afterwards. Could not detach myself from the end-product. From my own expectations. I know that I will start again. Just don’t know for how long this time.

[@omgcheesepuffs627]

When you’re drawing do you sit there with your subject or do you memorize and try drawing later? I never seem to have the time when I’m in the moment.

[@SketchBookSkool]

SUre, I draw at the moment. It deepens my experience of it, not distracts,

[@IAmScottD]

Awesome sir, Awesome!

[@gabrielcameron]

Danny, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful thoughts. I was wondering if you have any words of wisdom to propel me past my current obstacle. I’ve written a children’s book, and desperately want to illustrate it, but I don’t feel I currently have the skills to do it justice. To be honest, I don’t even have a clear picture of how I want it to look! I’d really appreciate if you could help me figure out how to define the style of illustration and an approach to muscle up my illustration skills.

[@carmenortiz5294]

Do you draw first and later on add the notes or do both at the same time?

[@wildsheepc]

I suspect others have pointed this out by now, but several of the images (see @7:39 for example) didn't get linked correctly, or saving the file from your editing software dropped them or something.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Whoops! We’ll fix it.

[@susanpriestart]

I would like to do this but I don’t travel far now days so where and what can I sketch please x❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

Draw everything in your house. All your shoes. Your breakfast. Your dirty laundry. Your pets. Your toothbrush. Whatever’s on TV. Then take a trip.

[@Anchanee2008]

Is there a thought you can recommend that has given you the courage to draw things you know you are bad at but want to learn? I would really like to learn to draw people, but I find them so intimidating and am scared to make everything ugly. However, I know that you have to be incredibly bad at something before being good at it. Do you have any advice for a new mindset?

[@CharineB]

Just wondering - when you're drawing in restaurants and like places, what are your companions doing? I often see things that I want to draw when I am with others. It seems rude to pull out my sketchbook.

[@SketchBookSkool]

They're talking and having a good time. The fact that. I occasionally look down at my sketchbook doesn't ruin our time together.

[@annietriesthings]

Missing remote media? 9:54

[@SketchBookSkool]

Whoops ! We're fixing it.

[@lenepedersen5506]

Think Nike: just do it - then at least you can tell yourself that you tried but it wasn't for you. Go and do it! 🎉

[@borculo1]

❤

[@paulalaelena]

💛

[@Kay-uy4xn]

If you didn't have that book in the drawer ready for your meeting at the cocktail party nothing would have come of it

[@hafizmazuki2443]

A drawing journal is quite alien to me. I draw to hide myself, not show to anybody. Everytime i finished a sketchbook, I'll burned it.

[@SketchBookSkool]

why?

[@hafizmazuki2443]

​@@SketchBookSkool so to remind me that i can create & also destroy at the same time.

[@AnneIllustrating]

Interesting. I actually have done this before, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve actually come to regret destroying some things that I have created. It’s because I’ve recognized that I have burned a memory… A part of me that I will never get back and now my daughter will never get to see if she had wanted to. Obviously your art means something different to you that’s, well, alien to me

[@AmbiCahira]

Don't be afraid of taking up space in this world, you deserve to have a voice without shame and your unique voice is as inspirational to others as the old cave paintings are to us now. We are our own worst critics and there might be one day decades from now that someone you love might want to learn to draw and the best way that you can inspire is to show your art journey where your art used to be in the past and that growth happens over time. The best way to know how much you've grown is to look at art you did 5, 10, or even more years ago. Your art grow in value to yourself over time if you keep it :)

[@heikesiegl2640]

Tbh for me a travel Sketchbook, or a memoire wouldnt really work. Because I wouldnt be in the moment, I wouldnt be attentive, i wouldnt absorb the atmosphere. I would comcdntrate on drawing and miss everything else

[@cassandrascott2613]

Maybe. But I think you would find that by sitting and drawing you would slow everything down so that you could really see the true atmosphere behind all the busyness

[@SketchBookSkool]

@@cassandrascott2613 I agree with you 100%. Drawing actually makes me far more engaged with where I am and what I'm seeing. My mind doesn't wander, I notice details, and I am imprinting the experience deep in my memory and can easily recall distinct, rich details years later.

[@TheRickurb]

Do you ever draw from imagination?

[@GrantSR]

I'm sorry, maybe I'm just in a bad mood tonight, but: It seems a bit disingenuous for you to talk to us about when you "first started drawing" and then you pull out a sketchbook that looks like you already had years of experience. It kind of feels like a bit of a flex to say, "Just get started, it doesn't matter if you aren't any good," and then show off a sketchbook that puts all the rest of us to shame. Normally, I love your videos. Normally, I find them inspiring. But this is just making me feel that I am not even good enough to even try to start.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I did show some sketchbooks I’d filled after years of drawing. I started drawing in my late 30s. I’ve drawn a lot since then. I’m not sure I understand your issue.

[@KathyButkus]

Just appreciate the ideas and the message!

[@annabe4824]

Show don't tell

[@splashofun]

Well look what you did.. Who told you to go and throw artists' block right out of the window? Thanks a lot! - Seroiusly.