9 Depression Drawing Ideas to Help You Get Through It
What do you draw when you are sad? Most people don’t realize that artists who produce art while they are depressed can make some of the best works of their life. But it’s hard to create something good on purpose when your mind is focused on negativity, sadness or depression. I will share my story with producing art when not only sad and depressed but also very happy.
I know that drawing is a great way to escape from depression and sadness. However, sometimes it can be hard to find inspiration for new drawings when you are sad or depressed.
Drawing helps me get through my dark days but the ideas just aren’t coming. The only thing worse than not drawing when you’re sad is having nothing to draw when you’re happy!
My personal battle with sadness and creativity
I have documented my own personal story dealing with depression and sadness plenty of times but the day that I realized I had a problem was on the night of my 30th birthday.
I was alone at home, a planned party had failed to eventuate. I had just broken up with a girl, I lost my job and was working in a restaurant that I had invested in and I hated every single moment. I was also suffering from a chronic condition called Meniere’s Disease where I was slowly losing my hearing in my left ear and suffering bouts of rotational vertigo 3 to 5 times a day.
I have to say I drew inspiration from Francis Bacon’s Pope paintings and I think by going through the process I really learned to understand what it meant to be a suffering artist.
Depression Drawing Ideas
What if you are too depressed to make art.
This is where art therapy can be really useful. There are many projects out there that are designed to help with depression and they are perfect for when you don’t feel like making your own art . One example is the 30 day happiness project which has a whole range of activities for different moods (including depression).
There is no right or wrong way to do this. If all you want to do is sit and stare at a blank piece of paper then that’s okay. Or if you want to try something new and creative, go for it! The most important thing is that you are doing something that makes you happy (or at least helps you cope).
Is drawing good for depression?
– It helps to focus the mind on something positive and productive
– It can be used as a tool for problem solving or brainstorming
Can drawing help with anxiety?
What do depression drawings look like.
Depression drawings can be anything that makes sense to the depression sufferer. Some common themes are feelings of isolation, emptiness, darkness, futility or self-hatred. Drawings can include but are not limited to:
Express your feelings through drawing
Use depression drawings as a tool for problem solving and not adding to it.
Keep an art journal or sketchbook
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Why are Artists sad?
I was what we would now call manic depressive and my manic stage lasted about 15 years and then it slammed into a wall at age 30, on my birthday.
Depression made me creative and an artist, being happy made me stop. How ironic for me.
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I hated every moment even though many people looked at my artwork and loved them.
Is Creativity linked to mental illness?
For me, it was a way to survive my depression from suffering from Meniere’s Disease .
You do not have to suffer alone.
Help Resources for Depression
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15 Art Therapy Activities & Ideas for Kids (Incl. PDF)
Maybe it’s been a while, but what about the last time you doodled on your notebook during a meeting?
For many of us, when we think of art, we tend to think it’s not for us. Perhaps you think you aren’t very creative, but there’s more to it than merely being ‘good at drawing.’
Allowing our brains the freedom for free expression, even by doodling, can have a wonderful impact on how we process, retain, and share information.
It’s no surprise that the therapy community has taken note of this, and in more recent years, there’s been a rise in the number of practitioners offering a very distinct form of therapy: art therapy.
Before you read on, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.
This Article Contains:
What is art therapy, what art therapy is not, a brief history of art therapy, 5 fun art therapy ideas and activities for children and teens (+pdfs), 5 art therapy exercises and techniques for adults, 5 helpful art therapy activities for anxiety, 5 art therapy books to read, how to become an art therapist, how to find an art therapist near you, a take-home message.
Art therapy is a blended field of therapeutic practice that combines art and psychology, utilizing the creative process, artistic techniques, and external artwork to support individuals to develop self-awareness, explore emotions, and address unresolved conflict or trauma.
Art therapy has also been used to help individuals, particularly young children, develop social skills and raise self-confidence. It’s a fantastic addition to positive psychology, as at its core, it seeks to help individuals overcome emotional or psychological challenges to achieve a greater sense of personal wellbeing.
A broader definition of art therapy has been established by the American Art Therapy Association (2013):
Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Most recently, there has been a rise in what is often referred to as mindfulness coloring . Some people see this as a part of art therapy, but it is very distinct from accredited art therapy practice.
There are many do-it-yourself coloring apps and coloring books for adults and children that promote coloring as a form of self-care or mindfulness. While these activities can certainly be helpful for many, unless a licensed art therapist has designed them, they cannot be considered art therapy.
As far back as there have been humans, there has been art. Just think of the original cave drawings.
Art as a therapy practice was only accepted more recently. The term ‘Art Therapy’ was coined in 1942 by Adrian Hill, a British artist, who attributed painting and drawing to his recovery from tuberculosis. However, the benefits of the practice of art for emotional health go back further than this.
In 1915, Margaret Naumburg, often referred to as the Mother of Art Therapy, established the Walden School in New York. Naumburg believed that children should be allowed creative freedom and that allowing them to pursue subjects that interested them would enable healthy development.
Naumburg wrote several influential books on the topic of art therapy, believing that when creative pursuits are seen as another form of expression, they can be used in conjunction with traditional communication to unearth repressed and unconscious memories and emotions.
Her work led others to begin exploring the field, building its reputation within the psychological community, including:
- Florence Cane, an art educator who began to use teaching methods that encouraged artistic expression and emotional creativity.
- Edith Kramer, who developed a more process-oriented art therapy approach based on psychotherapy ideas of the ego and that promoted the development of identity.
- Elnor Ulman established the first journal in the United States dedicated to art therapy, alongside one of the first training programs for psychologists wishing to train in art therapy.
Young children often rely on their limited language skills to express complex thoughts and emotions. That barrier can be breached with methods of expression they understand a little better, like drawing and coloring.
Teens can also benefit from a pressure-free, consequence-free medium for their thoughts and feelings.
Below are five possible art therapy activities and exercises for children of all ages.
1. Art therapy postcard activity
Most people would probably agree that it’s easier to express or recognize hurts and regrets when there’s the distance between yourself and the problem. This is why the postcard activity can be a good self-discovery exercise that helps answer the question, “ What would I say to someone if I didn’t have to do it face-to-face? ”
This activity can be used in one-to-one or group therapy sessions. Here’s how to conduct the activity:
- Print out the postcard by following the link above or simply create a postcard-style template to use. One side can be completely blank for drawing, and one side can be laid out with some lines for writing.
- Ask participants to reflect on a situation or person they feel or felt frustrated, angry, upset, or sad about. Spend a moment simply thinking about and reflecting on what happened, how it felt, and what they would like to let the person know about how the experience made them feel.
- On the blank side of the postcard, ask participants to draw or create a visual representation of how they felt or still feel about the experience. Explain that there is total freedom with this, and they can create anything they like with any materials.
- On the lined side of the postcard, participants can write what they would like to say if they could.
- Use what they draw and write to explore their emotions further and discuss how they might begin to work toward a healing resolution.
2. Words to live by collage
They may suppress their real character to avoid censure from their peers; this is why it’s essential for teens to identify their core values and identify who they think they are.
It’s crucial when working with teens to create coping strategies that they can come back over to time and let them know that their ideas, feelings, and values will change with experience.
The Words to Live By activity helps teens to visualize their core values through creative collage. Here’s how to teach this activity:
You will need:
- Old magazines, newspapers, picture books, and scrap paper
- Markers and colored pencils
- Scissors and glue
- Cardboard or thick paper for the base of the collage
- This activity can be carried out with a group or one-to-one
- Asking participants to take a moment to reflect on their core values. For younger teens, you may want to discuss what we mean by values by asking them what some of the things they feel strongly about are. What do they feel good about when they practice certain behaviors or see others behave?
- Once participants have a good idea of their values, invite them to take a mindful minute. Start by asking them to close their eyes and turn their focus to their breath. Now ask them to let the words associated with their values freely flow into their thoughts. What are these words? What are the related images, colors, and shapes that feel connected to these words?
- Once participants feel ready, invite them to begin selecting images, words, phrases, or colors from the magazines and newspapers. They will use these to compile a collage that they feel reflects their words to live by. This can be image based or entirely abstract; it’s all about how their words make them feel.
- If they feel comfortable, save some time at the end of the session for them to present their collages and share with the group what they have created and what it means to them.
3. Softness project
Humans are all tactile creatures, but children especially are touchers, explorers, and curious feelers. Utilizing touch is a way for them to learn about the world and to find comfort.
The activity below is a form of art therapy that focuses on using comforting textures and allowing for a manageable exploration of uncomfortable emotions. It is a particularly useful activity with younger children.
This activity can be carried out with a group or one-to-one.
Here’s how to conduct the activity:
- Various pieces of different fabric, textured materials, and soft textiles
- Cardboard or thick paper for the base
- Start the session by asking participants about their sense of touch. Invite them to share their ideas around things that feel good, things that don’t feel right, and why. What are some of the things they enjoy touching? What materials do they find comforting and nurturing?
- Explain that touch is an important sensory experience, and we can use it to create things that bring us comfort and a sense of calm.
- Allow participants to explore the box of different materials and take their time selecting pieces they enjoy.
- Next, they can create a soft collage, sticking, sewing, or tying the pieces of fabric together on the cardboard or thick paper base. Encourage them to think carefully when selecting the materials and build the collage up as much as they like, creating a pillow-like sculpture.
- If using this activity with an older group, you could give more direct instructions such as using the materials to depict an event that is painful for them, a person with whom they have painful conflict, or a part of themselves they’re unhappy with.
With this project, participants are softened by the act of collage, rendering painful things into pleasant things.
In a group with young children, we recommend using materials like glue sticks and having pre-cut pieces of material ready.
4. Build a safe place
This is an activity that’s adaptable for all age groups, but may be a sensitive project for kids and young adults who often have little control of their environments and struggle to ever feel safe.
This project may help a child or teen reflect on ways to find a safe space or may simply help them feel like they have some control over their environment. It can be conducted one-to-one or in small groups.
Here’s how to carry out the activity.
- Safe building materials such as cardboard boxes of different shapes and sizes, popsicle sticks, colored cardboard, pipe-cleaners, markers or colored pencils, glitter, and sequins
You can tailor the materials you use depending on the age group you are working with. The idea is to provide them with as much as possible so they can get creative.
- Ask participants to think about a space that makes them feel safe. Then ask them to reflect on what it is about this particular space that makes them feel that way. Is it bright and sunny or dark and calming? How does it smell? What can they see, hear, and touch when they are in their safe space? If they don’t have one or can’t think of one, ask them similar questions but geared toward what they think would make them feel safe.
- Next, ask participants to take a mindful minute. Have them close their eyes and focus on their breathing. Then bring to mind their safe space, real or imagined, and visualize what this looks like. How does it feel to be in their safe space? What emotions can they sense?
- When participants are comfortable, ask them to explore the various materials and to recreate their safe space. This could be in any format they like, whether a flat drawing or a sculpture; give them as much creative freedom as possible.
- When they have finished and if they feel comfortable, ask them to share their creations with the group, describing the different parts of their safe space. These can be used to create an ongoing dialogue about safe environments and how they might create something like this in real life.
5. Color your feelings
This set of three worksheets includes exercises for children to express their emotions or define the things they care about. It’s a very quick and easy exercise that can help participants create helpful visual representations of the things they value.
The worksheets include an empty outline of a heart.
Here’s how to use it.
- The printed worksheets
- Glitter, sequins, and glue (if desired)
- Ask participants to take a moment to reflect on the things that make their heart happy. What things make them feel good? What words would they use to describe these things? What images and colors come to mind when they think about these things?
- Provide participants with the worksheets and ask them to fill the heart with what they have just been thinking and talking about. They can create these in any way they like, focusing on one thing or filling the heart with as many things as they want.
- Use what they create as a discussion point to help them better understand the things that make their heart happy. How often do these things happen for them? How can they and you work together to create more of these happy moments?
Often, in dealing with adult problems, it’s even harder to articulate what hurts and why.
Distress from pent-up emotions and complex experiences that need articulation is an especially common experience for people in caring professions.
Art therapy is a promising therapy for end-of-life caretakers, helping them feel competent, develop emotionally focused coping skills, and increase emotional awareness – an essential skill to prevent burnout (Potash, Chan, Ho, Wang, & Cheng, 2015).
Caring professionals especially need the defense against burnout that art therapy can provide, but any adult is susceptible to burnout and could use the coping skills taught through art therapy.
Below are five activities for adults that can provide an opportunity to help them better understand themselves. Some of them are for use with clients addressing a specific area, and others are more generally therapeutic.
While these exercises might not be facilitated by a professional art therapist, many of them were developed and used by art therapists and can still make a difference for the individual seeking release.
1. Unmasked – Expressive Art Therapy Directive
This activity was created for people who struggle with eating disorders or have body image problems. People with these conditions often create masks to hide behind that can operate as distractions from other issues, keep others from seeing their suffering, or keep them from seeing their own dysfunction.
This expressive arts therapy activity involves creating masks that help explore the participants’ symbolic masks. Creating masks can be done individually or in a group setting.
The activity can help participants discover suppressed parts of themselves, uncover new coping strategies that aren’t food or body related, and confront a fear of what would happen if the body- and food-focused mask was removed (Schwartz, 2017).
Depending on your resources, you could help participants to make plaster masks from scratch or purchase some pre-made blank masks.
If making plaster masks from scratch, keep in mind that there is a drying time between layers of plaster, so this activity would need to be carried out throughout several sessions. If you are seeking to deliver a one-off workshop activity, the pre-made masks might work best. Other materials to use could include:
- Feathers, pipe cleaners, pieces of different fabric and materials
- Glitter and sequins
- Explain to participants the concept of masks and how each of us might have unconscious masks that we often hide behind. Encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences of this. When do they think they hide behind a mask? What triggers their hiding? What would that mask look like if it were real?
- Next, ask participants to engage in a mindful minute. Have them close their eyes and focus on their breathing. Encourage them to allow thoughts of their mask to enter their mind. Ask them to think about what their ‘best face’ mask might look like, the one they want people to see rather than the one they hide behind to cover up their food or body-related behaviors. What would that mask look like?
- Provide them with the masks and materials. Encourage them to create their ‘best face’ mask.
- When their masks are complete, they could use them to further role-play their ideas about themselves and issues represented by the different masks they wear.
2. The lighthouse
For those who feel lost, overwhelmed, or isolated, expressing those feelings and visualizing hope can be a therapeutic and beautiful way to identify needs, feel hope for the future, and realize where they are on a specific journey.
The activity involves imagining being lost at sea and visualizing the ideal lighthouse that would provide the right kind of guidance. This is a great activity for both children and adults, but an older group or individual might better appreciate the depth and symbolism of the project.
Here are the instructions.
- Plain or colored paper
- Start with a basic guided meditation. Ask participants to sit comfortably, close their eyes, and turn their focus to their breathing. Allow a minute or two for participants to clear their minds and become settled.
- As participants continue to meditate and relax, explain that it is common for all of us at points in our life to feel lost, isolated, or overwhelmed. It can be a scary time, and we often think there is no way out, but there is usually always a light to help guide us back to safety.
- Next, start to tell participants a story. They have been out on a boat on a clear day, but as the day progressed, the weather has taken a turn for the worse. The sky has darkened, the sea is black and choppy. It is cold, and water is flowing into the boat. They have lost their way and are unsure of how they will find their way back again. But, in the distance, they see a lighthouse showing them the way to safety. They must head toward the lighthouse.
- Bring participants out of their meditation and provide them with the materials. Instruct them to draw, color, or paint a lighthouse as a source of guidance. Encourage them to depict themselves in relation to the lighthouse somewhere in the image and to add words that represent sources of guidance in their life.
3. The self-care box
Affirmation and inspiration are the keys to the self-care box . It can be comforting to have something small, tangible, and beautiful in times of trouble. This is a simple activity that can have impactful results in times of need.
The box can be used as a resource, and its ongoing creation can be therapeutic for the participant.
Here’s how to make a self-care box.
You can ask participants to make their own box out of cardboard, or you can find small, plain, and inexpensive wooden boxes from many arts and crafts stores. Whichever you choose, you will also need:
- Glitter, sequins, pieces of materials like lace, etc.
- Old magazines, newspapers, or picture books
- Ask participants to reflect on their ideas of self-care. What does it mean to them? What are some of the things, behaviors, people, or activities that help them feel good about themselves and that feel like self-care?
- Encourage them to think about the emotions, feelings, words, images, and colors that these ideas for self-care evoke within them.
- Next, provide them with the boxes and materials. Tell them that these self-care boxes will be used to store small trinkets, souvenirs, and quotes that align with their ideas of self-care.
- Participants can then decorate their boxes to best align with their ideas of self-care. Encourage them to decorate or line the box with positive affirmations. These can be self-generated, generated by group members, or found online. These can also be simply folded and put into the box to be read when needed.
- Use the box for items that provide comfort, like worry stones, pictures of friends or family, clips of quotes or poetry, pressed flowers, or treasured jewelry or mementos. They might even leave some movie or massage gift cards in the box that can be used when they feel drained and in need of self-care.
You can share these quotes with them for inspiration:
- Best Therapy Quotes
- Best Coaching Quotes
- Emotional Intelligence Quotes
- Happiness Quotes
4. The poem collage
Self-criticism can make the act of creation challenging, and finding the words to express your feelings can often be difficult because you’re self-conscious of how inadequate the expressions can feel.
By creating a poem from a pool of words collected from sources like magazines, newspapers, and old books, you can create an un-self-conscious poem that molds pre-existing words to your feelings.
Here’s how to make a poem collage . This activity can be carried out with a group or one-to-one
- Explain the concept of self-talk to participants, and how when we talk negatively to ourselves, it can significantly impact our mood, emotions, and feelings of growth and happiness.
- Encourage a discussion around how and when participants are self-critical of themselves and when they engage in self-talk. Ask them to reflect on whether their loved ones would say these things about them. What would their loved ones say about them instead?
- Provide participants with the materials and encourage them to create their own word/poem collage filled with positive affirmations and kind words they would like to associate more with themselves.
- Let participants be as freely creative as they want, including images and colors that also make them feel good.
- When they have finished, instruct them to take this home and place it somewhere they look every day. Encourage them to spend 3–5 minutes each morning or evening taking in what they have created and build these positive words and images into their day.
- If a project like this is used in a group or therapy setting, practitioners could ask the participants about their word choices, chosen themes, or interpretations of the poems (Frank, 2014).
5. The family sculpture
The family sculpture exercise is a popular art therapy activity that exists in many other therapy types, such as family therapy , though in a modified form. It is enlightening for clients to mold their family in a way that represents the members and the dynamics, and it helps them identify problems in relationships that otherwise might be ignored.
It is a great activity to use with adults, where family dynamics and relationships are more ingrained, to bring awareness to how these things impact our thought processes.
- Simple modeling clay, Play-Doh, etc.
- Explain to participants that our families have a significant role in our lives. From an early age, the ways we engage with our families shape how we go on to engage as adults and within other relationships. It’s important to reflect on our family dynamics to understand how and why we might communicate in the ways we do so we can better work to change the ways that might be negative.
- Provide participants with the material, and ask them to shape and mold members of their family. A useful way to direct this activity can be to encourage participants to create abstract shapes or use other objects to represent certain family members.
- Next, ask participants to position the family members in ways or scenarios that they feel best to reflect the family dynamics more generally.
- Participants can then be encouraged to discuss the shapes or objects they have chosen and why. Try to go deeper to uncover what these shapes represent. If used in a full therapy session, participants could also use the figures to conduct a role-play, which can then be discussed with the therapist to uncover deeper thoughts and ideas about their family relationships (Malchiodi, 2010).
Anxiety is experienced differently by different people and can range from low to severe. The range of symptoms experienced is also extensive, which means for many people, it often goes undiagnosed. Developing positive coping strategies and understanding how anxiety shows up in your life and what triggers an anxious response are crucial for managing anxiety.
One of the most enlightening parts of art therapy is the process of creation, which can be just as revealing as the final product. However, for people with anxiety, there may be an intense need to finish the creative process and create a universally appealing final product.
For people with anxiety, self-discovery and healthy coping mechanisms are essential, and art therapy techniques are among the healthiest ways to deal with some of the symptoms and experiences of living with anxiety.
Below are five art therapy activities, specifically designed to support individuals with anxiety .
1. The panic book
People with an anxious panic disorder can spiral into a panic just thinking about the possibility of having a panic attack. Panic attacks can have many triggers, sometimes known, but often not.
The panic book activity encourages participants to create a book full of images that help them keep calm during stressful situations and help refocus their mind onto something more positive.
- Artist sketchbooks or blank notebooks
- Magazines, newspapers, old picture books, etc.
- Any other craft materials participants might use to create their book. For example, you could download some affirmation images from the internet or ask participants to bring a selection of photographs that are meaningful for them.
- Open the activity with a discussion about how the individuals feel about their panic attacks. Demonstrate empathy and let them know they are not alone in their experiences. Today’s activity will help them to create a resource to support them during anxious times.
- Provide each participant with a blank sketchbook/notebook. Tell them this will become their panic book, and within it, they are going to create a reserve of images and words that help them to feel calm.
- Allow participants to use all the materials provided to begin creating their panic book. They can do this however they choose, but if someone feels stuck, encourage them to perhaps start by creating a theme for different sections of their book, such as the beach, favorite places and people, or nature scenes.
- Participants do not need to fill the entire sketchbook in one session. It is something they can come back to over time and add to as they find more words and images that evoke feelings of calm and comfort for them.
- Encourage them to keep this book close with them, so if they feel a moment of panic approaching, they can refer to it as a resource to help distract them and focus on the things that evoke calm emotions.
2. What anxiety looks like
Understanding and visualizing anxiety can be a pivotal first step in controlling and treating it.
Representing anxiety as an abstract concept, person, or even a monster can help participants develop strategies to recognize it when they feel it coming on and deal with it appropriately. This activity allows participants to do just that.
Here’s how to do the activity.
- Paints and easels
- Collage materials
- Sculpting clay
- Miscellaneous materials such as fabrics and textures
- Scissors, paper, and glue
- Introduce the concept of the workshop activity by discussing anxiety more generally. Ask participants to reflect on the idea that anxiety is mostly an unseen thing, but what if we could see it? What would it look like?
- Ask participants to take a mindful minute to reflect on these questions. Ask them to close their eyes and focus on their breathing. Now, have them turn their thoughts to their anxiety. If they had to describe it, where would they begin? Does it have a body, a head, and limbs, or is it more abstract? What shape does it take? Is it tall, short, skinny, fat? What color is it?
- Next, ask them to reflect on the personality of the anxiety. Does it talk, or is it silent? What does it care about? How does it express its cares?
- Once participants are comfortable, provide them with the materials, and ask them to recreate their anxiety. They can use any medium they feel comfortable with.
- When participants have completed their creation, have them discuss the appearance and personality of the anxiety or journal about what they’ve discovered (Tartakovsky, 2015).
3. Visual starter
Art therapy for anxiety can be counterproductive in clients who are anxious about creating art.
The visual starter exercise is a way around this, helping individuals to get started without being self-conscious. The starters can be adapted to specific prompts or used solely for healthy stress-relieving creation.
Here’s how to use visual starters for art therapy.
- Printouts of the ‘Starters’ PDFs located via the link above
- Introduce the activity to participants, explaining that it is focused solely on their interpretations and creative process and is not about any artistic skill. There is no right or wrong way to complete the activity.
- Provide participants with the printout worksheet and drawing materials, and encourage them to take a moment to reflect on what the shape inspires in them. If needed, you can help them through a short mindfulness/visualization activity to help calm their mind and create some ideas.
- For any participants who get stuck, encourage them to take a break and have a discussion around potential inspiration ideas for the shapes.
- If applicable, talk about what the final result represents. It’s possible that participants simply drew to experience the relief of focused creation that erases present-moment anxiety.
4. Creating mindfulness beads
Similar to a worry stone or fidget cube, mindfulness beads can be a simple, cheap coping mechanism that are fun to create and easy to carry around.
Here’s how to make and use mindfulness beads . There are a few ways to create mindfulness beads, depending on who you complete the workshop with and your skill level.
- Purchase a mixture of beads
- Find some old jewelry at home or from a thrift store that you can take apart
- Use simple oven-bake modeling clay to make the beads
You will also need:
- Some string or leather strands to add the beads to
- Explain the concept of mindfulness to participants, if they are unfamiliar with it, and talk them through a short introductory mindfulness exercise. Ask them to close their eyes, and focus on their breathing, feeling each breath as they slowly inhale and exhale.
- Then, explain the concept of mindfulness beads and that you will be creating them. Mindfulness beads can be used during times of anxiety as something to refocus their mind and create a distraction from anxious thoughts while they practice mindfulness.
- Provide participants with whichever option of creating their own beads you have chosen. Ask them to take a moment to think about the colors they find most enjoyable and what textures they might like to feel when trying to distract themselves.
- They can use the beads and string to create a keychain, bracelet, or necklace, whichever they feel would be most helpful for them.
- When finished, advise that when using the beads, they can simply reflect on the overall appearance and texture, or they can touch and focus on one bead at a time, assigning meaning and using each bead as a prompt for meditation.
5. Zentangle drawing
Zentangle was created with the promise that anyone can do it, even if they don’t think they can draw well enough to create something beautiful. Drawing Zentangles creates a feeling of accomplishment and helps to pass the time in a thoughtful, healing way.
Here’s how to draw Zentangles.
- Plain paper
- Instruct participants to take a moment to feel gratitude and express appreciation for the materials and the opportunity to create something beautiful. Remind them that the activity is not about artistic skill or who can draw better than anyone else. There are no right or wrong ways to complete the activity.
- Provide each participant with paper and their choice of markers/pencils. Ask them to draw four dots, one in each corner, so the page is no longer blank and intimidating.
- Next, instruct them to connect the dots by drawing a light border around the edges of the paper, creating a square.
- Within that square, they can draw lines that divide the paper into different sections. They can do this any way they like, creating as many different shapes as they like.
- Now that they have a square filled with shapes, ask them to pick one shape and to begin filling it in with more defined shapes, strokes, dashes, lines, or dots, keeping within the pre-drawn border. Tell them to move around the page filling in each shape with its own unique set of shapes, lines, and strokes. They can be as creative as they like with this, rotating the paper to suit their free-flowing creativity.
- Advise participants this is their creative piece to shade in different ways and use different colors if they would like to.
- Participants keep going until they have filled the entire page.
Whether you’re looking for additional education on art therapy or exercises and activities for yourself or clients, there are plenty of resources out there.
Below I’ve picked five of my favorite books that are well worth looking into if you’re interested in art therapy.
1. Art Therapy Sourcebook – Cathy Malchiodi
She defines ways to perform art therapy yourself and how to interpret the results.
Malchiodi also has a growing legacy of art therapy publications that would benefit the casual learner and professional alike.
Available on Amazon .
2. Art as Therapy: Collected Papers – Edith Kramer
This collection of papers touches on many topics relating to therapy, art, society, and clinical practice.
As it is slightly more academic focused, with an overview of previous and current research, it is an excellent resource for those considering entering the field of art therapy as a profession.
3. Art Therapy Techniques and Applications – Susan Buchalter
The book contains exercises that combine many different art mediums with mindfulness exercises and counseling applications.
4. The Book of Zentangle – Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas
It’s a foundational educational source on the development of the Zentangle and includes completed Zentangles for inspiration.
The authors describe it as a left brain/right brain resource for conjoining pictures and words.
5. 100 Magnificent Mandalas: Adult Coloring Book Vol. 1 – Jade Summer
Although not considered an authentic art therapy resource in research terms, a coloring book full of meditative mandala patterns could be a worthy investment for reducing anxiety and practicing art therapy as part of a self-care regime.
You can also find a list of the 16 best therapy books here.
It is still gaining traction, but positive psychology research has shown that when combined with other therapies, art therapy has great success in treating disorders, garnering it a great deal of respect and making it an ever-growing field.
If you’re interested in becoming a licensed art therapist, do some research about what regions would recognize your license once it’s obtained.
Most importantly, research art therapy thoroughly and find out what art therapists from around the world love about the job as well as the challenges that come with it.
Art therapists tend to focus their work with either adults or children and can work in a range of settings, including hospitals, care facilities, and schools.
If you think art therapy is the right career choice for you, then here are some steps you can take toward becoming an art therapist:
- If you haven’t already, obtain a bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science that will prepare you for work at the master’s level.
- To be an accredited art therapist, you will have to seek acceptance into the appropriate association for your region. Pathways to gaining accreditation can vary, so research what this might look like for yourself. Making an appointment with a career advisor or university course advisor can also help shed some light on the best educational pathway to pursue.
- Become familiar and comfortable with art and its many expressions, alongside your required learning to practice therapy.
- Gain appropriate work experience, whether paid or unpaid, so you can begin building your professional skills and knowledge. Seek out mentors and other qualified therapists in the field that you can learn from.
- Reach out to local hospitals, assisted living centers, psychiatric hospitals, detention centers, or schools to find out about needs in these communities for licensed counselors with your skills.
The internet has opened up many useful avenues for finding professionals that specialize in specific therapy or counseling needs. Thankfully, there are many directories of art therapists that can be searched by postal code.
Some directories that can be searched by location and that include art therapists are:
- Art Therapy Credentials Board
- British Association of Art Therapists
- Psychology Today
If your region currently recognizes art therapy as a viable counseling option, then it likely has a local art therapy association with a directory of licensed professionals local to you.
Finally, it’s common to wonder whether your insurance will even cover treatment by an art therapist. Generally, the best way to find out is to call your insurance provider. It might be able to refer you to an art therapist in your area who’s covered by your insurance.
I hope after reading this article, you’ve found a deeper appreciation for art therapy as a practice and the range of resources available to you as an individual or practitioner that can be easily implemented with a variety of clients.
Working with young people, I know how important it is to encourage their creativity at any possible moment, and I regularly utilize collage as an expressive form to help my students tap into their ideas. These visual representations always instigate some fantastic group discussions and one-to-one dialogues that the students and I find valuable.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this article, it’s that art therapy can be used by absolutely anyone. There is no prerequisite of artistic skill. The more you tap into your creative process, the more comfortable you’ll feel with how you choose to express yourself through artistic methods.
Have you used any art therapy activities in your practice, either personally or with clients? Which ones did you use and how did it go? I’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .
- American Art Therapy Association. (2013). What is art therapy? Retrieved from http://www.arttherapy.org/upload/whatisarttherapy.pdf
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2017). Facts & statistics. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
- Buchalter, S. I. (2009). Art therapy techniques and applications. Jessica Kingsley.
- Curry, N., & Kasser, T. (2005). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? Art Therapy: Journal of American Art Therapy Association, 22 (2), 81–85.
- Frank, P. (2014). 10 Easy art therapy techniques to help you destress. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/art-therapy-techniques_n_6103092.html
- Kramer, E. (2001). Art as therapy (Collected papers). Jessica Kingsley.
- Malchiodi, C. (2006). Art therapy sourcebook. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Malchiodi, C. (2010). Cool art therapy intervention #9: Family sculpture. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201002/cool-art-therapy-intervention-9-family-sculpture
- Potash, J. S., Chan, F., Ho, A. H. Y., Wang, X. L., & Cheng, C. (2015). A model for art therapy-based supervision for end-of-life care workers in Hong Kong. Death Studies, 39 , 44–51.
- Roberts, R., & Thomas, M. (n.d.). The book of Zentangle. King Printing.
- Schwartz, D. (2017). Unmasked: Expressive arts therapy directive. Art Therapy Blog. Retrieved from http://www.arttherapyblog.com/art-therapy-activities/unmasked/#.Wg3OchNSzeR
- Summer, J. (2016). Mandala coloring book: 100+ Unique mandala designs and stress relieving patterns for adult relaxation, meditation, and happiness. Author.
- Tartakovsky, M. (2015). 3 Art therapy techniques to deal with anxiety. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/10/19/3-art-therapy-techniques-to-deal-with-anxiety
- Zentangle. (n.d.) Get Started. Retrieved from https://zentangle.com/pages/get-started
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What our readers think.
I didn’t care for medicine but I love Art still need irradiation of medicine and a much better support structure for Art practice. Been 37 years now 38 later on this year. Happy New Year everybody!!! -S.O.S.
The art therapy you mentioned is great. I have a blog where I upload mental health-related topics. Your readers can benefit from that blog. Here is the blog: yourmentalhealthpal.com
I am so happy that i came across this article. i am currently working on art therapy project, though i am not an art therapist by profession. but this is my area of interest and i enjoy it.
This article has provided answers to many questions, i had in my mind.
I am handling a research about an art therapy, and this is exactly I was trying to find
Thankyou so much :))
So happy to have found this. I referenced and cited this article in my college research paper on Art Therapy. I especially liked the history given here. Thanks for sharing!
Hello when was this article written
Hi Tiffany,
This article was first published Mar 25, 2020. 🙂
– Nicole | Community Manager
This article was amazing! I found the information to be very useful, the activities extremely easy to create, and I think I have found a new career! Thank you so much!
This is the suitable blog for anybody who desires to find out about this topic. You realize so much its virtually laborious to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply great!
Hi Zora, Thank you for the lovely feedback and for being a reader. We’re very glad you enjoyed the post. – Nicole | Community Manager
Long time ago, My mom kept beating me up for doing expressive activities. She wanted me to go to my room and start hurting myself, because I was expressing myself. My mom is a child Abuser. but, thank goodness she passed away in 2016. so, I could do one of your expressive activities to help cope my pain between mom abusing me, and me not being able to do anything because of the Corona-virus, which started 3 months ago in China and which started to spread around The United Kingdom, AND the United States of America. also, you got to keep ur head up when it is a struggle.
Hi Beatrice, I’m so sorry to read about your experience with your mother. It’s terrible that you experienced punishment for what is supposed to be an expressive, healthy activity. I hope you succeed in rekindling your enjoyment of art — I’d hope that that joy is something no one can take away from you. – Nicole | Community Manager
Nice overview of the field. You provided everything I was wondering about as an initial re-entry into the practice of Art Therapy. It was introduced to me a few times during my training for a Master of Arts in Counseling, and now someone in my case load needs this type of therapy.
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The Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental Health
Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.
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Jovo Jovanovic / Getty Images
While art therapy is its own field, you can also use self-directed art to express your creative side, reduce stress, and get in touch with your feelings. Most of us understood the power of art instinctively as kids: Virtually all children know the joys of sculpting something with play-dough, painting something with fingers, or drawing with crayons and other materials.
Other than making random doodles in the margins of a page, if you’re like most adults, you probably don’t express yourself with art as you did when you were a kid. You may not think you're any "good" at creating art, or you may not think it's worth your time, but art is actually a valuable pastime.
There are many reasons that art is a great stress relief tool , even for those who don't consider themselves artistically inclined.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Whether you could give Vincent van Gough a run for his money or can barely draw a stick figure, art is a fantastic way to reduce stress. Results of a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that just 45 minutes of creative activity can reduce your stress, regardless of artistic experience or talent.
Here are some ways that creating art can help alleviate stress:
- Acts as a form of self-care : Sometimes, with all of life’s responsibilities, we forget that we need and deserve downtime and self-care. Taking even a few minutes on a regular basis to devote to a hobby can give you more of what you need in this area. With art, you have the additional benefit of being left with something beautiful (or at least interesting) to show for it.
- Helps you tap into a "state of flow" : Some psychologists describe flow as becoming deeply engrossed in an activity. Similar to meditation , flow can improve performance and lower stress levels. You may experience flow when you’re practicing an instrument, playing a sport, gardening, writing, painting, or drawing.
- Takes your mind off things : Creating art can take your mind off of whatever is stressing you, at least for a few minutes. It's difficult to keep ruminating on your problems when you're focused on creating. If your problems stay with you, you can incorporate them into your creations. Once you're done, you should have a clearer head with which to tackle your problems again.
Sketchbooks for Stress Relief
Keeping a sketchbook is one of the easiest ways to relieve stress. It can be a form of journaling , and like journaling, it can be cathartic, creative, and stress relieving. You can use a journal for personal art therapy and stress management in the following ways:
- Begin a dream journal . A dream journal can help you identify patterns in your dreams , which point to areas of your life that need extra attention. Try keeping a notebook and pen next to your bed. As soon as you wake up, draw the first images, symbols, or words that come to your mind. Don't worry if you're not "good" at drawing. Your dream journal is for your eyes only.
- Draw what you feel . Draw your stress. Drawing literal or abstract representations of what is stressing you out can help you express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
- Keep a gratitude journal . Many people keep a gratitude journal to catalog what they are grateful for. Personalize your gratitude journal by drawing the faces of those you love, places that bring you peace, or other things that you are grateful for. The process of sketching can be a great stress reliever, and revisiting your creations can also bring you some peace in the future.
- Start coloring . These days, coloring isn't just for kids. Adult coloring books can be especially relaxing for those who don't feel artistic, but still want to create beautiful pictures.
A Word From Verywell
If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress and it starts to interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor. They might recommend a therapist who can offer support and techniques for managing your stress .
Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making . Art Ther (Alex). 2016;33(2):74-80. doi:10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
Cheron G. How to Measure the Psychological “Flow”? A Neuroscience Perspective . Front Psychol . 2016;7:1823. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01823
Bell CE, Robbins SJ. Effect of art production on negative mood: A randomized, controlled trial . Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association . 2007;24(2):71-75. doi:10.1080/07421656.2007.10129589
van der Vennet R, Serice S. Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? A replication study . Art Therapy . 2012;29(2):87-92. doi:10.1080/07421656.2012.680047
By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.
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Drawing Ideas When Sad
Drawing depression when you’re sad.
When you ask artists or art enthusiasts this question, they will tell you they use whatever pops into their minds for their subject. It is easy for them to express their sadness in their drawing because they use symbols and colors to emphasize the subject they opt to work with.
Below are some drawing ideas when sad. Also, each is often used as a subject by a sad person when they draw.
* It can be their loved one.
* Their favorite place
* The person they most admire
* A person who is alone
* An individual weeping and seemingly asking for help.
* A crowded place with a person alone in a corner
* An individual who appears injured
* A headless person, not seeing where they are heading
* An individual crying blood
* Somebody alone, in a dark room with a look of hopelessness.
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How to Draw Depression
Sad doodles can help people process emotions and make sense of their feelings. You can express your sadness by using doodle art.
Doodle art has no rules, and you can use abstract or any pattern you prefer. You can choose any color, size, and shape.
People use it when they want to put their feelings into paper as it lessens their unease. When they are sad, they also have the paper ready to doodle whatever comes to mind. A pen is used in making doodles and often uses colors to ease someone’s sadness once they see various colors. It calms them and provides peace to their sad thoughts.
Sad doodle is also one way for someone to relieve distressing thoughts, grant a distraction from troubling ideas, and provide mental tranquility after.
There are no rules in doodle art and sad doodle, and anyone who can draw , even with just lines and circles, can do this art. Sad doodle is a well-known distraction from stress, anxiety, and melancholic thoughts. Take a look at this post which will provide you with an extensive list of Easy Drawing Ideas for Beginners
Keep an Art Journal or Sketchbook
An art journal contains drawings and words of the artists’ feelings while doing the artwork. It can contain distinct art styles and is often a tool when experimenting with showing creativity. There is no need to be perfect, and it is alright to make mistakes cause this is how you will learn and be better with the help of your art journal.
An art journal can also help you see your improvement as you continuously make an art piece, or you can also have a copy of the artwork with the various moods you are in while doing your art. It can serve as a witness to how your art develops through the years as well.
A sketchbook is also a tool to practice sketching or drafting your artwork. It can contain various collections of sketches and quick drawings with a few corrections to be made. A sketchbook can help an artist draw their ideas when it pops into their head and when they want to capture it for the time being.
When you are sad, a sketchbook can be an ally. As an artist, you can use it anytime you need it, and anywhere you may be.
Nowadays, some artists use a digital sketchbook, while others still use the traditional paper version. Both are valuable because of how it helps hold your feelings and inspiration daily through the drawings and sketches you make.
It is not just something that holds how you feel in one moment but also helps hone your craft. Sketchbooks may be used daily, weekly, or with every inspiration strike. There is no rule, no boundaries with every page, and no judgment.
Express Your Feeling Through Your Drawings
It is believed that a person with so much going on in their life is more inspired when they draw .
Because it is in drawing where one is free to express how one feel, one can also experiment or create stories using different subjects and characters in their drawing.
You can use drawing to let out that negativity when you feel counteractive. You don’t have to keep the trouble, anxiety, agony, or stress inside because drawing can divert that feeling and make it into something wonderful.
You also have so much inspiration because of overflowing emotions when happy or ecstatic. You have a clear head; you see the beauty around you, and everything is colorful. Positive emotion can be your way to create an exceptional drawing.
A drawing can be an outlet when you want to communicate something you cannot say aloud. Drawing is the best form of self-expression, specifically for people who have issues voicing out their feelings and when all they know is suppressing them.
Please look at this drawing and sketching video course I have created . Use this link.
Draw Subjects That Will Lift Your Mood
Drawing can express negative or positive emotions and can be an antidote to a foul mood. When you draw something you feel happy about, it can change your outlook or distract your current feelings. It can improve your mood and soothe emotions.
It can be your favorite item, an animal, food, a place, or a drawing of a person you love.
There are endless subjects that a person may find so much meaning in. What could be meaningful to someone may be nonsense to others.
Drawing can be a distraction as it redirects your feelings of frustration, sadness, or even anger and helps you create something astonishing and beautiful.
How to Create a Sad Drawing of Someone
If you need to make someone look sad in a drawing, you must emphasize the following details.
* By using a frown and pout lips
* Use crinkled-up eyebrows
* Draw droopy shoulders
* Furrowed brows show frustration and displeasure.
* A person in anguish and pain can also cry heavily.
* Head hanging low with lip pouting,
Why Do I Draw Better When I’m Sad?
Drawing is like an outlet to most people, and when you are sad, you also feel the urge to draw, especially if you are good at it or have vast knowledge.
When you draw, you are helping yourself forget what you are feeling and focus on your work. You are also channeling the negativity instead of oppressing your sad thoughts.
And this helps make you draw better every time you feel sad cause drawing is like a meditative practice. As your creation slowly develops into something impressive and outstanding, this calms you.
The sad feeling you have also lessened, and even the negative emotions slowly decline.
Is Drawing Good For Depression?
Creative activities can lessen someone’s depression. Drawing is one creative activity that helps someone cope with depression. As your mind is focused on your drawing, your mind releases creative energy instead, which helps you to recover from depression.
Conflicting emotions can cause depression, and some people, don’t know how to handle such feelings, which can lead to self-destruction.
Others will have an outlet for such and use their drawing skills instead to combat such feelings. It can be a feeling of hopelessness, loss, or extreme despair. It is difficult to avoid such emotions for people since they also cannot understand why they have such negative and conflicting emotions.
Drawing can help the mind relax, get busy and not think negative thoughts but focus on the artwork.
Ideas You Can Express Through Your Drawing:
You can express several ideas through drawing; it is a healthy outlet for anyone to show what they feel. Some who are angry may display their anger differently and even hurt themselves or others. For further inspiration, read Graphite Drawing Ideas Inspiration and Sketches .
Then some anxious individuals don’t know how to handle their anxiety, which makes them seem half-alive. People who feel fear in their life may not live fully, always thinking about things that may not have a chance of happening, but they are thinking about it, and it is not making them live as they should.
Drawing is a different way of facing your emotions cause you can convey them without harming yourself. There is a higher satisfaction when you reveal your feelings through art as you see the result of your artwork.
Sad Drawing Ideas: Ideas You Can Express Through Drawing:
Drawing or art therapy can help individuals slow down and manage their depression. Drawing engages the mind and challenges it instead of letting it wallow in anxiety, stress, and depressing thoughts.
When you are depressed, hundreds of things worry you, and you can’t find the strength to resist its clout on you that it is already affecting your daily activity and how you face other people.
If you use drawing, your mind will focus on being creative because it helps the body release dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. When you draw, your body meditates, and the calming effect will help promote psychological health.
Drawing ideas for depression includes a person without a face looking in front of the mirror. The color is dark, and the mirror appears rusty and old.
A woman entering her bedroom removes a mask with every step, and the room gets darker and appears ominous.
When you feel like all hope is lost, you can also use drawing as an outlet.
There are symbols of hopelessness, a deserted road, dark and dismal backgrounds, and gloomy shadows.
Depressing things to draw can be a desolate and abandoned road that a person is about to pass through, and no light is in sight. The removal of light indicates that the person has no one to help him with his journey and is feeling hopeless.
There are so many ideas when you want to draw about friendship. It is something that evokes such a heartwarming feeling in any artist.
Friendship ideas can be intertwined, symbolizing that two people agree, have the same outlook, and support each other, which is what friendship offers.
Another idea of friendship is having someone with you while waiting for the sunset or people laughing together heartily.
Sad Things to Draw When You’re Lost
When you are lost, you don’t know how to make the right decision.
When feeling lost, the most symbolic drawing to use is a crossroads. When one is at a crossroads, one does not know the right way.
Some symbol of feeling lost is being in the middle of a tornado and not knowing how to get out or escape. You are lost, and there seems to be no way out.
Misunderstood Ideas
When you are misjudged, there is also a feeling of hopelessness and being alone or depressed. You want people to be there to support and listen to you, but you feel misunderstood.
Drawing ideas when you are misunderstood can be a person with a shadow bigger than himself as if it will consume him.
Another is a drawing of someone staying in one corner with a hovering dark cloud above him. Other people around him are all conversing and having the best time. The person may feel as if nobody understands him, and the feeling is slowly eating him up.
Drawing About Love
When the subject is love, ideas may be endless. The most common drawing idea for love is two people getting married. They can be in their wedding ensemble looking at the sunrise, which symbolizes a new beginning.
It can be as simple as two people in love holding each other’s soft and smooth hands when they are still young and when their hands are all wrinkly, filled with lines and spots.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is the application of visual and creative arts to help heal and provide health benefits. It is believed that art therapy assists in treating anxiety, depression, as well as, a post-traumatic stress disorder.
Art Therapy may or may not include a therapist to assist you in healing, and you can do the activity at home.
When art therapy is mentioned, it includes sketching, collage making, sculpting, drawing, painting, art journaling, and sketching.
Art therapy allows people to hone their creativity and helps improve their mental health with anxiety, depression, trauma, attention disorders, and more.
Some Known Benefits of Art Therapy Are:
Stress alleviation.
Art therapy helps eliminate the stress you feel and will relax and calm your mind. It will help you focus on the art instead of concentrating on making you anxious, depressed, and stressed.
Art therapy is a great way to relieve stress and other mental strain.
Emotional Expression
When you are doing art, it helps you divert your emotions to it. Art therapy will let you release the fear and help you express anger or sadness in your drawing, which can benefit your emotional health.
Some people cannot express what they are feeling in words cause they are used to keeping their feelings inside, and with the help of Art Therapy, they now have an outlet.
Mood Improvement
When people are creative, they don’t have time to feel the negativity within themselves. They are focused on the artwork instead of certain emotions that do not motivate them or help them achieve the life they deserve.
When they are not focusing on doubt, their mood improves.
Increase Self-Esteem
Instead of wallowing in the negativity one feels, one can help increase self-esteem by accomplishing an artwork. It will then improve confidence, lessen self-criticism, and inspire self-love.
Learning About Oneself
When you have pent-up feelings and don’t understand your emotions, you have difficulty expressing them. With art therapy, you can discover your true self. With the help of art, you can recognize emotions and acknowledge them simultaneously.
A Cure For Stress
Art therapy will slowly ease such stress when a person is stressed, anxious, or has emotional trauma. It will instead repose the mind and the body, leading to decompressing the mind. It will also help the person leave the stress and depression behind.
Heighten Happiness
With the help of art therapy, anyone who lacks the brain chemical dopamine can feel motivated, which leads to finishing artwork and elevating happiness.
The lack of dopamine causes some people to feel depressed and hopeless as if they have nothing to look forward to and find no reason to be happy. Art therapy can help these people to feel alive and find a purpose in life.
Who Is The Best Candidate For Art Therapy?
All groups, individuals, couples, or even those without issues with their emotions or self-expression can benefit. Nearly everyone can gain from this therapy, and even if you have no talent for the art, you can still attain something as the value is in the result and what difference or change it will bring to your life.
Create Art With My Favourite Drawing Resources
General Drawing Courses. I like Udemy if you want to develop your knowledge of drawing techniques. Udemy is an excellent choice due to its wide range of creative courses and excellent refund policy. They often have monthly discounts for new customers, which you can check here. Use my link .
Sketching and Collage. Take a look at this sketching resource I have created. Use this link.
Proko. Is one of my favorite teachers who surpasses in the teaching of Anatomy and Figure drawing. Prokos course breaks down the drawing of the human body into easy-to-follow components aiding the beginner to make rapid progress. For this, I really like Proko.
Art Easels . One of my favorite ways to draw is by using a drawing easel, which develops the skill of drawing on a vertical surface. The H frame easel is an excellent vertical way to add variety to the style and type of marks you create when using a drawing board.
To see all of my most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource I made for you.
Ian Walsh is the creator and author of improvedrawing.com and an Art teacher based in Merseyside in the United Kingdom. He holds a BA in Fine Art and a PGCE in teaching Art and Design. He has been teaching Art for over 24 Years in different parts of the UK. When not teaching Ian spending his time developing this website and creating content for the improvedrawing channel.
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100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love
Home / 100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love
If you’re anything like me, you can never get enough good sketchbook ideas. I’m always looking for ways to engage students so that they truly want to work in their sketchbooks. Whether you use sketchbooks for project planning, skill development, brainstorming, or something else, you’ll find ideas here that will work for you. My sketchbook assignments and prompts take an “all of the above” approach, making the following list well-rounded.
Want an eBook with all these prompts? Click 100 Sketchbook Prompts eBook to find it!
The list covers many bases and is organized by category. There are prompts about animals, food, people, and other things that will spark interest among students. This list is geared toward secondary students, but you’ll find a lot here that will work for younger students as well. Take a look and see what will work best for you and your students. Add your own favorite sketchbook assignment in the comments below!
Click here to download the list!
These prompts are an amazing place to start. However, knowing how to implement the prompts and manage students with sketchbooks is important, too! If you’d like ideas to help your students develop their creativity, drawings skills, and information retention, be sure to check out the following 2 Art Ed PRO Learning Packs.
- Sketchbook Ideas that Really Work
- Implementing Sketchnotes in the Art Room
100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love
- Draw someone you sit by in an odd pose.
- Draw family members with things that are important to them.
- Draw yourself (or someone else) painting toenails.
- Find a quiet place in a crowd. Draw the crowd.
- Draw a relative by the light cast from a TV/Phone/Computer or other screen.
- Make a portrait of yourself in twenty years. Or in fifty years. Or both.
- Draw a masked man (or woman) that is not a superhero.
- Draw the ugliest baby you can imagine.
- Draw two sports figures–one in a dynamic pose, one in a static pose.
- Draw two self-portraits with odd expressions.
- Draw something or someone you love.
- Draw hair. A lot of it.
- Take a picture of someone near you on a bus or in a car. Draw them.
- Draw an animal eating another animal.
- Draw your art teacher in a fight with an animal.
- Draw an animal playing a musical instrument.
- There is an animal living in one of your appliances. Draw it.
- Draw a dead bird in a beautiful landscape.
- Draw something from a pet’s point of view.
- Draw an animal taking a bath.
- Draw an animal taking a human for a walk.
- Combine 3 existing animals to create a completely new creature.
- Draw a family portrait. Plot twist: It is a family of insects or animals.
- Draw the most terrifying animal you can imagine. Or the most adorable.
- Draw a pile of dishes before they get washed.
- Tighten a C-Clamp on a banana. Draw it.
- Draw a slice of the best pizza you have ever seen.
- Draw junk food and the wrapper.
- Draw your favorite food.
- Create your own restaurant. Draw the restaurant, your executive chef, and a 12-item menu.
- Draw the ingredients or process of your favorite recipe.
- Draw salt and pepper shakers.
- Draw fresh fruit or vegetables, or something fresh from the oven.
- Draw a salad.
- Draw the oldest thing in your refrigerator.
- Draw a piece of fruit every day until it becomes rotten.
- Draw everything on a restaurant table.
- Draw what is in the rearview mirror of the car.
- Draw moving water. Draw still water.
- Draw an object floating.
- Make a drawing of all of your drawing materials.
- Find a trash can. Draw its contents.
- Draw tools that belong to a certain profession.
- Draw three objects and their environments. One of the three should be in motion.
- Draw the interior of a mechanical object. Zoom in, focus on details and shading.
- Create three drawings of messes you have made.
- Draw five objects with interesting textures: wood grain, floors, tiles, walls, fabric, etc.
- Draw a collection of purses, wallets, or bags.
- Draw your favorite well-loved object or childhood toy.
- Draw a watch or another piece of jewelry.
- Draw something hideous that you keep for sentimental reasons.
- Draw something with a mirror image.
Technical Skill/Skill Development
- Draw all the contents of your junk drawer with one continuous line.
- Make a detailed drawing of a rock.
- Draw a dark object in a light environment.
- Draw a light object in a dark environment.
- Make a detailed drawing of five square inches of grass.
- Draw a transparent object.
- Draw a translucent object.
- Do several studies of eyes, noses, and mouths in a variety of poses.
- Draw an interesting object from three different angles.
- Value Studies–Draw three eggs and part of the carton with a strong light source.
- Draw three metallic objects that reflect light. Focus on highlights and reflections.
- Refraction–Create two drawings of separate objects partially submerged in water.
- Make three drawings (your choice of subject) using materials with which you are not familiar.
- Draw a piece of patterned fabric with folds.
- Draw a bridge and all of its details.
Creativity/Originality
- Draw yourself as an original superhero.
- Make a drawing that looks sticky.
- Draw a mysterious doorway or staircase.
- Draw an empty room. Make it interesting.
- Draw a flower. Make it dangerous.
- Draw an object melting.
- Draw an imaginary place, adding all kinds of details.
- Draw a gumball machine that dispenses anything but gumballs.
- Danger! Draw yourself in a dangerous situation.
- You are on the back of the bus. Figure out who is with you, where you are going, and why. Illustrate and explain.
- Draw what’s under your bed (real or imagined).
- Draw the most incredible game of hide-and-seek you can imagine.
- Create a new sport. You can improve an existing sport, combine two existing sports, or come up with something completely new.
Open-Ended Themes
- Make a drawing that is totally truthful.
- Make a drawing that lies all over the place.
- Make a drawing that is completely and utterly impossible.
- Story Illustration: Fix a story that you don’t like, or reflect/improve upon one you do.
- Let someone else choose your subject and tell you what to draw.
- Draw your greatest fear.
- Use song lyrics, quotes, or poetry to inspire a drawing.
- Find the three most useless objects you can and draw them.
- Draw an interesting form of transportation.
- Draw something for which you are thankful.
- Go somewhere new and draw what you see.
- Draw something that can’t be turned off.
- Draw something soothing.
- Draw something you think sounds or smells incredible.
- Draw something that needs fixing.
- Draw something you’ve always wanted.
- Draw something out of place.
- Draw something that should have been invented by now.
- Draw something you keep putting off, or something that causes you to procrastinate.
Does this list inspire you to take some sketchbook assignments head on in your art room? Or maybe the opposite is true and you are finding that you feel underprepared to teach drawing skills. Maybe you fall somewhere in between and you just need a little more inspiration to tweak your drawing curriculum. These are all great reasons to take a peek at AOE’s Studio: Drawing Course . The class is jam-packed with hands-on learning experiences, advanced technique tutorials, and opportunities to share and learn with art teachers just like you.
What are your favorite sketchbook prompts to use? How do you use sketchbooks in your classroom?
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
Timothy Bogatz
Learning team.
Tim Bogatz is AOEU’s Content & PD Event Manager and a former AOEU Writer and high school art educator. He focuses on creativity development, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking skills in the art room.
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365 Drawing Ideas for Your Sketchbook
Need some ideas for what to draw in your sketchbook? This list of 365 drawing ideas is sure to inspire you to doodle, draw, or sketch something every single day of the year!
Need some ideas for what to draw in your sketchbook? This list of 365 drawing ideas is sure to inspire you to doodle, draw, or sketch something every single day of the year whether you use ink, pen, pencil or charcoal to create.
You can choose whether to draw one drawing a day, go in the list in order, or simply skip around and choose the ones you like best!
Here are 365 Drawing Ideas to Inspire:
1. view from the park.
Parks are great sources of inspiration for drawing. Snap a few of your own reference photos of monuments, benches, and scenes that capture your eye or spend some time in the park with your sketchbook drawing the different scenes you notice.
2. Hot Air Balloon
Hot air balloons are mesmerizing to watch in the sky and can be a beautiful and whimsical thing to learn how to draw. While it’s not too common anymore to see one floating past you in real-life, there are MANY photos out there that you can use as a reference.
Snap a photo of yourself or try drawing yourself while you look in a mirror.
You might see leaves on the ground during autumn or notice them on trees in the spring and summer. Choose a few different leaf shapes to draw.
They say once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget – so why not try the same thing with learning to draw a bicycle? You can make it realistic or simply create a fun doodle.
6. Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are adorable spiny creatures most commonly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand. Draw one today!
7. Baseball and/or Baseball Glove
This was actually an assignment we had in high school to practice realistic sketching and shading using nothing more than a #2 pencil!
8. Fruit Bowl
The classic fruit bowl still life might not sound like the most creative idea for drawing, but have you tried it? You might just be surprised. You could also draw a still life of bananas, oranges, apples, or grapes.
9. Tropical Fish
There are so many types of tropical fish to consider as an idea for things that are easy to draw – choose from an angel fish, a clown fish or even maybe a butterflyfish!
10. Skyscrapers
We see so many great examples of skyscraper architecture in our cities that there are endless sources of inspiration for types of skyscrapers you could draw. Take your sketchbook out locally to a city near you, or spend some time drawing iconic skyscrapers such as the Bank of China Tower, the Taipei 101, or the Chrysler Building.
Dragons are mythical creatures that have been a drawing subject since ancient times. Draw a dragon with a knight in shining armor, a Chinese dragon, or maybe even a friendly dragon that helps you roast marshmallows.
Unlock the power of your creativity by drawing some keys! You can choose to draw old fashioned skeleton keys or draw a sketch of the keys out of your purse or your house key.
13. Volcano
Have you ever seen a volcano in real life? Even if you’ve only seen one in movies or in photographs they can be fascinating subjects for art and sketching.
14. Sail Boat
Sailboats are often see on lakes and at marinas and can have all sorts of beautiful designs on the sails.
Draw a teddy bear, a brown bear or a grizzly bear – your choice!
Lay down on a blanket in your yard or at a park and spend some time cloud-gazing for inspiration on what to draw.
17. Family Member
You can have a family member pose while you create a portrait sketch of them, or draw a portrait based on a photo of someone you know.
What can I say about sharks? They have big teeth, they live in the ocean, and they can be very fun and popular to draw.
19. Feather
Birds of a feather…are a great thing to draw! You can make them icon style, or try to recreate a realistic feather on paper.
20. T-Shirt
Surely you have a t-shirt in your closet that would make for a great subject for drawing.
21. The Kitchen
Kitchens are where food is made and are often overlooked as the perfect place to sketch to get a glimpse into your everyday life.
22. Satellite:
Satellites are constantly in orbit around our earth, and they are very interesting looking items with many different geometric lines to use to build your drawing skills.
23. Penguin
Penguins are seabirds that live in mostly cold climates. They don’t fly but they sure do love to swim!
24. Fashion Sketch
What’s trending in the fashion world? Come up with your own fashion designs or take inspiration from some of the leading fashion designers to create your own fashion sketches.
The best part about aliens as a drawing idea? You can make them look like almost anything your imagination can think of, since it is very rare to actually see them in real-life.
26. Pirate Ship
Ahoy Matey! Pirate ships are a great thing to draw in your sketchbook and can be realistic or make your own cartoon.
27. Skateboard
The nice thing about drawing a skateboard is its not nearly as intimidating as trying to actually ride a skateboard.
Celebrate today by drawing a beautiful cake! You can choose how many layers, what kind of icing, and what type of topper fits the occasion. There are so many ideas to draw for what kind of cake you make!
29. Butterfly
There are so many different kinds of beautiful butterflies you could draw, such as monarchs or swallowtail butterflies.
30. Race Car
Vroom vroom, race cars are designed for speed. Draw your favorite kind of race car, whether it’s an old fashioned derby style car or a racecar fit for Nascar tournament.
If you have a cat you can draw a portrait of your own pet or of course you could make a cartoon cat – we all know and love Garfield the Cat and his affinity for lasagna.
With over 190 registered dog breeds by the American Kennel Club you could almost make it a daily challenge just to draw a different type of dog.
33. Super Hero
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s super man! Draw one of your favorite super heroes or create your own!
34. Cup of Coffee or Tea
If you’re going to drink coffee or tea every day, you might as well sketch it, right? Not a coffee or tea drinker? You can always sketch a glass of water.
35. Dinosaur
Dinosaur…roar! Draw a T-rex, a brontosaurus, a triceratops, pterodactyl or a velociraptor if you wish – there are so many great dinosaurs to choose from as sketchbook inspiration!
36. Web Icons
Web icons have become so common place we see them everywhere online. Sketch some icons for your favorite social media channels or visit a site like flaticon.com for inspiration!
Pizza can be a lot of fun to draw, especially because you get to choose the toppings! Will you make it a veggie pizza, pepperoni pizza or maybe a Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham?
38. Dandelions
Every kid knows if you blow on a dandelion and make a wish your wish will come true, much to the dismay of gardeners everywhere who view them as weeds. These edible flowers make for a great easy drawing idea.
39. Hair Styles
Draw a braid, an up-do, or even crazy Medusa inspired snake hair if you wish.
40. Necklace, Bracelet or Rings
Jewelry can be a very interesting thing to sketch or draw, especially if the jewelry has special meaning to you, such as a necklace or ring passed on through your family or given to you by someone special.
41. Ice Cream Cone
Ice cream comes in all sorts of different flavors, and of course there are many different shapes and sizes of cones to choose from, whether its a cake cone, a sugar cone or a waffle cone!
42. Aquarium
Aquariums are beautiful habitats for all sorts of fish and can include plants or even decorative items.
43. Haunted House
It doesn’t have to be Halloween to enjoy drawing a spooky and haunted house. Don’t forget details like cracked windows and bent railings – and maybe even a few spirits peeking through.
Whether you draw a beautiful covered bridge scene or a bridge that goes over a river or harbor through the city, bridges give you plenty of architectural inspiration to use as drawing ideas!
45. Crazy Hats
Go ahead, give yourself permission to be a mad hatter and design as many crazy hats as you can think of!
46. Chevron Patterns
Chevrons are fun to draw and there are so many different pattern variations you can try!
You could draw a chandelier, a bedside table lamp, or maybe even a lava lamp!
48. Cruise Ship
Cruise ships are designed to take tourists to view the sights and scenes along the ocean coast. Draw the view from the deck or draw the view from one you can see passing by on the coast.
49. Planets in Outer Space
Draw a single planet like Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune or Jupiter – or draw the whole solar system!
They say eyes are the window of the soul, and it’s true you can learn a lot about a person’s feelings and thoughts based on how their eyes look. Draw your own eyes or draw the mesmerizing eyes of different animals.
51. Caricature
A caricature is a type of cartoon drawing where something about the subject is exaggerated to be funny. For example, if your friend loves to knit or crochet, you might exaggerate the ball of yarn in their hand. Use this drawing idea to make a funny sketch of your friends, family members or even a pet or celebrity.
Everybody needs shoes to walk around, so go ahead and grab the pair of shoes you wear everyday and sketch them!
53. Dream Catcher
Dream catchers are designed to catch bad dreams and keep nightmares away. They are a lot of fun to draw!
54. Rocket Ship
Fly to the moon or a distant galaxy far, far away in your very own rocket ship you can design with this simple idea for drawing.
55. House Plants
Whether it’s a succulent, an aloe vera plant, or a terrarium, if you have anything green growing in your house it can be an excellent source of inspiration for drawing ideas.
56. Inspiring Quote
Practice your hand-lettering by illustrating one of your favorite quotes, sayings, or verse from a poem.
Guitars are stringed instruments that can instantly make us tap our feet and sing along. You can choose to sketch an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar.
58. Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are the type of trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Examples include oak trees, maple trees, cherry trees, and ash trees. You can choose what season to show the tree – is it spring, winter, summer or autumn?
59. Circus Clown
Clowns can be funny, happy, sad…or even scary! You get to decide which you wish to draw with this drawing prompt.
60. Fairy Tale
Illustrate a scene from your favorite fairy tale. Some examples include Snow White and the 7 Dwarves, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, or Hansel and Gretel.
Bottles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You could draw a message in a bottle, soda bottles, apothecary bottles and more.
62. What You Last Ate:
What you last ate for breakfast, lunch or dinner is a simple and obvious drawing idea, but so few people think to actually do it and is a great idea for something to include in a sketchbook.
63. Parrot:
Parrots are colorful and tropical birds, so pull out the colored pencils or some inks to make this come alive in your journal.
What is your favorite book? You could choose to draw a stack of books or draw the cover of a recent book you’ve read and enjoyed.
65. Elephants
They say an elephant never forgets, and if you draw one you will have a picture to remember an elephant by forever!
66. Camping Scene
Whether you want to draw a travel trailer or a tent, sketch a camping scene. Don’t forget the campfire and marshmallows!
Tigers are big cats with interesting black and orange striped patterns, making them the perfect subject for a page in your sketchbook.
Cartoon-like roses can be easy to draw – they are just a spiral and a circle. Or, challenge your skills to draw a life-like rose complete with petals and stem – just watch out for those thorns!
Zebras are native to Africa and are another interesting animal to draw that are best well known for their black and white stripes.
70. Monster
Could there be a monster hiding under your bed, or in your closet? Probably not, but you never know – which is why you should draw a bigger, more friendlier monster to protect you and scare away all other monsters.
You might remember globes from school and they make for fantastic drawing objects, especially if you are a travel or geography buff.
72. Staircase
We see steps everywhere in regular life, whether it’s in your house, in a park, or maybe even a spiraling staircase along a water tower like in the photo above I took at a nearby park by my house.
73. Peacock
My grandparents used to have peacocks when I was a kid, and they are absolutely beautiful and incredible birds with detailed feathers that are perfect for drawing!
74. The Ocean
You could create an under water scene complete with coral and sea creatures like whales, an octopus and more.
75. Crocodile or Alligator
Crocodiles have a longer, V-shaped snout, while alligators have broad U shaped snouts. Either way, you could draw a snapping good crocodile or alligator in your journal – maybe even both!
76. A Clock
What’s the time? There’s always time to draw something daily! Draw a clock tower, a grandfather’s clock, or an alarm clock.
77. Gumball Machine
A gumball machine can be a lot of fun to draw, and of course there is no rule you have to fill it with gumballs – you can always choose to fill it with a different type of candy, it is your drawing afterall!
78. Giraffes
Known for their long necks, make sure you don’t forget their third horn at the top of their heads. We love visiting the giraffes named Louis and Socks at the local zoo where we live.
79. Bubbles
Bubbles make for a great ideas for what to draw, especially because they are relatively easy for beginners and you could fill a whole page with bubbles in no time!
80. Sports Player
Do you have a favorite sport? Sketch a player in action whether its soccer, baseball, football, hockey or badminton.
81. Airplane
There are so many options for what you could draw with an airplane, whether its the plane’s exterior, the interior, the view from the window, or even possibly the pilot’s cockpit.
82. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are bright, cheerful, and one of my favorite flowers to see standing tall in the summer sun.
83. Mountains
Try your hand at this idea for drawing mountains by sketching a Rocky Mountain or Appalachian mountain landscape.
84. Bath Tub
Rub-a-dub Dub, draw a bathtub! Don’t forget your rubber duckie!
There are so many great herbs that you can use for drawing. If you grow your own fresh herbs, set them up in a way you can sketch them as a real subject or use reference photos for herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme.
86. Family heirlooms
Family heirlooms are always special, and what better way to preserve them than to sketch them in your art journal?
If you’re a lucky duck, you might even be able to see these water birds at a nearby park or lake by you, but plenty of reference photos abound – you can even use the photo I took of a duck here if you’d like as inspiration!
88. Wildflowers
Draw a beautiful landscape meadow of wildflowers, or take inspiration from botanists through history who meticulously sketched and documented wildflowers in the field.
Someone once told me I didn’t draw a very serious spider, so I gave this spider a briefcase, neck tie and his own private office with a certificate just to prove how serious he was.
90. Drawing Supplies
You already have the perfect subject for drawing in your hand – a pen, pencil, bottle of ink or charcoal set all make for great things to draw.
Fairies are enchanting, tiny human-like creatures that have wings and can fly.
92. Woodland Animals
Draw a deer, a raccoon, a fox, a squirrel, or other woodland animals with this drawing idea.
93. Hippie Van
While you may not be able to actually own and live in a hippie van, you can draw one and that’s the next best thing.
94. Ostrich
Ostriches are fun to draw – and you can decide whether or not it sticks its head in the sand! {Of course, they don’t *actually do this* but that’s the nice thing about drawing, you can use your imagination!}
Whether it is just a slice of your favorite kind of pie or the whole thing, your mouth will be watering by the time you are done drawing this one!
Eggs are a great way to practice your shadowing and depth in drawing. And don’t think you’re limited to just plain white eggs like you get at the grocery store – you can always make them different hues and sizes or decorate with patterns and shapes!
Grab a dollar bill or some loose change and try drawing it. This is a great way to practice shading, depth and more if you want to create realistic drawings.
98. Cooking Utensils & Kitchen Gadgets
Don’t use your blender that often? It’s the perfect opportunity to finally put it to use as a drawing subject! You could also sketch your pots and pans, eating utensils, or other kitchen gadgets you have around the house.
99. Your House
Where we live makes for an excellent idea of what to draw, and you can choose whether to draw the interior or the exterior.
Old fashioned radios are fascinating objects, and many times they still work even in today’s world of digital media. Go for a classic vintage radio, or maybe even draw a 90’s style boombox.
101. Fast Food
You know the drill: soda, burger and fries.
We have smart phones with us almost every day – why not draw it in your sketchbook and document that? Or, draw an old rotary phone for a throwback to the days before cell phones existed.
You could draw a hammer, screw driver, drill, saw, wrench or draw the whole toolbox.
104. Arrows
There are so many different styles of arrows you could try drawing, whether you make arrow doodles or draw a realistic bow and arrow set.
105. Jelly Beans
Known for their unique shape, multiple colors and best found in Easter baskets, jelly beans are a great idea for something to draw!
106. Game Controller
Are you a gamer? Whether it’s Play Station, X-Box, a Gaming Keyboard, or an old school Atari controller, draw a game controller that reminds you of your favorite video games.
107. Soup Can
Take inspiration from Andy Warhol and try your hand at drawing a soup can.
108. Fireworks
Let your paper be the sky for a colorful display of patterns of light.
109. Forest Scene
Think trees, moss covered rocks and maybe even a stream winding through a forest scene perfect for a landscape sketch.
110. Astrological Signs & Symbols
What’s your sign? You could draw a Pisces fish, the Scales of Libra, the Scorpion of Scorpio or the Archer of Sagittarius for example.
111. Banners
Banners are a lot of fun to draw and you can make them as whimsical as you wish. I love drawing banners in my art journals!
112. Wristwatch
Do you wear a watch? Whether its a smartwatch or a classic watch you wind up, draw a wristwatch in your sketchbook.
113. Nuts, Bolts & Other Hardware
Take a walk down a hardware aisle or go through your garage to find nuts, bolts, and other miscellaneous hardware to sketch and draw.
114. Typewriter
There is something cool about a typewriter, even if they don’t make much sense in today’s digital age…they are definitely fun to draw!
115. Bunnies or Rabbits
Bunnies and rabbits are cute, soft and fluffy. I used to have one as a kid!
Ivy is a plant that spreads, often times along a wall, window or trellis and is best known for beautiful leaf shapes – perfect for drawing in your sketchbook!
117. Machines
We see all kinds of machines in our daily lives – from the washing machine, to the dishwasher to the furnace that keeps our homes warm. You could also invent your own machine!
118. Garden Tools
A garden shovel, gloves, trowel etc are all examples of common garden tools that make the perfect subject for still life drawing ideas.
119. City Skylines
Draw a silhouette of a city skyline, whether it is a local city where you live or one you want to visit someday.
120. What’s on your desk?
Take a look at what is on your desk today and sketch it – no matter how messy your desk may be!
121. Pineapple
Pineapples were named pine apples because of their exterior resembles a pine cone. Often viewed as a symbol of friendship, these tropical fruits are the perfect thing to try drawing!
122. Hearts
You can choose to draw doodle hearts, or draw an anatomically correct depiction of a human heart.
The first steam train was invented in 1804 and many people were afraid to ride them. Today, trains are still used for transportation and shipping. You can make a passenger train or a cargo train. Draw a single box car, the engine, or the caboose!
124. Lawnmower
My husband is always talking about fixing his broken lawnmower, so I had to include it on this list. You can draw a riding mower or a push mower or even a commercial lawnmower.
125. Hourglass
An hourglass is a type of sand filled timer which you’ve probably seen more often in board games.
126. Scissors
A basic and important office supply, drawing realistic scissors can be more challenging than you might think!
127. Mailbox
Everybody gets mail, so why not sketch your mailbox?
128. Ticket
Have you recently gone to an event where you needed a ticket? Draw or sketch that ticket in your sketchbook.
129. Circles
Circles might seem like a mundane drawing idea, but there are so many great ideas for drawing circular patterns and different circle sizes!
If you are lucky enough to have a grape vineyard nearby, you can find a LOT of inspiration to sketch and draw vines! Many different types of vines also grow on trees.
X-rays allow us to see inside someone or something. You can draw an X-ray view of a person or an object.
132. Tunnels
Tunnels are a great way to practice drawing perspective, especially if you are drawing the view from the beginning to the end of a tunnel.
133. People at Work
Millions of people go t work every single day. This could be construction workers, people in your office, or even the cashiers at the store.
134. Ladders
Ladders are another great exercise for drawing perspective. There are also many different kinds of ladders – from step ladders to paint ladders to imaginary ladders that climb all the way to the clouds.
135. Playground
Draw a swingset, sliding board, the view in the sandbox at a nearby park or playground where you live.
136. Swirls
Swirls are fun to draw and can be highly meditative and addictive! Fill a page with swirls or practice drawing some swirly flourishes.
137. Dancing
Draw people who are dancing, and be sure their clothes and dance moves reflect the type of music they are dancing to!
138. Sunglasses or Eyeglasses
Set up a pair of your sunglasses or eyeglasses on a table and start sketching them.
139. Hills & Valleys
Rolling hills and valleys can give a typical landscape sketch a lot of visual interest.
140. Rocks & Stones
Are you a rock collector? Have you ever been to a rocky beach or noticed rocks along the shore of a river? Take some time to draw the details of rocks or stones.
Good fences make good neighbors, according to poet Robert Frost. They also make for great drawing subjects, whether it’s a white picket fence, a split rail fence or a wrought-iron fence.
142. Triangles
There are so many different kinds of patterns you can create just with a simple triangle!
Moo! Cows can be found on farms around the world and are a great animal to try drawing – this sketch of a baby calf is so cute!
There are over 6,300 known species of frogs in the world, which means you have a lot of choices on what kind of frog to draw! Draw a tree frog, a bullfrog, an African claw frog, or other frog of your choosing.
145. Spool of Thread & Other Sewing Notions
Do you have a sewing box? A simple spool of thread and other sewing notions can make for a great still life.
146. Tomato
Some people love tomatoes, others could leave them. Either way, they make for a n excellent drawing subject.
147. Squares and Rectangles
Drawing squares and rectangles gives you plenty of opportunities to discover new patterns in your doodles. Tip: For straight lines, use a ruler!
148. Tea kettle
How about a nice relaxing cup of tea? Sketch a tea kettle in your journal.
149. Lightbulb
The symbol for creativity and ideas, light bulbs are an invention we still rely on heavily today. Try drawing something inside of a lightbulb for an illuminating challenge.
150. Party Supplies
What do you need to throw a party? You could draw party hats, noise makers, or keep it simple with just party foods.
151. Railroad tracks
Railroad tracks are very dangerous to be around, so I do not suggest trying to go near them for sketching, but there are many pictures you can use as reference and they are great practice for perspective.
Porches are welcoming gathering places for company and the perfect scene to sketch.
153. Rainbow
Rainbows are easy to draw and a great excuse to pull out the colored pencils. An easy way to remember the order of the colors is the acronym Roy G. Biv: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
154. Lemonade Stand
Every kid dreams of having a lemonade stand someday, and now is your chance to finally design the lemonade stand of your dreams.
Do you play piano? You can choose to draw a close-up of the keys, someone playing the piano, an upright piano, or a baby grand piano.
156. Hallways
Interior hallways can be a great way to practice drawing perspective, especially if the hallway has a lot of doors or wall decor.
157. Watch Gears
What’s inside a watch? Lots of little gear parts that make for fun and easy drawing ideas.
It doesn’t have to be taco tuesday to draw a taco. Fill up that shell with all your favorite ingredients and toppings!
159. Paint & Paint Brush
Pull out your paints and paint brushes to set up a still life scene of an artist at work.
160. Faces With Different Emotions
So often in portraits we see people happy – try drawing faces with different emotions such as angry, sad, frustrated, or calm.
161. Dishes
Dishes can have all sorts of different patterns and styles that can make for fantastic creative inspiration.
162. Fountain
Whether its an outdoor or indoor fountain, there are all sorts of interesting details to capture when drawing a fountain.
163. Puzzle Pieces
Puzzles are always entertaining. Grab a puzzle off your game shelf and scatter a few pieces around to sketch and draw.
164. Monkey
You probably can’t have a pet monkey like Curious George in real life, but you can always draw a character of your own.
165. Angels
Angels are majestic divine beings of light, and a fantastic source of inspiration for sketching and drawing.
One of the nice things about drawing hands is you always have a realistic model attached to you! Try different poses or holding different objects.
167. Pair of Socks
Do you have a pair of crazy socks? You can sketch a pair of socks you already own, or make your own crazy sock designs.
168. Bag or Purse
We use bags all the time in our everyday life, whether it’s a shopping bag or a purse where you keep your keys, wallet and more. Draw the bag itself or draw a fashion sketch of a person wearing a bag.
169. Umbrella
Rainy days are a lot more bearable when you have a good umbrella to keep you dry!
170. Beach Scene
The beach is a relaxing and serene place to sit with a sketchbook and sketch the sights.
171. Bowling Ball and Pins
Bowling can be a lot of fun, and drawing a bowling ball and pins makes for a good drawing exercise.
172. Roller Coaster
Do you have a favorite rollercoaster ride? You can draw a lifelike imitation of a rollercoaster you love, or design your own with plenty of ups, downs, twists and turns.
We often associate witches with mean and scary looking old ladies, but Glenda the Good witch from the Wizard of Oz reminds us that not all witches are bad.
174. Headphones
Love listening to music? Don’t forget to sketch your headphones.
Are ghosts real? What do they look like? Now is your chance to draw one!
176. Paper Clips
Pull out a handful of paper clips from your office desk and sketch them.
177. King or Queen
You can draw a king or queen from history, or even imagine yourself as king or queen for the day.
178. Graffiti
Graffiti is a unique form of art and perfectly legal when done on paper.
179. Ladybugs
Ladybugs are cute beneficial insects in any garden.
180. Abstract Line Art
Use this as a chance to draw stripes or have fun with experimenting with different line angles on paper.
181. Mermaid
Fictional characters that live under the sea, mermaids have captivated the imagination of sailors and storytellers for ages.
Do you have any toys from your childhood? Pull them out and sketch them.
183. Junk Drawer
Everybody has a junk drawer – that place where stuff just ends up somehow. Go through your junk drawer and pick a couple of random objects to draw.
184. Highway road
Have you been on a any recent road trips lately? Highway roads are always an interesting thing to draw.
185. Backpack
What’s in your backpack? Whether you’re a hiker or a student or carry your laptop in a backpack, there’s plenty of different styles and shapes to choose from to draw!
186. Mushrooms
Did you know there are over 10,000 different types of mushrooms? That gives you a LOT of options for what to draw, whether you draw realistic mushrooms or fantasy style mushrooms in an enchanted forest.
187. Cactus
Whether you have a cactus growing at home or want to take inspiration from a desert landscape, cacti make for excellent drawing subjects.
188. Turtle
Don’t be shy – draw a turtle! You can make it realistic, cartoonish, or somewhere in between.
189. Seashells
Seashells are abundant in the world and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, giving you plenty of creative options to explore when it comes to drawing them.
190. Photo Frames
Every piece of art needs a good frame, and this is a great prompt to make doodle frames or draw ornate frames inspired from vintage and antique photograph displays.
Where does the gate lead? You can draw a garden gate, a gateway to a new portal or maybe a gate to a haunted and spooky hollow.
192. Vegetables
Don’t want to eat your vegetables? Draw them instead!
I am always fascinated by the details in patchwork quilts. You can try drawing different quilt block designs, or even take inspiration from a crazy quilt with elaborate stitching and embroidery embellishing each patch!
194. Sunrise/sunset
The sun rises and sets every single day and that itself is pretty amazing! What’s a drawing prompt list without a sunset or sunrise?
You can draw your state or country’s flag, or choose to draw different flags from around the world.
There are many different types of bells, from bell towers to school bells to jingle bells.
197. Potato Chips
Are you in need of a snack? Next time you reach for that bag of potato chips, sketch it!
198. Your Closet
Open up your closet doors and sketch a scene of your current wardrobe. Hopefully you won’t find too many skeletons in there!
199. Vintage Photographs
Old vintage photos make for great drawing reference photo idea, especially when they feature historical lifestyles.
Heat things up by drawing flames or fire. You can draw a campfire, a fire in a fireplace, or flames surrounding another object.
201. Raindrops
Raindrops are their very own shape, and there are so many different ways you could interpret this! You could make raindrop patterns, or try to realistically capture what raindrops may look like on a pane of glass or when they fall and hit the ground.
Your choice – make a map of where you live, somewhere you’ve visited, or maybe even a map of a completely fictional and imaginary fantasy world.
203. Optical illusions
Optical illusions play with lines, shadows, and depth to create images that aren’t always what they appear to be. Play around with different ideas until you get a drawing that makes you look twice.
204. Snowman
Do you want to draw a snowman? You can make your snowman as elaborate or as simple as you’d like!
205. Steampunk
Steampunk is a type of science fiction where everything is steam powered. Think gears, flying contraptions, and all sorts of odd inventions. Prefer figure drawing? You could also draw people in steampunk attire!
206. Seagulls
These birds may be noisy, squacky, and annoying to deal with at the beach, but they are still beautiful to look at and the perfect subject for drawing.
207. Computer
We spend enough time at the computer, so take a break from the digital world and get out that sketchpad!
208. Chickens
Chickens come in all sorts of varieties – the American Poultry Association recognizes over 50 different breeds of chickens. You can choose to make this as simple or as complex as you wish!
209. Historic Scene
Scenes from history are always fun to illustrate, especially if you choose to depict a time before cameras were invented, which was in 1816.
210. The library
Go visit your local library and bring your sketchbook! You can choose to sketch the outside of the building or sit at a table where you can get a good view of the rows and rows of books.
211. Your grocery store
Shopping for food is an everyday necessity, and chances are you’ve been to the grocery store at least once in the past year. Draw some of the aisles, a grocery display case, or draw the exterior of the building.
212. Jar of Something
Everything in mason jars is all the rage in decor, or maybe you’re like me and love a jar of bread and butter pickles or homemade jam.
213. Numbers
You don’t have to be a mathematician to appreciate there are so many different ways to draw numbers! Practice hand-lettering in different styles or use basic numbers as a base for more elaborate doodles.
214. Your Bed
Researchers estimate the average person spends about 26 years of our lives in bed…which is a LOT of time sleeping! Give your bed its proper tribute by illustrating it in your sketchbook.
215. Impossible World
Maybe there’s an imaginary world where fish fly in the sky, or the moon is underwater…invent an imaginary fantasy world and draw it!
216. Speech Bubbles
How do you convey spoken words in your drawings? With speech bubbles of course! You can draw them comic book style or practice creating new patterns using a basic speech bubble shape.
217. Farm or Barn Scene
The Barn is an iconic image of the countryside, and no wonder – these giant buildings serve as a place to store farm equipment and provide shelter to animals. Draw a barn!
218. Labyrinth
A labyrinth is a meandering path that leads to the center of a shape. Traditionally circular in nature, they are often used in common times for reflection and meditation.
Go fly a kite! And if there’s no wind or you don’t have a kite, you can always draw one! Again, there are so many different shapes and types here to choose from!
220. Astronaut
Remember that rocket ship you drew in prompt number 54? What about the person flying that thing? Draw a picture of the astronaut brave enough to travel in your spacecraft.
Balls of yarn can be a fun challenge to draw, especially when you get into different types of hand spun yarns or art yarn!
Go ahead, take a chance…and draw some dice! Did you know there are more dice than just the average 6-sided dice? They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, as I learned from playing Dungeons & Dragons.
223. Pumpkins
You can draw a pumpkin patch, a fall themed still life display, or maybe even carve out a face on your pumpkin and create a jack-o-lantern!
224. Flooring
Have you ever spent time staring at the floor? I know that sounds sarcastic, but you might just be surprised how many different textures and patterns exist on what we walk all over every single day.
225. Scene from a Dream
Have any crazy dreams lately? Illustrate a scene from a dream in your sketchbook. Bonus? You can interpret what that dream means based on the image you drew!
Imagine a bench. Who is sitting on it? Draw it!
227. Garden
There are so many different things you can draw for a garden, whether its a vegetable garden or a flower garden or maybe just a peaceful place outside surrounded by plants.
228. Blue Jeans
Get a pair of blue jeans out from your closet and try putting them in different poses on a table or the floor and draw what you see.
229. Wild West Scene
Cowboys, outlaws, and a good saloon make for the perfect backdrop for a wild west scene you could draw.
230. Children playing
Kids are always a source of inspiration to draw, especially when they are playing.
231. Silhouette
Silhouettes are outlines of an object, person or place. Try drawing silhouettes of people in different poses, or draw silhouettes of everyday objects around the house.
Hopefully there are no mice in your house – but they are cute, when they don’t sneak up on you! You could draw a realistic mouse, or draw personified mice characters who live in their own burrow in a meadow.
233. Baby/Infant
Like kids, babies are another great source for portrait photos. You can use a baby you know as inspiration, or dig out those old photos of you as a baby when you were new to this world.
I’d never want to see a hippo close in real life {I hear they can be very aggressive and dangerous!} but I’m definitely okay with drawing them!
When the cold wind blows you get ice! You can draw icicles hanging from the eaves of a roof, or maybe even ice cubes that are guaranteed not to melt.
236. Favorite Animated/Cartoon Character
When I was in the second grade I was so lucky to take a cartooning class where I learned to draw Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, and more. Do you have a favorite cartoon character or anime character? Try to draw them as close as the original as you can.
237. Camera
So often as artists we use reference photos to inspire our work, but we forget the camera itself can be a great drawing idea!
238. Mad Scientist’s Lab
Think bubbling potions, beakers, and oh my, what’s that monster doing under the sheet over there in the corner?
239. Wood Texture
Wood grain can be a beautiful texture to draw, especially in pencil, ink, or charcoal. There are so many options for patterns and shading!
240. Gnomes
Who doesn’t love garden gnomes? Maybe they’re tacky, but I think they’re the perfect thing to draw – especially if you draw them in different clothes and styles.
241. Life Underground
Most of the time we think about life on the surface of earth, but there’s all sorts of things that happen underground, from coal mines to subway train stations to fault lines and magma…what world do you imagine? Draw it!
Ever hear the phrase, I’m all ears? Now’s your chance to illustrate it!
We drive in cars every day and there are so many different types we see on the road. You can choose to draw your first car, your current car, or the cars you see passing by on the street near where you live.
244. Holiday scenes
There’s so many holidays we celebrate around the world – you can choose from Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Fourth of July or maybe even St. Patrick’s Day.
245. Song Lyrics
Do you have a favorite song? Illustrate a scene from the song, or practice your hand-lettering by drawing a quote of the lyrics.
246. Parking Lot
Parking lots might not sound like that exciting of an idea for drawing, but you can be surprised what happens in them! They are great places for people watching, or you could sketch the scene of one to continue a series of drawings of places around where you live.
247. Movie Scene
What’s your favorite movie? Draw a scene from a movie you love or have watched recently.
248. Xylophone
Xylophone is pretty much the only word we could think of that begins with the letter X, so it made our list. 🙂
249. City Street Scene
Walk around the city and sketch the sights on the street.
250. Award or Trophy
Have you ever been given a trophy or award for an achievement? You could also draw trophies or awards for your pets or friends, like “Best Listener” or “Most Furry”.
Look up to the night sky and draw the stars. You could also research and draw different constellations.
From dump trucks to tractor trailer trucks to pick-up trucks, there are all kinds of trucks you can draw. Above is a picture of a pick-up my brother drew.
253. Skeleton or Skull
Skeletons and skulls might be creepy to some, but they can be a lot less scary if you opt to draw a sugar skull from the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday.
Bird watchers know there are thousands of different species of birds, which means you have a lot of options here! To keep things simple, try drawing birds that are native to where you live and can be found regularly in your backyard and parks.
255. Friend
Ask a friend for a photo or see if they would be willing to pose while you draw a portrait of them.
256. Cleaning Supplies
Fact: It’s more fun to draw cleaning supplies than it is to actually do the laundry, dishes, and other household chores.
257. Wheels
From wagon wheels to car rims, there are all sorts of different types of wheels you could draw. You could also use wheels as a base for making repetitive patterns.
258. Sled Ride
Have you ever been on a sled in the winter? You can draw kids sledding or draw an old fashioned Christmas sleigh!
What’s behind that door? You can draw the door of your house, or draw a door that captures your eye and makes you want to open it…or avoid it.
260. Diamonds
Diamonds are easy things to draw and you can play with all sorts of different patterns and repetitions with them.
261. Favorite Things
What are your favorite things in the whole wide world? Draw them!
Waves are a very cool thing you can draw, whether its realistic waves in the ocean, or simply waves of lines that create a pattern.
263. School
Draw a picture of what you remember school looked like when you were a kid, or draw all the school supplies you remember needing.
264. Abandoned Warehouse
Abandoned warehouses are cool architecture places to draw, just remember that you shouldn’t actually go into an abandoned warehouse without proper permission and safety clearances – it can be VERY dangerous!
265. Cooking Spices
What’s on your spice rack? Draw it!
266. Favorite Place From Your Childhood
What is a place you remember from your childhood? It can be any place you visited that brings back happy memories.
267. Vase of Flowers
The classic still life is the perfect opportunity to practice drawing!
268. Vacation Spot
Think back on all of the places you’ve visited and vacationed at over the years. Draw a scene of one of your favorite spots!
269. News Headline
Look to the news today and draw a headline from the current events.
270. Village
Draw a whimsical village of cute little houses.
Artists like Van Gogh are famous for painting a chair, so get your start by drawing one!
Horses are incredible creatures admired for the beauty and strength. Draw wild horses or someone riding a horse.
273. Drum Set
Not everybody has room for a drum set in their house or the talent to play one, but you can always draw one!
274. Exercise Poses
Draw a figure in different exercise poses, such as yoga or aerobics.
275. Something That Smells Nice
What’s your favorite smell? Draw something that you think smells nice.
276. Illustrate Onomatopoeia Words
Onomatopoeia words are words that are spelled exactly like they sound – and they can be fun to illustrate. Some example words are splash, buzz, pop, fizz, and swish.
277. Detective
Take inspiration from Sherlock Holmes and draw a detective on the case to solve the next mystery.
278. Mythological Creatures
Centaur, griffins, and manticores are all examples of different types of mythological creatures you could draw in your journal.
Draw a game board, game pieces or make up a design that could be used on your very own deck of illustrated cards.
280. Picnic
Set the scene for the perfect picnic lunch – hopefully there won’t be any ants to ruin the fun!
With over 200 owl species to choose from, you could draw a barn owl, a snowy owl, or great horned owl. The above picture my daughter drew when she was six.
282. Your Favorite Decade
Draw a scene from your favorite decade, whether it’s the roaring 1920’s or the fun and colorful 1980’s.
283. Flash Light
No need to stay in the dark – you can draw your own light with a flash light!
284. Bathroom Cabinet
Draw your toothbrush, a bar of soap, or anything else you may regularly keep in your bathroom cabinets.
Idioms are expressions and phrases that generally don’t make any literal sense in the real world…one example being it’s raining cats and dogs. Illustrate a silly idiom or other expression that we don’t take literally. You can find more idioms at the Free Dictionary Idiom Search .
286. Rock Star
Everybody thinks about becoming a rock star at some point, take inspiration from one of your favorite artists or bands or draw yourself rocking out to your favorite kind of music.
287. Party Animals
Draw animals going to a party. Don’t forget their party hats!
What’s hiding up in the attic of that old house? Draw it!
289. Happy Couple
Draw a couple that is happy and in love together.
290. Neighborhood
Sketch a street scene from your local neighborhood.
291. Bar or Restaurant
Where’s the last place you’ve eaten or gone out to? Draw a picture of the exterior or interior of the building.
292. Time Machine
Time machines don’t exist yet, but here’s your chance to design one that will help you travel back and forth in time.
293. Runner
They say life is a marathon and not a sprint…unless a lion is chasing you. Draw someone who is running from something, or maybe they are competing in a 5k or marathon.
294. Treehouse
Wouldn’t it be great to live in a treehouse for a day? Design and draw a Pete Nelson worthy treehouse for you to escape to.
295. Museum
Museums are full of interesting artifacts from history. Visit a museum near you or do a virtual tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History online here .
Boxes can be empty or they can be full of surprises. You can draw just one box or a whole stack of them!
Draw a humanoid-like robot, or draw a robot straight out of a science fiction movie. Cartoon robots are also always fun!
Drawing glass can be a fun way to explore drawing reflections and shadows.
299. Mechanic’s Garage
Draw a mechanic’s garage with cars needing repaired.
300. Helicopter
Did you know the fastest speed of a helicopter ever recorded is 248 mph? That’s crazy!
301. Brick Wall
Brick patterns are a great idea for something to draw.
302. Lighthouse
Lighthouses help keep sailors and ships safe while out at sea. They are also beautiful tourist attractions all around the world.
303. Gifts and Presents
Did you receive any gifts or presents recently? Draw them! You could also draw wrapped presents.
304. Christmas Tree
Deck the halls and put up a Christmas tree, in your art journal or sketchbook at least! Not Christmas time or don’t celebrate Christmas? You could always decorate your tree to be more to your liking.
Towers have been used historically for many different reasons, and they stand tall along the skyline. Draw one!
There are so many famous hotels you could choose to draw, or draw the outside of the last hotel you stayed at.
307. Ant Farm
Ants build the most fascinating tunnels in ant farms. Illustrate an ant farm to show their secret lives in their homes.
308. Battle
You could draw a historic battle or you could draw a fantasy battle between an ogre and a dragon.
309. Waterfall
There are so many waterfalls in the world, experts can’t even agree how many there are! They are beautiful cascading natural elements perfect for sketching.
310. Remote Control
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a remote control that does everything? Take inspiration from the remote control you have for your TV or design your own with custom buttons you could use in your life.
311. Bakery
Cakes, cookies, bread…mmmm…all of my favorite foods can be found at a bakery, so draw one!
312. Suitcase
Packing to go somewhere? You could draw a suitcase ready to travel the world, or draw yours.
We live on this great big earth, so draw it.
314. Mandala
A mandala is a geometric figure that represents the universe. They are often used for meditative purposes and can be so relaxing to draw.
315. Cassette Tape
Am I showing my age here? Even if everything is digital today, cassette tapes are still cool to draw in my book.
316. Antique Car
Cars from the 1900’s look a lot different than the ones we drive today! Draw an antique or classic car that was manufactured before 1970.
317. Castle
You drew the queen and king in prompt number 177, now where are they going to live? Draw a castle fit for royalty, or take inspiration from one of the famous 500+ castles that already exist in the world.
318. Lightning
Lightning can be mesmerizing and the earth is struck by lightning an estimated 1,400,000,000 times a year – now that’s electrifying!
319. Snakes
Some people are scared of snakes, but the best way to overcome that fear is to draw one on paper. Besides, it’s your imagination – you can make the snake a friendly, non-biting one!
I heard you can really draw a crowd…haha…I know, that’s a terribly punny joke but I couldn’t resist.
Swords are often seen in coats of armor and in historical fiction stories like the sword in the stone…try drawing one!
322. Compass
Which way north? Draw a compass rose.
Pigs are very intelligent creatures…and they are cute!
Be careful if you drew three pigs in the last prompt, this could get hairy and become the story of three little pigs quick, which doesn’t end too well for the wolf.
325. Anchor
Anchors are symbols of strength and safety and often used in logos and tattoo designs.
Who doesn’t love a good donut? Draw your favorite flavor donut.
327. Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are very fast to see in real life, but they are beautiful birds to draw.
328. Statues and Sculptures
Draw your own life-like statue or sculpture, or try to draw a realistic rendition of a famous statue such as The Statue of Liberty or the sculpture of Discobolus .
329. Zipper
Zippers are something we use all the time, and they are fun to draw! You can also use the basic shape of a zipper for all sorts of pattern drawing ideas!
330. Television Set
You can draw a retro TV set or draw a more modern day version of a smart TV.
That alien that you drew in prompt #25…what kind of spacecraft were they flying? Draw an unidentified flying object.
332. Scarecrow
Scarecrows are not really all that useful for scaring away crows, but they have become an iconic decoration around the fall and autumn season.
One of the popular games for kids to play in the woods is to go snipe hunting…of course you never find one because snipes don’t exist. No one knows what a snipe really is, but this is your chance to imagine what one would look like if it were real.
334. Chameleon
Chameleons are best known for being able to change their colors to blend into their environment. This is a great opportunity to practice shading or draw with multiple colors.
335. Jellyfish
The nice thing about drawing a jellyfish on paper is they can’t sting you! While you’d never want to get too close to one in real life, they are beautifully amazing creatures of the sea.
336. Unicorn
A unicorn is a mythical creature that looks much like a horse with a single horn on its forehead. They are often depicted in art and folklore, making it the perfect drawing prompt.
Tulips mean spring is coming, and they are fun beautiful flowers to draw in any weather or season. Because they are bulbs, you can even force them to grow in the winter like I did with my flowers. See my post on the seasons of being an artist .
338. Pinwheel
Pinwheels are toys that twirl around when someone blows on them. They are symbolically seen as a way of “turing one’s luck around” and often signify playfulness and happiness.
339. Palm Tree
Did you know palm trees are actually evergreen trees? They are characterized by broad fan-like leaves and usually found in tropical regions around the world.
340. Rainforests
Rainforests are home to thousands of exotic plant species and animals and are typically found around the earth’s equator.
341. Deserted Island
What would you do if you were stuck on a deserted island? What would it look like? I hope you brought a notebook and pencil!
342. Snowflakes
No two snowflakes are alike, and you can have so much fun drawing different patterns and designs of snowflakes.
343. Ball or Sphere
Balls and spheres are a great opportunity to play around with drawing different shadow angles and light sources.
344. Goldfish
Goldfish are easy to draw and are a favorite pet for many people.
345. DNA Helix
It’s crazy to think we have DNA and I even recently just did a DNA test on Ancestry.com – it’s so fascinating to me to trace back all of my ancestors. Drawing the helix is a great way to practice different shading techniques as well.
One of my favorite songs is You Are the Moon by the Hush Sound , and I can’t think but illustrating a beautiful moonlit landscape everytime I hear it.
347. Trapeze Artist
Trapeze artists are highly skilled entertainers who perform all sorts of aerial tricks on ropes. Often seen at circuses, many modern artists can be seen in cities and other places.
348. Atoms and Molecules
You don’t have to be a chemistry major to recognize that atoms and molecule diagrams can be fascinating subjects for drawing ideas!
349. Carousel
I’ve always loved merry go round carousel rides and still ride them even now whenever I get a chance. You can choose to draw the whole carousel or just draw a carousel horse.
350. Cabin or Cottage in the Woods
Draw your own artists retreat place in the form of a cabin or cottage in the woods.
351. Buttons
Buttons make for great doodles, or you can always draw a magic button that you can push for when things go awry.
352. Pot of Gold
What’s at the end of your rainbow from prompt #153? Shamrock optional.
353. Doctor’s Office
Have you ever noticed all the different things they have at the doctor’s office when you go in for a check-up?
354. Panda Bear
Panda bears are just cute and that is why you should draw one.
355. Building Blocks
Building blocks are a great way to play with different angles, lines, and shadows.
356. Ferris Wheel
Ferris wheels are popular carnival rides and a great thing to draw.
357. Turkey
You can draw a turkey – it’s as simple as tracing your hand. Of course, you could always opt to draw a turkey that’s a bit more realistic.
358. Lollipops and Candy
Craving something sweet? Draw a lollipop or another favorite type of Candy.
You could draw a city bus, a school bus, or even a double-decker bus.
360. Flamingo
Flamingos are graceful birds most well known for their ability to balance on just one leg.
361. Ukulele
Ukulele’s only have 4 strings and are smaller and higher pitched than a guitar. Both of my daughters play the Ukulele!
362. Strawberry
Strawberries are amazingly detailed when you look at one up close, making them a great option for a close-up sketch.
363. Sandcastle
Did you know people build sandcastles at a competitive level? It’s amazing what architects, engineers, and creative designers and make out of sand at sand castle competitions!
364. Record Player
We may not play records that often anymore, but they are still a totally fun vintage thing to draw.
365. Magic Wand
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a magic wand? Well, you can always draw one!
I hope you enjoyed this list of 365 Drawing Ideas and of course if you create any of these things to draw I would love to see it in our Artjournalist Facebook community group !
Do you have any ideas for things to draw that I might have missed? I’d love to hear your ideas and how you will use these drawing prompts – tell me in the comments below!
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18 Comments
How about flowers
she said sunflowers which are technically flowers
great list of inspiration
This was a wonderful list
i like these thanks for curing my dreadful boredom 😃😄😊
I’ve read a lot of lists for drawing prompts, this one is by far the best! Thank you so much! I’m sure it took some time to come up with all of these!!
I’m glad you’re enjoying them!
Can you please share some painting ideas?
Sounds like a great idea Amy, I will get on it 🙂
great list i cant wait to fill lots of sketchbooks up with ideas oh also how about fidget toys they are great to draw
Hmm cant think of any! It sure helped me. I run art contests every week and like gettin opinions from people on themes, seeing this I may never have trouble picking a theme again! lol😂
I was stuck trying to think of ideas of what to draw during a pandemic. Thanks for all the great ideas. I better get started, I have hundreds of drawings to do. Joyce
Glad it inspired you Joyce!
I actually had a drawing competition in my school and the topic was “dreaming with eyes open” and this really helped thanks!
thanks for this great list of inspiration. defiantly cured my boredom. I really liked the coffee idea. i made a really good painting for my kitchen with it. it says: “Key To My Morning. it is is painting of a blue coffee cup, with i red back round. my parents drink coffe every morning so i made it for them.
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101 Sketchbook Ideas to Make Your Drawings Interesting
By: Author Jae Johns
Posted on Last updated: February 6, 2023
Categories Drawing
So, you love drawing but run out of the sketchbook ideas that you can use in your drawings and finished works to make them even more interesting?
You’ll discover some great ideas for beginners or if you’re an artist that just needs some extra inspiration.
You have a habit of keeping a sketchbook, but it has become a challenge for you to know what to draw in your sketchbook.
Do not get worried guys, we have got you covered with these amazing sketchbook practice ideas.
Just read till the end and explore over 80 ideas for those days when you are looking around like what should I draw in my sketchbook?
At times, it is difficult to think about ideas for our sketchbooks.
We look at our blank sketchbook pages but we fail to get some ideas to jumpstart our creative juices.
The only solution to this is to draw more because the more we draw, the better we will get ideas.
A sketchbook is not just a piece of paper and a place to practice, it is one of the best places to plan, draw, and find some drawing inspiration.
Drawing in a sketchbook is not only relaxing but fun as well.
But studying the fundamentals of drawing and practicing your drawing skills is very important.
To perfect your drawing skills, you need to learn the basics of drawing including value, perspective, composition, and proportion, and repeat them over and over again.
Get ready to try these amazing sketchbook ideas and say NO to blank pages!
So, you want to expand your sketching capabilities and get drawing ideas for your sketchbook that’ll help you create an amazing sketchbook!
You want to try out some new ideas.
Have no fear because, in today’s blog, we have created a list of 80 drawing ideas that can get you sketching right now and can surely make your drawings beautiful and attractive, no matter what your drawing expertise is.
Why Sketching These Ideas are Important
These ideas may range from everyday objects of your home to architectural drawings and life drawing.
We recommend you to try out all the ideas so that you can get to know sketching from every perspective, whether it’s observing how to draw a one-point perspective or a two-point perspective.
Plus, it is equally important to invest in good drawing supplies to get the best results.
You need to get the best drawing pencils and colored pencils along with a good sheet of paper.
What to Draw in your Sketchbook
I have divided the sketchbook ideas into three main categories – simple drawing ideas, challenging drawing ideas, and drawing from imagination.
Challenging drawing ideas will give you a bit challenging of course but they will be completed in just no time, resulting in beautiful artworks.
Even though they might be a challenge, these are all things to draw in your sketchbook that shouldn’t be too difficult and will make an interesting drawing.
So, let’s learn these drawing ideas with step-by-step tutorials that will show you exactly how to implement those ideas.
- 19+ Easy Cartoon Characters to Draw
- 77 Easy Stuff To Draw That Are Actually Fun
Simple and Easy Drawing Ideas
Let’s begin with simple drawing ideas.
We are calling them ‘easy’ because the shapes or lines used in such drawings are simple and do not need many techniques.
You might even be surprised that these are simple drawing ideas but will still give you such creative sketchbook ideas.
I highly recommend the following sketchbook prompts for beginners.
01. Draw a Stack of Books
One of the simplest yet interesting sketchbook ideas is to draw a stack of books.
Find some old books from a book corner in your room and stack them up.
Draw it from different angles.
If you want to draw books with a pencil sketch, all you need for this is a sharpened pencil, an eraser, and a nice sheet of paper.
You can also fill the books with your favorite colors.
02. A Houseplant
A houseplant always makes a good subject for drawing.
It’s an easy sketchbook idea that you draw while your mind is thinking about other things.
By drawing a houseplant, you can combine natural features with some solid elements such as you can draw a potted plant having some light effects on it.
Before starting to draw, get your art supplies so that you can concentrate on drawing instead of collecting supplies.
03. A Pair of Shoes
Open your closet and find an ordinary item in it.
That’s a pair of shoes, go and draw it.
You can go for a pair of shoes that fit a businessman or you can draw your favorite sneakers.
For this piece of drawing, try to start with rough but light pencil strokes.
04. Sketch the Shape of Clouds and Sky
One of the simplest sketchbook ideas is to sketch the shape of the cloud and sky.
You can draw a sunny sky, a starry sky, or clouds.
You can draw clouds and the sun in your other paintings to make a scene look more beautiful and attractive.
With a pencil, eraser, and paper, you will need cotton or a blending stump to blend the shading area.
Drawing clouds and skies are some of the easiest sketchbook practice ideas that are relaxing and anyone can do.
05. Kitchen Utensils
Want to get some drawing inspiration?
Go to your kitchen, get some utensils, toss them on a table, and draw them as they land.
As you cook with adventures, similarly add some fun in your drawings by sketching kitchen utensils.
You can put some fruits and vegetables on a table and draw them from various angles.
06. A City Skyline
If you are a country lover, drawing a city skyline is a great idea for you.
Most people think that a city skyline is a bit complex to draw but the fact is it is quite simple and easy to draw a skyline.
With some lines and connected rectangles, you can add layering to draw more rows of buildings.
It will be a great sketchbook idea if you want to practice your drawing skills or you are just looking to fill an empty space.
07. Cats and Dogs
If you have a cat or a dog in your house, draw them.
Here’s a step-by-step on how to draw a dog .
In case you do not have a fuzzy animal with you, do a quick search on Google, and make a drawing.
Drawing a cat or a dog is a good drawing idea because it’s a way to instantly attract people’s attention to your illustration when you have pets in your scene.
08. An Open Book
If you are not interested in drawing a stack of books, take one book, open it, and make a drawing on it from different angles.
09. A Piece of Jewelry
Another sketching idea that you can try is to draw a piece of jewelry.
Open your jewelry box, take out a ring, a necklace, or a bracelet, and draw it.
You can also do a pencil sketch on it on you can fill it with colors if you want.
10. Draw a Towel in Different Positions
One of the simplest sketchbook ideas is to draw a towel in different positions.
You can draw a hanging towel or a crumpled towel as you want.
This drawing idea will definitely assist you in bringing some creativity as well as positivity to your days!
11. Draw Items from Your Fridge
While you are making drawings of kitchen utensils, why not open your fridge and draw whatever inside it?
You can draw a bottle of jam, a pouch of sauce, or a pot of fruits and vegetables.
By opening up your fridge, you’ll have many drawing ideas for your sketchbook.
12. Draw Roses
Drawing roses is not only easy but have fun and adventure in it as well.
As the rose is said to be a symbol of love, so you can draw it and present it to your loved one.
For a beautiful sketch of roses, you need to take a bit of practice but if you try it over and over again, you will have a lot more beautiful sketches of roses all over your house.
Drawing a rose is an easy sketchbook idea that you can do in 7 easy steps.
Here’s a step-by-step to show you how to draw a rose.
13. Your Smartphone
We always have our smartphone with us so it will not be a bad idea to pull it out from your pocket, lay it down, and start drawing.
Beginning with the general outlines of the smartphone, draw its buttons.
You can give them color as well.
14. An Unfolded Laundry
Another great idea is to draw a pile of folded or unfolded laundry.
Drawing folds of laundry is a bit challenging.
To show cloth folds, you can implement line drawing as well as shading to show compression and tension applied to the fabric.
Believe me, your portraits will look realistic due to these techniques.
15. A Globe
If you are fond of studying the planet Earth, why not learn how to draw a globe.
It is a great activity if you want to practice symmetry and proportions at the same time.
Get a nice sheet of paper with sharpened pencils.
First, draw a big circle and then go for drawing curved, horizontal, and vertical lines to add a final detail to your globe.
16. A Fresh Bouquet of Flowers
You can create a stunning drawing of a fresh-cut bouquet of flowers.
For drawing flowers, try colored pencils, hone your drawing skills, and masterfully create lifelike drawings.
17. The Inside of Your Closet
Drawing the inside of your closet with clothes is another sketchbook idea you can try.
18. Pencils
Sitting idle?
Take out your colored pencils and paints and draw them.
It is very easy to draw a pencil as you need to draw only three parts – point, cap, or barrel.
19. Trees Outside the Window of Your Room
It would not be a bad idea if you try to draw trees outside the window of your room.
All you need to do is draw the branches and the crown and then find a balance that you are happy with.
Take a regular sketching pencil and start drawing.
If you know nothing about drawing, you may go for drawing a simple tree.
20. Draw Smokey Eyes
If you love doing makeup especially eye makeup, then the best thing you can draw is smokey eyes.
Yes, it is right.
Take a sheet of paper with some good drawing pencils .
With the help of this drawing, you can try different eye shapes as well.
Drawing eyes is another good drawing idea that you can do in less than 10 minutes.
Here’s a step by step to draw an eye .
21. A Robot
Why not draw a robot today?
Drawing a robot is one of the simplest sketchbook ideas that you must try if you are sitting alone and want to draw something to get some inspiration.
22. Your Headphones
So, you love listening to music on your headphones?
Why not try drawing your headphones?
Believe me, it will be a great idea that will not only give you inspiration but will make your drawing fun as well.
Arrange them neatly or put them on the table as they are, I mean in a tangled mess and then draw.
If you want to enhance your drawing skills and are exhausted with every drawing option you have, it is the best time to draw a car.
It is not only simple and easy but can increase your drawing skills as well.
24. A Fruit Cut in Half | a Unique Sketchbook Idea
A unique sketchbook idea is to draw a fruit cut in half.
Take your favorite food, put it on a plate, and cut it in half. Now take a paper and draw this fruit.
You can also add colors to enhance your drawing.
25. Draw a Dragon
To draw a dragon, the first step is to draw two circles that may serve as the guide to the dragon’s body.
Try to maintain the proper size and spacing of the circles as it may determine the dragon’s size.
Besides pencil sketch, try to give a color to your dragon. Use dark colors on the top of the head and neck.
26. Pillows
So, you want to draw something without having to leave your comforter’s warmth.
Making a sketch of your pillows is not a bad idea at all.
You can show folds of cloth with the help of a pencil sketch.
27. House Keys | an Easy Sketchbook Idea
Another easy sketchbook idea inspired by real-life is to draw house keys attached to a key chain.
If you want to acquaint your children with domestic animals especially cows, it is not a bad idea to make a drawing of a cow. It is very easy guys.
You just need to learn some simple shapes and it will not only become a doable task for you but a lot of fun as well.
You can add colors also.
29. A Cup of Coffee
Do you love coffee?
While drinking coffee in the evening, it would not be a bad idea to draw a cup of coffee.
Put it on the table and start drawing it from different angles.
You can also go to a coffee shop and try drawing there.
30. Draw a Penguin
To add creativity to your drawings, start making a drawing on a cartoon penguin wearing a scarf.
By drawing some simple shapes, you will get a drawing of a penguin.
All you need is a drawing paper, a black marker, and some crayons.
31. Butterflies
For making your drawings fun, try making a sketch of butterflies.
Add colors to enhance your artwork.
32.A Spider
Get outside of your comfort zone and draw a spider with its web.
34. A School Desk
So, you are waiting for a class to begin.
Pass your time by drawing a school desk.
35. A Cup of Pencils
Take a cup of pencils, put it on a table, and start sketching.
36. Draw an Octopus
Choose your favorite creature who lives in the water.
If you like an octopus, start making a sketch on it.
37. Draw Leaves of a Flower
Go outside and start drawing the leaves of a flower.
38. Draw a Smile
For drawing a lifelike portrait, know how to draw a smile. You can draw other facial features as well such as eyes, nose or ears, etc.
39. Balloons
Take a picture of balloons from the Internet or buy a few.
Take a paper and draw them. Use good-quality colors as well.
If you want to draw something unique and different, try making a sketch of fish.
Challenging Drawing Ideas That Will Give You an Interesting Drawing
Every artist wants to discover things and implement them in his/her drawings.
If you are an artist, whether a beginner or an expert, you should try something unique and challenging.
Although trying simple ideas save you a lot of time, if you spend all your time in sketching simple and easy things, you will fail to get improvement.
So, for you, we have compiled a list of some challenging drawing ideas so you can master in your field.
41. Drawing a Mandala
An abstract design that is circular in form is known as a mandala.
It may also carry some images in it that has a special meaning for the one who draws it.
It seems really complicated to draw a mandala but once you know the steps, it becomes very easy to draw.
Adding a variety of colors in a mandala may show your connection with your inner world and reality.
42. A Glass of Water
Creating a realistic drawing of a glass of water is another sketchbook idea that will make your drawings interesting.
With the help of this type of drawing, you can show reflection and transparency at the same time.
You can also show light passing through a glass of water to add to its uniqueness.
Plus, add light and dark tones as well to give a finishing touch to your drawings.
43. A Family Photograph
A family photograph is the next challenging yet stunning artwork you can draw in your sketchbook.
Take out an old photo with all of your family members and begin to draw a stunning family photograph that you will treasure forever.
You can also get inspiration from the separate photos and draw them as everyone is together!
44. Draw a Dandelion
By practicing to draw a dandelion flower, we are sure you will draw it in no time. It will be fun to draw.
You will need to have a watercolor paper, a good set of markers and paintbrushes, and a bleeding tissue paper.
45. Draw with Your Non-Dominant Hand or Use Your Both Hands
Using your non-dominant hand or both hands for drawing is a challenging task.
Using a non-dominant hand means that if you are right-handed, try to draw with your left hand.
Learning this type of drawing will definitely increase your creativity.
46. Your Hands or Feet
One of the most challenging sketchbook ideas is to draw your hands or feet.
Most people believe that it is quite difficult to draw a hand but once you know how to look for specific shapes, the task will become easier.
47. A Person You Admire
Drawing a photo of a person you admire is a good drawing idea.
So, take out his/her photograph and start drawing.
It may be a challenging task even for the expert artists so it is better to know the simple tricks by which you can sketch the basic outline of the person and then make minor adjustments.
48. Do a Blind Contour Challenge
Another great sketchbook idea is to do a blind contour challenge.
Take a paper and a pencil and draw anything without looking at the paper.
You can go for a simple drawing or you can draw anything that comes to your mind.
Another challenge that you can take is to draw with a pencil without lifting your hand from the paper.
49. A Scene in a Restaurant
Having dinner in your favorite restaurant?
Make some memories by sketching a scene in a restaurant.
Sit in the corner and start sketching!
50. A Pair of Glasses
Besides drawing a glass of water, if you want to learn more about reflection and transparency more, draw a pair of glasses.
You can also color this drawing and can decorate your room with your lovely coloring drawing pages.
51. Draw a Person Sitting in a Chair
Another challenging drawing idea is to draw a person sitting in a chair at different angles.
52. Shrubs and Bushes
Take your sketchbook out, find a shady spot, and practice drawing shrubs and bushes.
53. Play with Lighting
The next big and challenging sketchbook idea is to play with lighting.
Go outside of your house, choose your favorite spot, and start drawing different scenes of the day in the morning, evening, and at night.
54. A Spaceship
If you like to explore space and different planets, it is the best idea to draw a spaceship that is capable of returning from space to Earth.
This type of drawing will look very impressive.
You can also draw a cartoon spaceship if you want!
55. Draw an Image of an Old Person
It would be a challenge for you to draw an image of an older person.
Show the wrinkles on the face with drawing pencils.
You can also show an old man sitting in a chair or walking with a stick.
56. The Back of Someone’s Head
Waiting for your order in a restaurant? Want to do something to pass some time?
Take a paper and a drawing pencil and draw the back of someone’s head.
Or you may sketch someone on public transit as well.
It will be a little difficult but with practice, you will learn to draw.
57. Your Favorite Landscape
So, you wanted to go on a vacation but your plan canceled due to some reasons.
Do not be sad!
To feel like you are on your favorite spot, it is a good idea to draw your favorite landscape.
58. Draw a Statue from a Museum
If you want to learn more about art, try sketching a sculpture from the past.
Go to a museum, work on your ideas, and draw a statue.
With good-quality drawing pencils, make a sketch and keep it in your art gallery.
59. Make a Sketch of an Old Camera
So, we are talking about taking photos and drawing something for example a family photograph.
Now it is time to take an old camera and make a sketch of it.
The shape of the camera, its buttons, and the text on them will definitely give you a nice challenge.
60. Give an Object a Face
Create stunning artwork by giving an object a face.
61. Metal Objects
Metal objects do not only have a unique texture in them but reflect light as well.
It is also fun to draw metallic objects.
It would be a challenge for you to draw metal effects effectively.
The materials you will need for this will be a sharpened pencil, a ruler, an eraser and some good sketching pencils.
62. A 3D Sphere
One of the most challenging sketchbook ideas is to draw a 3D sphere.
63. Draw Ocean Waves
It would be a real challenge for you to draw ocean waves as it is always challenging to make sketches of the things that are in constant motion.
64. Make a Sketch of an Old Factory
If you live in the city, go out with your sketchbook, find an old factory, and make a sketch.
It will be a great experience to draw the years of aging of an old factory.
65. Draw People Standing in a Line
Another amazing drawing activity is to draw people who are standing in a line.
It is always challenging to draw people.
So, if you want to improve your drawing skills, it is the quickest way.
Draw from Imagination
At times, you want to practice but there is not a suitable object to work on.
At this time, it is better to draw from imagination.
66. Create a Fun Pattern
Another amazing drawing idea is to create a fun pattern using dots, lines, swirls, curves, zigzags, and stripes.
67. Draw a Scene from History
Another drawing idea when working from imagination is to draw a scene from history.
Look back at the events of history and draw them on paper as if you were there.
68. Draw a Room You Want to Have in Your New House
If you are planning to move to a new house, it is a great idea to draw a room you want to have in your new house.
Sketch out the basic things like a bed, sofa, or dressing table.
Go for a pencil sketch or if you want, add colors to enhance your artwork.
This is also a great drawing idea if you are sitting idle and have nothing to do!
69. A Person Hitting the Ball
Another drawing from imagination practice is to draw a person hitting a ball.
Take a paper, draw a grid layout, and mark off the width and height of the picture.
Outline the shape of his body and draw his facial features.
You can make it simple or funny.
Let your imagination go!
70. A Moving Object
Get an observation from a photo and draw a moving object.
It could be anything like a car, a motorcycle, or an airplane.
71. Draw Your Meal
Another thing that you can draw is to imagine the meal you will eat for a week.
You can draw every portion of your meal with a pencil sketch.
72. A Couch
So, you have a couch in your living room on which you sit and enjoy watching TV.
Look at it deeply and get some practice of drawing a couch and show its soft material through the sketch.
You can also draw your favorite piece of furniture from your room.
73. A Tea Party
Planning for a tea party with your friends?
Let’s try out making a sketch of a tea party.
74. Draw a New Font
Take a paper and draw a few letters on it.
Also, try to draw a new font.
This will definitely boost your drawing skills.
75. The Items on your Coffee Table
If you want to draw something unique and creative, reproduce the items on your coffee table.
Plus, think about what more items you can add to your coffee table and start making a drawing on them.
76. Scenes from Everyday Memory
Think of two favorite scenes from your everyday memory.
Dedicate your time in drawing those scenes.
77. Superheroes
Pen a comic book and make a drawing of your favorite superheroes.
Not only this, but you can also create your own superhero in your own style.
You may go for drawing Superman, Hulk, Spiderman, Aquaman, and much more.
78. Draw Your Favorite Things
Get an idea of your favorite things in mind. Start drawing them.
As there will be a variety of things, so you will also get to learn drawing things from various aspects.
Try to add color in a few things while keeping a few items without color.
79. Draw Your Dream House
It will be a lot of fun to draw your dream house.
80. A Sailboat
Another classic subject for practice is to draw a sailboat.
81. Make a Sketch of Your Home in Space
To enhance your creative thought, make a sketch of your home in space.
More Sketchbook Prompts
Get ready to bring your A-game to art class. These sketchbook prompts are gonna take your creativity and imagination to the next level. These ideas are gonna inspire you to flex those illustration skills and make the most of every art session.
82. Draw Your Favorite Animal
You can draw your favorite animal. It could be anything from a pet to a dangerous predator. Give yourself some freedom and get creative with the pose, surroundings, and overall look of the animal.
83. Draw a Scenic View
Bring a landscape to life. It could be a cityscape, seascape, or a mountainous view. Add some details, like trees, buildings, and clouds, to make it more interesting.
84. Design a Fantasy Word
For artists, who love using their imagination, a fantasy scene prompt is a no-brainer. You can create a world filled with mythical creatures, enchanted forests, and otherworldly landscapes. How cool is that?
85. Sketch Your Dream Vacation
Turn your dream vacation into a reality with a sketch in your sketchbook. From the tropical beaches of the Caribbean to the bustling streets of Tokyo, capture the essence of your dream destination and exercise your artistic skills. So go ahead, grab your sketchbook and start planning your next adventure today!
86. Draw Your Fam Portrait
A family portrait is a great way to create something and focus on the people you love. Try to include all members of their family, including pets, in the portrait.
87. Draw a City Skyline at Night
City skylines are incredible. (They look even cooler at night). Artists can draw their favorite city skyline lit up with the bright lights of the city. Focus on the architecture and details of the buildings and make it look as realistic as possible.
88. Sketch a Park Scene
Parks are great places for artists to unwind, relax, and draw some inspiration. Draw a park scene with people, trees, and anything else you find interesting. You can add some color to the picture to make it pop.
89. Design a Comic Strip
For artists who love to tell a story, a comic strip prompt is a must. Use your imagination and create a series of drawings to tell a story. Whether it’s a funny joke, an action-packed adventure, or a heartwarming tale, you can get creative and have some fun with this one.
90. Sketch Your Favorite Food
Who doesn’t love food, my friend? Draw your favorite dish or cuisine. Whether it’s a delicious pizza, a mouth-watering burger, or a fancy steak, you can draw your favorite food and make it look as tasty as possible.
91. Draw a Self-Portrait
Self-portraits are a great way for artists to reflect on themselves and their unique style. Draw a self-portrait—one that captures your essence and personality. You can add some color, background, and props to make it more interesting.
92. Create a Still Life Drawing
Still life drawings are fantastic! They’re a classic way to hone in on those observation skills and show off your attention to detail. Grab a vase of flowers or some other object from around the house and get to sketching! Make it as detailed as possible, let’s see those skills shine! Here are some still life drawing tips .
93. Sketch a Sweet Ride
For all the gearheads out there, this one’s for you! Draw your favorite ride in all its glory! Make it look as sweet as possible with all the details, whether it’s a fantastic car, truck, or motorcycle. Let’s see those flashy and impressive drawings!
94. Draw a Beach Scene
Time to hit the beach and bring out your drawing skills. Draw the sand, water, and all the cool stuff you see around you.
Add some people chillin’, boats, and palm trees to make it look like a tropical paradise.
95. Design a Character
For all the storytellers out there, it’s time to let your imaginations run wild.
Design a fantastic character—whether it’s a superhero, a monster, or anything in between. Show off your creativity and have fun with it!
96. Sketch a Tree and its Surroundings
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Draw a tree in all its glory, with its branches, leaves, and everything else that makes it special.
Add some birds, animals, and flowers to make it look like a real-life forest. Get ready to bring the outdoors inside with this sketch!
97. Create a Space Scene with Planet and Stars
Discover the wonder of space and bring it to life with a mesmerizing space scene in your sketchbook. Use color, light, and shadow to capture the vastness and diversity of the universe, highlighting the planets and stars that make it so special.
98. Draw a Water Scene
Take advantage of the peaceful and calming effects of water by sketching a beautiful water scene.
Whether it’s a river surrounded by trees and rocks or a lake surrounded by mountains, you’ll learn about the value of nature and have the chance to experiment with different techniques for creating serene landscapes.
99. Create a Jungle or Forest Scene
Explore the beauty and intricacy of nature by creating a scene inspired by it. From jungles filled with animals and plants to forests with hidden creatures and foliage, you’ll have the chance to learn about ecology and biology while honing your skills!
100. Sketch a Historical Monument or Building
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of humanity by sketching a historical monument or building in your sketchbook. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Great Wall of China, you’ll learn about history and architecture while improving your artistic skills.
101. Draw a Favorite Mythical Creature in a Whimsical Setting
Bring your favorite mythical creatures to life with a whimsical scene in your sketchbook. Whether it’s a unicorn in a magical forest or a dragon in a magical castle, you’ll hone your skills in creating a fantastical landscape.
Other topics to help you draw:
- 19+ Best Sketchbooks to Help You Make Better Drawings
- 29+ Easy Ideas for Your Art Journal Pages
- Can Drawing Be Learned?
- 25 Must-Have Drawing Tools for Beginners
It is easy to get into a sketchbook but what if your mind is out of ideas?
It’s the worst.
The above-mentioned top 80 ideas, tips, and resources will surely help you to get to drawing for your sketchbook.
As a result, this list will help you know what to draw in your sketchbook to create an amazing sketchbook.
Not only will you have an amazing sketchbook, but by drawing these ideas it will be like sketchbook exercises to help you get better.
If you want to get perfection in your drawing skills, practice is very important.
You need to dedicate some time to this pursuit and by practice, you will be able to draw simple sketches to figure drawing to fully-rendered portraits in just a short span of time.
You can dedicate a specific time for this activity or you may even try out these ideas when you are bored or you want a break from your daily chores or you do not want your mobile!
So, what are you waiting for now?
Try out these amazing sketchbook ideas, practice your drawing skills, and add more to your creativity!
Question of the Day: What are your favorite sketchbook ideas on this list?
Free Drawing Course – Draw Better In 9 Days
In this course, I show you how to draw female heads, male and female torso, hands , and more.
Art Sketchbook Ideas: creative examples to inspire students
Last Updated on February 2, 2022
This article contains a collection of sketchbook pages from art students around the world, including those who study IGCSE / GCSE Art, A Level Art, VCE Studio Arts, NCEA Level 3 Scholarship, and IB Visual Art. Many of the sketchbook pages shown below are from projects that achieved full marks. These examples illustrate the wide range of possible approaches to sketchbook content, annotation, and page layout.
You may be interested in our new book: Outstanding High School Sketchbooks . This book has high-resolution images so that fine details and annotation are clear, making it an excellent resource for students and schools. Learn more !
Examples of great art sketchbooks
This sketchbook page collection features work from students who specialize predominantly in drawing, painting, mixed media, and Fine Art. The examples cover a wide range of presentation techniques and layout styles. It is worth remembering that these represent only a fraction of what is possible.
Need more art sketchbook ideas?
This article is part of a series showcasing and celebrating outstanding sketchbooks by students, artists and designers. You may also be interested in viewing our other sketchbook resources:
- Photography sketchbooks
- Graphic design sketchbooks
- Textile and fashion design sketchbooks
- Sculpture, architecture, and 3D Design sketchbooks
- Digital sketchbooks
- Tips for producing an amazing high school sketchbook (this was originally written for A Level Art and IGCSE/GCSE Art students, but is relevant for students creating a sketchbook, art journal, or visual diary as part of any high school art qualification)
- How to annotate a sketchbook : a guide for art students
This sketchbook collection is continually updated. Please bookmark this page so that you can return to it when needed! If you would like to submit your own sketchbook page for inclusion, please contact us . 🙂
Amiria has been an Art & Design teacher and a Curriculum Co-ordinator for seven years, responsible for the course design and assessment of student work in two high-achieving Auckland schools. She has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. Amiria is a CIE Accredited Art & Design Coursework Assessor.
Home » Drawings » 38 Cool Drawing Ideas for Your Sketchbook
38 Cool Drawing Ideas for Your Sketchbook
If you’re looking for cool and easy drawing ideas, I’ve got some inspirational drawings to get your creative juices flowing.
Now that I’ve been spending so much time at home, I decided to get back into drawing. I’ve been loving browsing Pinterest for drawing ideas for my sketchbook.
It’s been both fun and challenging learning new drawing techniques. With every piece of art that I create, I see my work getting better and better. So this is a challenge that’s been well worth it.
Recently, I’ve been on the search for cool drawing references, and I found some pretty good drawings and sketches. I thought it would be cool if I shared some of the art I discovered on my search.
If you too are looking for drawing ideas, sketches, and references, I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration for your sketchbook in this post.
Choosing Your Pencils
Before you begin drawing, it’s important that you choose the right pencil. If you’re new to sketching and aren’t sure what pencil grade to start with, I recommend starting your sketch with a pencil on the H scale.
You can finish off your drawing with a darker pencil grade, such as a pencil on the B scale.
1. Wilderness in a Bottle
If you like watercolor, I think you’ll enjoy recreating this art piece that features the outdoors within a bottle. The colors chosen for this are beautiful.
2. Crying Eyes
These eyes hold so much emotion and tell a story. I really love the art style used here. Use colored pencils to color in your artwork. They help your work stand out so well.
3. The Planets
I actually recreated this drawing and can tell you that it was so fun to draw. Use colored pencils to color in your finished drawing to give it even more detail.
4. Watercolor Hygge Doodles
Here are a few small doodles that were created with watercolor. I love the simplicity of these doodles. Hygge doodles are always so nice to look at.
Use a Blending Stump
It can be difficult to get a good blend with pencils. However, you can create a smooth bleeding effect by using a blending stump.
Blending stumps are great for smudging graphite and charcoal.
5. Globe and Flowers
This drawing of a globe with flowers is actually really easy to draw and perfect for beginners.
6. Cat and Cactus
Here’s a cute little drawing of a cat getting attacked by a cactus. I was thinking that this drawing would make a great greeting card for a friend.
7. Whale with Bubbles Easy Drawing Idea
This drawing of a whale is so cute and very beginner-friendly. I love the color choice used here as well. This drawing would make a great handmade greeting card.
Try Not to Smudge
If you can, avoid smudging your drawing. You can place a piece of paper underneath your hand to minimize how much your hand smudges your drawing.
This will help ensure you have a clean-looking drawing once it’s complete. Remember, you can use smudging to your advantage to smooth out your shading.
8. Koi Fish
This koi fish reference is perfect for the advanced beginner. I really enjoy the addition of the flowers and the water waves.
9. Tinkerbell
I really enjoy drawing Disney characters, so I thought it would be fun to include a reference of Tinker Bell. You can color your drawing in if you’d like.
10. Emotional Eyes
Here’s another drawing that shows emotional eyes. Again, I really love the art style used here. I also love how these drawings are black and white.
Don’t Blend with Your Fingers
Once it’s time to blend, try not to blend with your fingers. When you blend with your fingers, the oils from your skin will transfer to the paper and may affect the look of your drawing. Again, I recommend blending stumps for blending your work.
11. Camping Doodles
I love the aesthetic of these camping doodles. Included are a tint, s’mores, a mug, a campfire, and more.
12. Hedgehog with Pies
Isn’t this the cutest drawing of a hedgehog carrying warm pies? I think that this would be so fun to draw and color in.
13. Girl with Red Boots
I love the simplicity of this drawing of a girl with red boots. And while it’s simple, it’s still a great drawing with a cool art style.
Practice Sketching Daily
If you want to get better at sketching, the best thing you can do is practice daily. I recommend setting aside an hour every day to sketch.
Don’t worry about your work being perfect. It will get better naturally the more you practice.
14. State Sunglasses
This creative drawing features five pairs of sunglasses, each representing a different state. What a creative idea.
15. Giant Octopus
If you’ve got some time on your hands, I think you’ll enjoy recreating this reference of a giant octopus. I love the detail involved with this drawing.
16. Modern Witch
This piece of art features a trendy witch with birds on her shoulder. I love the colors that are used here.
Practice Blind Contour Drawing
Blind contour drawing is the practice of drawing the contour of a subject without looking down at the paper.
Blind contour drawing is helpful because it trains the eyes and hands to work as a team. It always helps the artist see all the details of the subject.
17. Girl with Tears
I love the uniqueness of this drawing of a girl crying. It’s always fun using creative art styles for your reference.
18. Cloud Eyes
This drawing is so creative, and would probably be really fun to draw. You can add color to the clouds and stars to give your drawing a unique look.
19. Eyes and Lips
Here are some great references for drawing eyes and mouths. I love the different expressions being made here.
Adding color to your drawing can be a great way to make your drawing stand out. You can use colored pencils, pastels, or even watercolor paint to add some color to your drawing.
20. Three Sets of Eyes
I love the look of these eyes. There’s even a great reference for drawing eyes that are closed. For anyone who’s interested, I’m currently using the Castle Art Supplies 26 Piece Drawing and Sketching Pencils for my sketches.
21. Black White and Blue Whale
This drawing of a whale is a beautiful piece of art. I would love to frame my finished project. I use a Sharpie fine point pen for drawings like this. I first draw lightly in pencil, then I trace over it with the Sharpie.
22. Costumes for Cats
This costumes for cats art is so cute and creative. I love the mummy cat and the candy corn cat.
Use the Grid Method
The grid method involves drawing a grid over your reference photo and then lightly drawing the grid on your drawing paper to scale.
The grid method will help with the placement of your drawing. It will give you a reference point between the photo and your canvas.
23. Swan in Lake
If you want to draw a creative swan picture, this is an awesome reference. As I mentioned earlier, I use a Sharpie fine point pen for drawings like this.
24. Bear Holding a Balloon
I really love this painting and would love to recreate this. If you’re new to watercolor paint, this would be a perfect beginner’s painting to try.
25. Black Raven
I love the crow and the raven. We have a lot of crows in the area I live in, so a drawing like this is right up my alley.
26. Creative Deer
If you know someone who loves deer, this would be a great handmade gift for them. I love the incorporation of the woods with the deer. What a creative idea.
27. Woman with Dress
This definitely isn’t a drawing for beginners, but if you’re into fashion design, this makes a great reference for drawing a model.
28. Ostrich
This drawing of an ostrich definitely looks like it’ll take some time to complete, but the finished product will be so worth it.
29. Girl Holding Planet Balloons
I love this drawing of a girl holding planet balloons. The colors do a great job of making this drawing stand out in a great way.
30. Converse Sneaker
This drawing is so realistic and amazing. You could consider doing something like this using color to make it look even more real.
31. Woman’s Body
These references are great for learning how to draw a woman’s body. As I mentioned earlier, I’m currently using the Castle Art Supplies 26 Piece Drawing and Sketching Pencils for my sketches.
32. Simple Leaf
I love the simplicity of this leaf. Simply pick up a leaf from the ground and use it as a reference for your drawing. Of course, you can also use this picture for reference.
33. Woman Looking Out Window
Here’s a sketch of a woman looking out the window. If you’re looking for a side profile sketch of a woman, use this for reference.
34. Girl in a Bottle
This is one of my favorite drawings because of how creative it is. This picture would look great hanging on your wall or pinned to a corkboard.
35. Rabbits
Aren’t these rabbits so cute and perfectly drawn? If you want to practice drawing rabbits, I think you’ll find this picture helpful.
36. Eyes and Mathematics
While I love the eyes drawn here, I think it’s so cool how there are math equations behind the eyes. This really does look so cool and creative.
37. Simple Hand with Heart
If you’re looking for a simple and quick drawing reference, try recreating this hand with a floating heart.
38. Woman and Fish
Here’s a pretty cool drawing of a woman underwater with fish appearing to jump from her head. I would definitely use the Precision Micro-Line pens for this type of drawing.
39. Bambi and Rabbit
I think that Disney characters are so fun to draw. Practice drawing cartoon characters with this drawing of Bambi and the rabbit.
40. Elephant Painting
I love the creativity of this drawing. I think it would be fun to use a different color palette for the paint portion.
41. Girl with Sad Expression
The girl in this drawing has a sad expression that has been drawn so well. If you would like to draw a character with emotion, this reference is a great choice.
I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out these cool drawing ideas for your sketchbook. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Happy sketching.
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50+ Sketchbook Inspiration Examples That Will Change The Way You Use Your Sketchbooks
In order to become a better artist, it’s recommended that you keep an art journal or sketchbook. It’s hard to come up with new ideas every day, so I thought that you might like some sketchbook art inspiration. The following inspirational sketchbooks will open your mind to new possibilities in daily art journaling and sketchbook-ing. Here are more than 50 inspirational sketchbook art and illustration ideas. I hope you enjoy! Happy Drawing!
Kerby Rosanes
Grzesiek Wróblewski
Tiffen Python
Ingrid Dijkers
Giovanni Maisto
Duncan Cameron
Gabriel Picolo
Unknown Artist
Jim Woodring
Kelly Richman-Abdou
Joseph Tomlinson
Dominic Damien
Nina Johansson
Chris Riddell
Jared Muralt
David Troquier
Anna Aniskina
Eat Sleep Draw Studio
Lei Melendres
Lizya Hmet @lizyahmet
Jackie DieDam
Daniele Turturici
Katie Hosmer
Visoth Kakvei
White Stone Turtle
Francesco Chiacchio
Marco Mazzoni
Mama O’Pearl
Paul Heaston
The Skinny Artist
The Northern Boy
Lauren Salgado
Andrea Joseph
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE OUR OTHER INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE:
50+ Sketchbook and Art Journal Drawing Ideas and Inspirational Art
Here’s a great video on how an artist took inspiration from an old 3-dimensional sketchbook to make some new beautiful art…
Technorati Tags: inspiration , inspirational , ideas , creative , sketchbooks , sketchbook ideas , inspirational art
February 16, 2022 at 9:57 am
This is a good ideas for me to draW
October 11, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Hey! Really cool compilation. If I’m not wrong, the first two unknown artist are the same awesome Peter Deligdisch aka Peter draws 😉
March 16, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Does anyone know the best way to draw a cat because I have like a whole sketchbook filled with bad drawings of cats.
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101 Drawing Ideas for Your Sketchbook
I decided to do some of the brainstorming for you and create a list of 101 drawing ideas that you can include in your sketchbook or turn in to finished works. The items on this list are meant to challenge you a bit, but can still be completed in a short amount of time – making them perfect subjects.
Easy Drawing Ideas
- Drawing from Imagination
- Challenging Drawing Ideas
Remember, we can always use the ideas that we conceive in our sketchbooks and turn them into finished works of art. A sketchbook is great place to practice, but it’s also a great place to plan and find some inspiration.
We’ll begin with the easy subjects. Defining what’s considered easy will be different for everyone. It all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into your work. These items are considered “easy” simply because the shapes used to sketch them are rather simple.
Here’s a list of easy drawing ideas…
- An old pair of shoes – Look no further than your closet to find a weathered pair of shoes – the older the better.
- A stack of books – Find some old books lying around and stack them up. Try to configure them in an interesting way.
- An open book – Now take one of those books and open it. Sketch it from an interesting angle.
- Wine bottles – A classic subject. Look for an interesting label for an additional challenge.
- A wine bottle cork – Does that wine bottle have a cork? Use that too as a separate exercise.
- A stapler – A stapler is made up of simple shapes that are very easy to draw. Once the shapes are in place, then it’s just a matter of adding the details.
- Several eggs on a table – Line up a few white eggs allowing them to overlap. When you look at the eggs, pay close attention to the gradual changes in tone and shade accordingly.
- A hammer – Tools make great subjects for drawings. A hammer is rather simple and should be fairly easy to pull off.
- Game pieces – Pull out a board game and check out the pieces. Some of them may make a nice subject for sketching.
- Sea shells – You may find some inspiration in the form of a sea shell.
- Objects in your pocket – Got stuff in your pocket? Pull it out and sketch it.
- A thumb drive – Like the stapler, a thumb drive is made of simple shapes.
- Children’s toys – Most toys are designed with simple forms, making them an easy subject. Plus, most are brightly colored.
- Fruits – Fruits are great subjects for practice. Any fruit will do – a pear, a banana, or a strawberry. For an added challenge, slice it open.
- An apple – Okay, I know an apple is a fruit but apples are great subjects for exploring different mediums. Try the same apple with colored pencils, pastels, graphite etc. This lesson may help you – how to draw an apple with pastels .
- Vegetables – Just like fruits, vegetables are great for sketching practice as well.
- Candy – When it comes to food, you don’t have to just stick with the stuff that’s good for you. Here’s a lesson that may give you some inspiration – how to draw a piece of candy .
- Items in your refrigerator – Close your eyes and reach in. Use whatever you pull out.
- A pair of socks – Find a pair that’s clean please.
- An old chair – A chair may seem complex, but it’s really just a few simple forms pieced together.
- A doorknob – This is a more of a challenge than you may think. Pay attention to the changes in value.
- A video game controller – Even everyday items like this make great subjects for your sketchbook.
Drawing From Your Imagination
I should point out that the best way to get better at drawing from your imagination is to spend a good amount of time working from observation. When you practice working from observation, you learn how to translate what you see into a work of art.
When you’re working from imagination, you have to rely on what you’ve learned from your observational practice.
Here’s a list of drawing ideas when working from imagination…
- A person from history without a photo reference – Imagine what a person from ancient history would have looked like and sketch your vision.
- A scene from history – Think back to some of the events in the history of the world and envision the scene as if you were there.
- A person peeling off their skin – Make this one as gory as you like or make it funny – let your imagination go where it likes.
- Design a typeface – Design a few letters and try to create a brand new font.
- Simple forms – Imagine a small still life made of cubes, cones, spheres, etc. Think about the light source and keep it consistent. Here’s a lesson that may help you – how to draw basic forms .
- A Cubist portrait – How would Picasso interpret someone that you know?
- Yourself as a cartoon – What would you look like if you were a cartoon?
- A fictional woodland character – Draw a woodland creature that doesn’t actually exist.
Up for a Challenge?
Here’s a list of ideas designed to challenge…
- A glass of water – Reflection and transparency are some of the hardest things to master. Here’s a lesson that will help you out – how to draw a glass of water .
- A pile of unfolded laundry – Folds and values galore. Throw those clothes up in the air and draw them how they land.
- Use with your non-dominant hand – If you’re right-handed, sketch an object with your left hand.
- A scene in a restaurant – Most restaurants are fairly dark so noticing the values will be a challenge. Set up in the corner and start sketching.
- Your hands – There’s a great subject waiting for you at the end of your arm. You always have it with you, so there’s no excuse here. Here’s a lesson that may help you out – how to draw hands .
- Your art supplies – Brushes, paint tubes, etc. are also great subjects for practice.
- A person laying down – You can always sneak up to someone sleeping to pull this one off.
- A person sitting in a chair – Grab a friend to pose for you.
- Different types of trees – Get outside with your sketchbook and find a nice shady spot. Here’s a lesson that may help you out – how to sketch trees .
- A caricature of yourself – This one is a little different from drawing yourself as a cartoon. You’re going to need a mirror.
- The same object with different techniques (hatching, cross hatching, stippling, etc.)
- Your favorite pet – If you haven’t got a pet, then here’s a good reason to get one.
- A copy of your favorite master’s painting – What artists inspire you? Find one of their artworks and make a sketchy copy.
- A crumpled piece of paper – What a great challenge! Look closely for all of the tonal changes. This one is sure to help improve your shading skills.
- A brown paper bag – Think the crumpled piece of paper was a challenge? This one is even tougher!
- An old person’s face – Find an image of an older person that you know. All of those wrinkles should be a challenge, but oh what character and interest!
- An old car – I’m talking really old here. If you see one out in a field – even better. Take photos whenever you come across a subject that may make a great piece of art.
- An old camera – And speaking of photos, why not an old camera? The buttons, ellipses, and text should give you a nice challenge.
- A pair of glasses – Just like the glass of water, there’s plenty of reflection and transparency here.
- A bicycle – The circles, spokes, handle bars etc. make this a classic subject for your sketchbook.
- Anything made out of metal – Metal objects are usually reflective and present their own set of challenging textures.
- Tree bark up close – All of those wonderful textures!
- Ocean waves – Anything in constant motion is going to be a challenge. You might want to work from a photo on this one. Here’s a lesson that may be helpful – how to paint waves .
- A pile of rocks – Look for the basic shapes first and then add the values and textures.
- A cup of pencils – Put at least three pencils in a cup and start sketching.
- A reel mower – Now this is tough one – but first you have to find one. Take your time and try to be as accurate as possible.
- A pine cone – A simple object from nature with all kinds of complexity.
- Your favorite sea creature – What’s your favorite creature that lives in the deep? Here’s a lesson that may help you out – octopus with ink and watercolor .
- An old cabin – Work on your linear perspective skills and draw an old cabin.
- An old factory – If you live in the city, grab your sketchbook and venture out in search of an old factory. Try to capture the years of aging.
- Flowers in a vase – Another classic subject for practice.
- Old farm equipment – Much like the old car idea, old farm equipment is often weathered by the elements and features wonderful textures.
- A sailboat – If seascapes are your thing, then why not include a sailboat. Here’s a lesson that may help you out – how to draw sailboats with mixed media .
- People standing in a line – The human figure is the quickest way to improve your skills. The human figure is perhaps the most complex subject out there.
- A bowl of peanuts – Any repetitive subject will prove to be challenge. Why not start by with a bowl of peanuts?
- A bowl of nails – Peanuts too easy for you? Try drawing nails.
- A bowl of popcorn – Nails too easy for you? How about a bowl of popcorn?
- Bushes or shrubbery – Bring me a shrubbery!
- Your favorite insect – Insects are quite complex. Even the most simple insects are more complex than they seem. Here’s a lesson that may help you – how to draw a beetle .
- A flower up close – Once you’ve drawn a vase full of flowers, pick one out and sketch it from the perspective of a bee. Here’s a lesson on this subject – how to draw a rose .
- An exotic fish – Well, any fish really. Here’s a lesson – fish with pen and ink .
- A feather – Light in weight, but heavy in challenge. Sketch a feather as realistically as possible. Here’s a lesson on this subject – how to draw a feather .
- Any detailed machine – Machines these days have become more sleek in their design. If you want a real challenge, think in terms of an old typewriter. An antique shop is a great place to look for inspiration like this.
- The insides of a watch or clock – Sticking with the detailed machine theme, perhaps you have an old watch you can pop open.
- A skull – When it comes to portraits, you must have a strong understanding of the structure of the head. A great place to start is with a skull. Here’s a timed sketching exercise on this subject – how to sketch a skull in 30 minutes .
- A portrait of someone that is a different race from you – This one is self-explanatory.
- Water coming from the faucet – A moving subject is always a challenge.
- A creek in the woods – Be sure to include the elements that surround it as well like perhaps a grassy bank.
- An object that is moving – This can be anything that moves like a motorcycle, airplane, or car. Try to draw it from observation without the aid of a photo.
- A view from a window – Look outside, there’s lots to see out there.
- A candle in the dark – The key to being successful with this idea is all in the value. Try to create a lot of contrast.
- A set of keys – This subject may see rather easy, but it’s more complex than you think.
- Your hand holding an apple (or other object) – The way we approach hands changes dramatically when we put objects in them.
- Your feet – They’re easier than you think, but if you need a little help, check out this lesson – how to draw feet .
- A patterned cloth on a table – Set up at an angle and try to capture the pattern in a sketch.
- A face in profile – Drawing a face from the side is a little more difficult than sketching one from straight on. Here’s a lesson that may help – how to draw a face .
- Your eyes – Get that mirror out again and draw your eyes from observation. Here’s a little help – how to draw eyes .
- A close up of grass – Why not try this one with colored pencils or another colored medium.
- An object three times in different lighting – Set up a still life with only one object. Sketch the object three times, changing the direction of the light source each time.
- A pile of jewelry – Make sure that you own it.
- Someone’s hair – Leave the spaghetti for dinner. Hair as a form, not a collection of lines. Here’s a lesson – how to sketch hair .
- A bird in flight – Might want to use a photo for this one. Here’s a little help – how to draw a bird .
- A pile of yarn – Talk about a challenge!
- A stack of dinner plates – This is another idea that may seem easy at first, but once you start dealing with all of the ellipses, the challenge is realized.
- A trompe l’oeil image – Trompe l’oeil images are designed to fool the eye in believing that what you see is real and not part of an artwork.
- Hung drapery – Take a sheet and hang it from a door or wall and set up a strong light source. Get lost in all of the folds.
- A water sprinkler – As an added challenge, sketch it with water coming out.
- Water that is reflective – The key here is the elements around the water. They should be reflected in your image.
- A person falling – This one is really better suited under the imagination section, but it’s also a wonderful challenge!
- Just sketch something!
Deciding What to Draw
Hopefully you’re now filled with inspiration and you’re ready to get started. Each of these subjects have been carefully thought out and were chosen for specific ways that they’ll help improve your skills. So you may be wondering, which of these should you tackle first. This will depend on where you are currently in your artistic journey. We’re all at different skill levels.
I may suggest making a game out of your sketching practice. Why not think of these suggestions in terms of a scavenger hunt? Instead of just picking a few, why not tackle them all. Grab a sketchbook with at least 100 pages and draw each idea one by one until you’ve filled it up completely. Then compare your first sketch to your last. You’ll notice a huge difference. You will be get better over time.
More Places to Find Ideas for Drawing
So maybe you’ve scanned the list here and you don’t see anything that appeals to you. Maybe some of the subjects sound too difficult or perhaps you’ve already drawn them before and you don’t want to revisit them. (Revisiting subjects is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, when you revisit a subject for the second time, you find that you’re more successful.)
Fortunately, there are other places to look for drawing inspiration other than this list you may have just stumbled upon. Here are a few more places to look for inspiration and activities that may spark your creativity…
Go For A Walk and Get Ideas
It also helps to change our environment. It’s great to get outside and take a look around. This also helps to get our creative juices flowing. I often get my best ideas when I’m out on a jog or just walking around the neighborhood.
Going for walk does two things for us. It changes our environment and also gets us moving.
Look At Other Drawings – Get Inspired By Other Artists
The internet is a wonderful resource, but looking at art in a physical book or better yet – a gallery or museum is the best option.
Listen to Music Without Lyrics to Get More Ideas
Some people are inspired by other forms of art outside the realm of visual art. Music can be a great source of inspiration and may give you some ideas for your drawings. I’ve found that music that has lyrics is often too literal and is less inspirational. But music without lyrics allows you to paint a scene in your mind and may lead to more than just a quick sketch. You may find that the right music gives you an idea that you can build on and you end up creating a work that is well beyond a simple sketch.
Lesson Discussion
Dear Matt, Thank you for the suggestions. I’m sure they will be of use.
I was just looking for some ideas for sketchbook assignments for my students. It was like you read my mind…and this popped up. Awesome!! I wanted my students to write about their drawings as well…do you have any suggestions? I have all levels from beginners to advanced. I also wanted to know how you would divide your list of assignments according to experience levels.
Thanks so much for this! I’m gonna make sure i do everything on this list !
Thank you Matt, you blessed my day!
Matt, this was especially good for me. I used to draw and love it but that was 4 decades ago. Now as a retired 62-year-old, I’m looking at doing some of things I used to love but I live in a place (south central KY) where local art stores are about an hour away (oh voila, internet!) and drawing lessons are non-existent, except for yours online. I plan to use many of these to practice blind contour drawing (very good for an older mind)and then translate them into more. Thanks!
Thanks Matt for the sketching ideas. I find that when I sketch I tend to put too much detail in to try to make the drawing perfect. I am going to limit myself to 5 min a sketch to try to improve this habit.
Hey..don’t reduce the time…instead after doing a sketch,find a distraction and afterwards look at your sketch..even then,if you feel any detail is missing,then you can add them..by this, we also understand what needs to be changed..
there are several things that i have wanted to get into. photography is one of them and art is another. i have absolutely no talent. i knew someone who was very talented and she said it was just a matter of drawing all the time and getting better as she went along. it seems that you are offering exactly what i need and was looking for. i used to live in new york city where there were plenty of art schools but was not interested at the time. was working and had 2 small children. no time and no money. i still do not have money and i no longer live in new york and do not know of any art schools in my area. i think if i manage my time a little bit better with your teaching i should be able to achieve my goals. life without the internet is no life at all. you came into my life at just the right time. thank you in advance. i hope to learn and have fun.
This list didn’t help me at all, its dump and not useful in anyway. Thxs for notin.
Wow-what a jerk you are. Your just jealous of this awesome dude who made this website. I’d like to see you try to do the same-and fail.
gave me tons of ideas! THANKS A BILLION!
My life has been art! But things changed a few years ago. I’ve been away from drawing and art in general for 10 years because of having several little strokes. My doctor assured me that my art would come back, he said, “Don’t worry, your art will be back in 5 years or so. The brain will re-route around the strokes, it will be back!” I know he was trying to help, but when you spend a lifetime doing something creative everyday and then they tell you it will be back in 5 years, I was devastated! Well, 5 years came and went. This is year 10, I did my first drawing in July! A fawn in grass in the woods surrounded by trees. I had a blast doing the face of that fawn, and the bark of the trees! I’ve been following you for at least a year. You have been a source of inspiration! THANK YOU MARK!
I have this very same problem Fiona !!
Well this didn’t help because I tried for 1 to draw a soul and I ended up crying my eyes out and I’m only 15
Thank you, Thank you!! This really did get me drawing! Thanks a ton.
Thanks for the ideas, if was such a help to me instead thinking of the ideas myself
WoW! this helped so much. Thanks Matt
Comments are closed.
What to Draw
Sketchbook Drawing Ideas and Inspiration
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Everyday Objects
People / animals, get creative.
- When You're Stuck
When you're struggling with artist's block, there are never too many drawing ideas. One of these easy drawings might joggle your creativity and help you put the pencil to the page. If you're unsure of what to sketch, let this article serve as the starting point of your brainstorming session. Hopefully, you'll land on some sketchbook inspiration that will launch you back into regular drawing sessions.
For best results, quickly read through this list of sketchbook drawing ideas and mark off any ideas that strike you. Next, build off of those ideas with others that come to mind. Finally, pick your favorite and just get started. Try not to overthink this process. Make your selection based on impulse instead. Don't worry if the drawing turns out poorly; that's the beauty of a sketchbook. Nothing is meant to be perfect — progress over perfection.
- Head to a local body of water and sketch the shore.
- Lay on the grass and draw the clouds.
- Go somewhere you've never been and draw one nature find.
- Draw the tree outside your window.
- Find a landscape with depth, like a long winding road.
- Have a friend send you a photo of a landscape from their phone to draw.
- Draw an image from outer space.
- Draw the same scene in the morning, afternoon, and night.
- Sketch the exterior of your current home or a dream home.
- Draw the scene outside your house after a tornado.
- Learn how to draw waves in the middle of the ocean.
- Use colored pencils to depict a pair of apples.
- Draw one object that's on your desk.
- Sketch out your last meal.
- Throw a piece of clothing on the ground and then draw it.
- Draw out your favorite food from memory.
- Sketch out a picture of something that was given to you.
- Pick one object and draw it from three different perspectives.
- Draw an entire series of flowers, one stem at a time.
- Sketch out one small section of a houseplant.
- Squeeze a piece of citrus fruit and then draw it.
- Draw an object in an unexpected place, like a toothbrush in a milk carton.
- Create a drawing of your favorite crystal specimen.
- Learn how to draw a charcoal portrait .
- Work on one part of the face, like a series of eyes.
- Turn your face into a cartoon character.
- Take a selfie and then sketch it out.
- Draw a small, obscure part of your face in detail like one eyelash.
- Sketch yourself as an infant.
- Draw a series of the same face depicting different emotions.
- Draw a portrait of a person you wish you could meet.
- Draw a face with at least one striking characteristic like a unibrow.
Figure Drawing
- Work on your nude figures by drawing bodies in multiple positions.
- Draw a self-portrait of you in your favorite outfit.
- Sketch out an imaginary family portrait.
- Draw a pair of holding hands.
- Sketch out a person who is dancing.
- Recreate your favorite photograph of you with family or friends.
- Draw a piece of jewelry on a body.
Breeds and Species
- Draw a fantastical series of butterflies.
- Sketch an image of your pet.
- Ask a friend their favorite animal and then draw it.
- Go to the zoo and draw an animal up close.
- Invent your own animal.
- Draw a school of imaginary fish.
- Quickly sketch out a picture of Frankenstein.
- Pick and draw your favorite superhero.
- Turn your pet into a character.
- Draw a scene from your favorite fairy tale.
- Design a high-tech robot or machine from the future.
- Draw a random scribble and then turn that scribble into a character.
- Craft your own anime character.
- Practice your calligraphy skills.
- Sketch out your favorite quote.
- Turn a word or letter into a drawing.
- Design a custom typeface.
- Create a logo for a make-believe business.
- Recreate an existing business logo like Nike.
- Create make-believe characters.
- Turn fruit into a person.
- Draw an image from the last dream that you remember.
- Fill an entire page with doodled objects then create a key of things to find.
- Recreate your favorite famous painting in your style.
- Draw a series of five three dimensional squares and shade each one a different way.
- Sketch out a series of basic shapes like hearts, stars, and diamonds.
- Turn a mountain landscape into an abstract fantasy world.
- Make a drawing depicting your current emotion.
- Ask the next person you see to name the first word that comes to their head, then draw it.
- Create a custom pattern or wallpaper.
- Draw a series of objects where each object is the wrong scale.
- Create a custom paisley or mandala pattern.
- Doodle whatever comes to mind without thinking.
When You're Stuck
If none of these drawing ideas got you out of your rut, then perhaps it's time to try something different. Considering the following drawing tips if you're in need of a fresh start.
- Change your location. If you always draw at the same desk at the same time of day, try to switch up your positioning to get inspired. Move to a different room or go outside in the shade. You might have the best technique at your desk, but inspiration could strike for a new sketch out in the world somewhere.
- Switch up your medium. One effective solution is to experiment with different media that you're unfamiliar with. Instead of a pencil, try out crayons, pastels, or charcoal. You might even enjoy some painting projects.
- Get accountable and set a deadline. If you draw for fun, chances are you might not have many deadlines. However, if you want to take your drawing hobby more seriously, set a deadline. You can do this by joining an online drawing challenge on Instagram or taking on drawing commission for a friend.
We hope these sketching ideas gave you hope that blank pages aren't all that awaits you. If all else fails, go back to the basics and start with some simple drawing exercises. You could also find and follow along with an online drawing tutorial. Good luck!
Watch Now: 6 Great Gesture-Drawing Tips
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How to Use Drawing as a Coping Tool for Anxiety
Ever catch yourself doodling during a tense moment, perhaps while on a frustrating phone call or waiting for an appointment you weren’t looking forward to? You may not have realized it, but you were using a simple form of art therapy.
Art therapy refers to any use of art for a therapeutic purpose, including relief from anxiety and stress . The theory behind art therapy suggests drawing, coloring, painting, and sculpting can help you tune into and express painful or difficult feelings you have trouble putting into words.
Drawing and coloring can be a helpful tool for anyone seeking new ways to manage anxiety symptoms. Not an artist? That’s OK — you don’t need any special skills to give art therapy a try.
Does it really help that much?
Since its introduction in the mid-1900s, art therapy has helped people address a range of mental health symptoms.
Kelly Lynch , a licensed mental health counselor and registered art therapist in Seattle, WA, explains that art therapy can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself — both through the creative process and the resulting artwork.
“The creative process promotes new perspectives that lie beyond the structure of language,” Lynch says. “Art uses metaphor, symbolism, and dynamic thoughts to represent the human experience in a way language cannot. This is particularly important for people who feel out of touch with their emotions or sense of self .”
Here’s how art can help:
It can help reduce stress
A constant undercurrent of anxiety threading through your day-to-day activities can leave you in a regular state of unease. This can start to affect everything from your sleep schedule to your appetite.
Putting pencil to paper allows you to give yourself some space from unwanted, often uncontrollable, thoughts and engage in an activity you can control. You decide what to draw and what colors to add to your design. While focused on the creative process, you aren’t giving energy to your anxiety.
There’s also some research to back up the stress-relieving effects of art:
- In a small 2007 study , participants listed 10 of their most significant worries. They then spent 20 minutes drawing or sorting through art prints. Participants who spent the time drawing reported greater improvement in negative mood symptoms than those who simply looked at art.
- In a small 2016 study , adults who participated in 45 minutes of art therapy by sculpting clay, drawing with markers, or making a collage felt more relaxed and had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol after the art exercise.
- Research from 2018 also suggests mindful coloring activities may help relieve test anxiety, a significant source of stress for many students.
Drawing can boost mindfulness
Mindfulness refers to your ability to stay present, engaged, and in tune with your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in your body.
If you live with anxiety, this might sound like a horrible idea. You want to get rid of anxious thoughts — not spend time sitting with them and fully experiencing them.
Yet as counterproductive as it may seem, spending some time with anxious thoughts can make it easier to release them. Learning to identify and recognize difficult emotions is an important part of improved emotional regulation . Mindfulness can help you learn to accept painful feelings and let them go.
Getting in touch with the here and now through creativity can help you clear your head and better accept yourself in the moment, Lynch adds.
As you draw or color, distracting and unhelpful thoughts might pop up in your consciousness. Your attention, however, remains on your artwork. You focus on the movement of your hand across the page, the texture of the paper, and the brightness of any colors you add. You don’t engage with the feelings, and so they drift away.
The creative process also offers a chance for self-reflection that can yield some insight into the source of your anxious thoughts, an essential step in resolving those triggers.
Art can interrupt rumination
Drawing and coloring can distract you from the unwanted thoughts associated with anxiety.
Anxiety often involves rumination , otherwise known as repetitive looping thoughts. It sometimes seems as if fixating on the same worries can help you find a solution for them. But circling through the same thoughts often only increases distress .
When you want to find a way to take a break from distressing thoughts, drawing offers a way to focus your attention on something calming. Sketching, doodling , or coloring provides a way to ground yourself and get some peace from racing thoughts.
Art helps you find your flow
Flow describes an optimal state of mental engagement and focus. In a flow state, you might feel completely immersed in what you’re doing, to the point where you no longer notice outside distractions or troubling thoughts.
Some experts suggest this state may promote creativity and emotional wellness by helping relieve stress.
There are plenty of ways to enter a state of flow, but art activities like drawing or coloring are great ways to get started.
The trick to achieving flow lies in finding an activity that challenges you just the right amount. A flow state requires some mental involvement, but you still don’t need specific artistic abilities to benefit.
Try creating and coloring your own mandala, sketching a simple design, or carefully outlining and coloring something more detailed.
Techniques to try
If you haven’t thought much about art since your middle school days, you might feel a little intimidated by the lack of guidelines or structure. After all, the last experience you had with art may have been a project with clear expectations: drawing a house, your family, or a basket of fruit, for example.
With art therapy, though, it’s the process itself that benefits you, so you really can’t go wrong. Anything you draw can help you express your feelings and attune you to the present moment.
You don’t need fancy pencils or an artist’s sketchpad to draw. Just keep a small notepad and a pencil or pen close to hand. When anxiety starts to creep up (or when you suspect you’re about to face some stress), break out your notepad and let your fingers guide you toward a more relaxed state of mind.
The act of doodling itself may help calm you, but you could notice some added benefit if you end up expressing your thoughts as you scribble.
Maybe you end up carving strong lines into the paper to relieve tension, or maybe you draw dark storm clouds to express a gloomy mood. Either way, doodling can act as an outlet for emotional overwhelm.
Doodling 101
Not sure where to start? Try:
- simple symbols or abstract shapes, like stars, swirls, or waves
- designs that resonate with you, such as a favorite flower or animal
- elements of your everyday life, such as buildings, trees, or houses
Drawing or sketching
If you have more time and space for drawing, and you plan to use art as a regular coping method, you might find larger sketches or designs appealing. A sketchbook, recycled printer paper, or a roll of butcher paper can provide plenty of creative space for anxiety relief.
Simply putting pen to paper and starting with some simple lines or doodles can help you jump into drawing without spending too much time thinking about what to draw.
As your hand moves across the paper, you may notice your work taking on a shape that reflects your anxious thoughts. Someone who feels trapped in a job or relationship and worried about potential outcomes, for example, might find themselves drawing boxes, cages, or locked doors.
If you have a hard time creating simple sketches or doodles, don’t worry. Coloring a pre-printed design can offer some of the same benefits as drawing.
You can find adult coloring books at many bookstores or department stores. You can also find designs online for free. No printer? Check your local library — many offer free or low-cost printing services.
Some research suggests coloring a mandala might be more beneficial for anxiety relief than free drawing or coloring other designs. The mandala, a Buddhist symbol representing the universe , is a circular geometric design widely used in meditation.
Mandala coloring books and online printouts can get you started, but you can also try your hand at creating your own design.
Tips and tricks
You don’t need experience or artistic abilities to benefit from anxiety drawing. Art therapy does, however, call for an open mind and authentic experimentation, Lynch says.
Keeping the following tips in mind can help you make the most out of drawing or coloring for anxiety.
Stay in the moment
Find a quiet place that’s free of distractions where you can spend 20–30 minutes drawing or coloring. Relaxing music can help enhance a calmer mindset, but it might also help to turn off the TV and mute your phone.
To enhance mindful awareness as you draw, Lynch recommends paying attention to how your pencil, crayon, or pastel feels in your hands. How does it sound and feel as it moves across the paper? Does the paper feel rough, smooth, or cool?
Remember, there are no mistakes
As you draw, try to avoid:
- going back and erasing
- wondering whether your drawing is good or bad
- worrying the proportions are off
- getting stuck on making your art accurate and realistic
Try to let your drawing take you along as it develops instead of setting expectations for yourself. The process is what matters, not the technical skill behind your drawing.
Instead of doubting your skills, focus on the creative process. If your art helps you manage anxious thoughts, it’s accomplishing its purpose.
Use what you know
You might want to try a coloring book to gauge the relaxation benefits for yourself. But, if you’re already in the habit of doodling, there’s no need to invest in any new materials (unless you want to, of course).
Your favorite pen and some scratch paper will do just fine. Remember, your art is for you alone, so it doesn’t have to look pretty or perfect.
The bottom line
“Therapy using the creative process can offer an important key to understanding emotional expression and experiences,” Lynch concludes.
Drawing, coloring, and other art therapy approaches can serve as helpful tools to cope with anxiety symptoms on your own.
That said, many therapists offer art therapy as part of a combined approach instead of a standalone treatment. Art therapy alone may not relieve serious or persistent anxiety. A trained therapist can help you explore other treatment options .
Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.
Last medically reviewed on January 28, 2021
How we reviewed this article:
- Abbing A, et al. (2018). The effectiveness of art therapy for anxiety in adults: A systematic review of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0208716
- Abbing A, et al. (2019). The effectiveness of art therapy for anxiety in adult women: A randomized controlled trial. frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01203/full
- Bell CE, et al. (2007). Effect of art production on negative mood: A randomized, controlled trial. researchgate.net/publication/254280393_Effect_of_Art_Production_on_Negative_Mood_A_Randomized_Controlled_Trial
- Blume N. (n.d.). Exploring the mandala. asiasociety.org/exploring-mandala
- Carsley D, et al. (2018). Effectiveness of mindfulness-based colouring for test anxiety in adolescents. researchgate.net/publication/324956418_Effectiveness_of_Mindfulness-based_Colouring_for_Test_Anxiety_in_Adolescents
- Cheron G. (2016). How to measure the psychological “flow”? A neuroscience perspective. frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01823/full
- Chilton G. (2013). Art therapy and flow: A review of the literature and applications. researchgate.net/publication/283912540_Art_Therapy_and_Flow_A_Review_of_the_Literature_and_Applications
- Kaimal G, et al. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
- Lynch K. (2021). Personal interview.
- Michl LC, et al. (2013). Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: Longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116082/
- Regev D, et al. (2018). Effectiveness of art therapy with adult clients in 2018 — What progress has been made? frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01531/full
- Turturro N, et al. (2020). Does coloring reduce anxiety? Comparing the psychological and psychophysiological benefits of coloring versus drawing. researchgate.net/publication/341191371_Does_Coloring_Reduce_Anxiety_Comparing_the_Psychological_and_Psychophysiological_Benefits_of_Coloring_Versus_Drawing
- van der Vennet R, et al. (2012). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? A replication study. tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07421656.2012.680047
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jan 29, 2021
Kelly Morrell
Medically Reviewed By
Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD
Copy Edited By
Jen Anderson
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Art Sketchbook Ideas: Your Guide to an Artist’s Best Tool
We’ve rounded up the best tips, ideas, and techniques from artists for keeping an art sketchbook and using it often.
Keep a sketchbook . You probably heard this advice in your first art class. Years later, maybe you think you’re past the need for an art sketchbook. Or you think it’s only for people who primarily draw and not for painters like you. Maybe the habit has just gotten away from you, and you have a stack of beautiful unused sketchbooks. Or (and this might be all of us) you now surrender potential sketchbook moments to your phone.
The truth is, an art sketchbook is your secret weapon — as long as you use it. “It’s my place to find out if an idea might work; to see if a design is sound; to explore variations; and to make a connection. My sketchbook keeps me on track and organized. And, I always know where I put it down,” says artist Mark Mehaffey . This most analog of tools will improve your skills, record your visual experiences and ideas, capture preliminary work for paintings, and never go offline or waste your time.
How to Reboot Your Art Sketchbook Practice
Make using your art sketchbook a habit, and as with any habit, set achievable goals, start small, and build. And it’s okay to start with a new book; invest in one with paper that feels good, in a portable size. Set yourself up for success!
- Be inspired by 11 Artists on the Sketchbooks and Materials That Keep Them Creative .
- Get started with these 10 Easy Sketchbook Tips So You Can Make Art Now .
- Download the Artists Network free eBook on sketching .
- Not convinced yet? Why Starting From Sketch is Key to Better Art will persuade you.
Put Your Sketchbook to Work
The idea, of course, is that you can sketch anywhere, and you need only a pencil and paper (though you can expand your toolkit with markers, pens, watercolors and much more). And you can sketch anything, from your morning coffee cup to a busy street scene to a landscape. But if all that choice is overwhelming, let these expert ideas help you navigate the possibilities.
- You might be surprised by the ideas in 14 Best Places to Sketch ! Pick one and go.
- Check out these Drawing Prompts for Everyday Sketching .
- Let your imagination take over with Sketchbook Ideas: Draw, Doodle, and Dream .
- Sketching can be an end in itself, but also a great preliminary tool, as acrylic painter and muralist Art Mortimer reminds us in Make a Sketch Before You Paint .
Watercolor Sketching Tips
Just add water? Fortunately, you can find all kinds of small portable watercolor sets designed for sketching anywhere — city, country, or journey. Brushes with reservoirs make it easy, and our experts have ideas to help.
- Get started with Four Tips for Watercolor Sketching on Location .
- Artist Vladimir Tuporshin makes the case for small but mighty tools in Using a Pocket Sketchbook With Watercolor: Simple Tools and Tricks .
- Watercolor guru Iain Stewart has great advice for watercolor sketching with emotional power in Memories Etched in Simple Sketches .
Art Sketchbook Ideas for Urban and Travel Sketching
These two away-from-home sketching categories have devoted fans and practitioners for good reason! But the practice itself overlaps with just regular sketching — have your art sketchbook with you at all times, and the tools and supplies you need, and go for it. Remember the old adage that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. And always be courteous to friendly spectators. You might meet wonderful people.
- For urban sketching, start with the Artists Network free guide .
- Check out urban sketching expert Marc Taro Holmes’ unique methods in Sight-Size Drawing for the Urban Sketcher.
- When you’re traveling, airports are prime locations for sketching — you’ve got time on your hands and dynamic movement all around you. Sketch While You Wait: The Artist’s Answer to Airport Boredom .
- Writing and journaling can go hand in hand with sketching, and colored pencils can be a wonderful travel sketching tool. Look for more tips in Sketching Your Travels .
Happy sketching!
The Artists Network shop also offers an extensive selection of instructional videos for purchase on drawing and sketching, watercolor sketching, urban sketching, and more. Access to videos is also included in membership .
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Sketchbook Ideas – How Do I Make My Sketchbook Interesting?
Art and freeform expression is really important in my house to help clear our minds on particularly stressful days. When we are working on our sketchbook ideas , we usually draw whatever comes to thought. But sometimes, a little inspiration goes a long way.
If you are looking for ways to make your sketchbook a bit more interesting and exciting, this post will give you a few ideas to consider. Every artist needs inspiration and motivation. Take this post as a means to get those creative juices flowing.
Sketchbook Ideas – How Do I Make My Sketchbook Interesting?
Before you get to my sketchbook ideas tips, I want you to think about how you approach sketching. How much time do you spend on each page? Do you set a time limit to each creation? Is it 5 minutes or is it one day.
View this post on Instagram #art #artist #artwork #sketchbookart #sketching #sketchbookdrawing #dailysketches #sketchdaily #pendrawing #quicksketch #justdraw #sketchpad #sketchoftheday #pencildrawing #figuredrawing #drawsomething #draweveryday #artofdrawing #drawdaily #inkdrawing #mysketchbook #animaldrawing #fundrawing #practicedrawing #peoplesketching #realistart A post shared by ऋद्धि गिरि (@riddhi__giri) on May 6, 2020 at 3:43am PDT
Can you keep going back to that drawing over and over again to fine tune it? Are you a perfectionist? Or do you view your art book as something you can pick up, sketch in, and release?
Do you need to have color on every page? Are you choosing to only pencil or marker or chalk? Do you mind having different elements on every page? Do you have… sketchbook rules?
There are no right or wrong answers of course. This is because there are no right or wrong answers in art. As long as you feel that release while you are expressing yourself, you are successful.
Related: 30 Inspirational Art Journal Prompts To Boost Creativity
View this post on Instagram Amazing sketch works😍 Favourite? 1-6? Follow us @artzflow for more! . . Created by @sergeyzinovkin A post shared by Art & Craft Featuring Page 🎨 (@artzflow) on May 6, 2020 at 3:39am PDT
What can I draw in my sketchbook?
I wanted to give you a list of ideas to consider the next time you sit down to sketch. Here are 31 different designs to incorporate – one for every day of the longest month.
- Personal portrait
- View of the park
- Favorite celebrity
- Your mother
- Childhood memory
- Hands and feet
- Flower garden
- Fill the entire page with geometric shapes
- Kitchen counter
- Spilled coffee
- A black cat
- A beautiful woman
- An overturned boat
- Stormy night
- Draw something using only circles
- Draw something using only straight lines
- A snake on top of a tree
- A fireplace
- A ballerina that’s fallen
- Someone walking away
- A mysterious stranger
- A famous building
- Two people holding hands
- Stairways to nowhere
- Something magical
- The back of the bus
- Under the bed
How do you start a sketchbook?
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View this post on Instagram Notes. . . . . #sketchbook #moleskine #moleskinesketchbook #moleskinejournal #artistsketchbook #illustrationprocess #illustratorsketchbook #contemporaryillustration #ecolinebrushpen #ecolineink #royaltalens #illustrationart #ink #collage #inkdrawing #contemporarydrawing #notebook #pensieve A post shared by Al Rodin (@alrodin) on Sep 25, 2019 at 3:32am PDT
Is starting a sketchbook something you are considering? Perhaps you haven’t even purchased one yet! Well, I am so glad that you found this post because I am here to tell you that you should absolutely take up this passion project. It is something you will do for the rest of your life.
It doesn’t matter if you are an accountant or a doctor or a secretary. You don’t need to have an art degree. You just need to love to draw and the people who are born with this magic inside of them just can’t STOP creating. Am I right?
So, grab a sketchbook of your choice and let it all go!
How can I sketch better?
How can I sketch better? The question that everyone asks, right? Practice and less judgement. I think we should start there.
But also consider using different mediums on one page. Making a hard fast rule to not erase anything. Forgiving yourself and realizing that this book will represent a journey. If you don’t like something today, you might look back on it in 6 months and realize how much you’ve grown. Progress is a beautiful thing.
View this post on Instagram Zanim w pełni zabiorę się do pracy, musi być pyszna kawa i kończenie szkico-rysunków. Jeden przed pracą, drugi po. Powoli zapełniam kolejny szkicownik, może nie w takim tempie jak inktober 😅 ale satysfakcja jest! Działa mega odstresowująco i w przyjemny sposób można testować nowe techniki, co pokażę Wam przy okazji nowego szkico-rysunku. A jakie Wy macie rytuały poranne? —— Pięknego dnia dla Was! —— Ps. Powoli myślę o jakimś szkicunkowym wyzwaniu dla Was jako stały punkt programu, co Wy na to? —— #illustration #sketchbook #inkdrawing #inkwork #inkart #drawing #draw #sketch #ilustracja #drawingchallenge #sketcheveryday #draweveryday #illustrationart #inkonpaper #handdrawing #mysketchbook #rysunek #dailysketch #stationery #stationeryaddict #picturebook #ilustracja #szkice #szkicownik #szkic #rysowanie #picturebooks #kidsbook #blackworknow #womenwhodraw A post shared by Renata Krawczyk (@rena.illustration) on May 5, 2020 at 11:12pm PDT
And PS, if you happen to draw a view of a cafe while out with friends and it turns out OK… in 6 months when you look back at that sketch, you will remember that day fondly. So, stop being so hard on yourself. It’s all good.
Drawing Ideas For Your Sketchbook – Will You Begin Today?
Now that you have lots of drawing ideas for your sketchbook, will you pick up a pencil and start making magic today? I can’t wait to see what you create.
As you can see, I’ve included several accounts I found online via Instagram. Consider opening up an IG account dedicated to sketching and sketch drawings! There are so many hashtags to consider
View this post on Instagram Long time no post ~ I’ve been reading and getting inspiration from all the sources I have gathered because of my hoarding nature. I don’t need to go out and get books, I have enough for 2 years of lockdown 👍👌 . . . . . . #drawing #archisketch #architecture #archisign #archi #architecturelovers #sketch #handmade #architectural #archi_students #architecture_hunter #draw #drawingsketch #freelance #nice #beautiful #archdaily #archilover #pencil #building #archdesign #beauty #art #design #archidesign #instagood #arquitectura #architecturephotography #landscape #interior A post shared by Vlad Protz (@beetzov) on May 6, 2020 at 3:58am PDT
Hashtags For Sketch Drawing
- #pencildrawing
- #pencildrawings
- #sketchbookdrawing
- #drawing✏
- #drawing🎨
- #drawingsketch
- #sketchbook
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Art Journaling When You Feel Sad
Dear Wonderful, Creative You:
One of the questions I get asked most is how to art journal when you feel sad. My art journal has been a great source of comfort and self-understanding for years. I’m blessed to be able to share my techniques here. I’m hoping this post will help get you started when you want to art it out in your journal, but you’re not sure how. Even if you’ve never made art, or never thought about making expressive art, I want to assure you h umans are uniquely creative beings. We have been using the arts to process our feelings, and mark important moments in our lives since the beginning of time. Art as a coping tool belongs to me, to you, and to us all.
As an art therapist, I’m lucky to have a lot of training in how to use art for self-expression and healing. While I no longer practice art therapy, I still use art to help myself feel better, and I love teaching these age-old techniques to others as well.
Art Journal Your Feelings TIP #1: PROCESS OVER PRODUCT
One of the blessings of my art therapy training was learning to focus on art process over product. Of course I know you are art journaling because you’d like to make art, but getting overly focused on it can tighten you up and ensure that you won’t express your feelings or make anything you like. That’s a lose-lose.
As many artists know, the more you create, the more you open up space for exploration through your art materials, the more the process of art making becomes a balm to your soul. Funny enough, the more you do this the more your product improves too. It’s weird the way that works, isn’t it? That’s a win-win.
Take my Art Journaling & Creativity Class FREE:
Art Journal Your Feelings TIP #2: WORK IN LAYERS
The other thing I’ve found that really helps me to loosen up, create, and express myself is working in layers. I find layers give me lots of permission to make mistakes, try out new things, and not have to know what the finished product will be. This helps me express myself. When I art journal because I’m feeling down, I don’t want to have to think too much, so I’d like to share a sort of art making formula that has helped me. You can use some of it or all of it, depending on what feels good to you.
Art Journal LAYER 1: Write About Why You Feel Sad
You can approach this in many different ways. Art journaling when you feel sad is a super flexible activity. Here’s some ideas for writing when you feel sad:
- Write a letter you’ll never send. This helps me clarify my feelings and get them out.
- Describe how feeling sad makes you feel in your body.
- Create a poem about feeling sad.
- Honor your sadness: “Talk” to sadness as though it were a person. Honor it. Give it some room to speak back to you, perhaps even in a dialogue you write in your journal.
- Sarcasm: Have a mock conversation with someone and be as sarcastic as you wish!
- Imagery: Describe, with words, the images that come to you when you feel this way.
- Flip the table: Write about how you wish you were feeling right now.
- Conceal your feelings: Write over and over your own writing until you can’t read it. This helps create texture on your page, in your own unique handwriting style. I find this very cathartic too.
- Reveal your feelings: Write in white gel pen on a white page, and then paint over it with high flow acrylic paint . Some colors also cover the writing more than others. This is a fun “magic writing” technique you can use either to reveal or hide your writing.
Art Journal LAYER 2: Paint Your Feelings
With this next layer, we move form words and texture on the page to flowing paint . Art journaling when you feel sad gives you opportunities in paint to use the colors to express how you currently feel, or how you want to feel.
For me personally, I find I often need to shift to expressing what I want to feel, or I end up wallowing in negativity. You will need to be your own best judge of what helps you. There’s no right or wrong in self-expression. There are no rules, just do what feels right to you. Here are some options for the painting your feelings layer:
- Paint with brushes , sticks, kitchen tools, rocks, shells, or plastic wrap
- Finger painting for adults: Put on gloves and push and pull paints with your hands
- Use colors that express your sadness, or colors that express how you want to feel
- Create a grid over your writing and paint each one a slightly different color
- Paint a repetitive pattern over your words
- Black page, white stars: Paint your page black, then use gel pens to create a galaxy of white stars.
- Take my class, Art Journaling 101 for more guided lessons on using art and writing in transformative ways.
Art Journal LAYER 3: Transform Your Feelings
- Write out a poem that expresses what you’d like to feel. I love Rilke and Mary Oliver. What about you?
- Write hope, love, or joy in block letters. Then write inside about what gives you hope, love, or joy.
- Gratitude journaling : Write in block letters something you are grateful for, then write about why in a circle going around your letters.
- Fold your own envelope, paste it to the page, and put a letter inside to someone you love.
- Creative writing: Write a story or poem about what you wish was happening right now.
- Use a script liner brush and paint to write down a message of encouragement.
ART JOURNAL LAYER 4: DRAWING LAYER: SLOW DOWN
I also like the invitation to slow down and observe something closely enough to draw it. Even when my drawing is kind of wonky, I try to embrace the practice in the moment.
I also REALLY find the repetition of drawing patterns soothing. This frequently helps me feel better. Here are some ideas for your drawing layer:
- Draw an animal that symbolizes protection, freedom, or strength for you. You can draw it cartoony or realistic. I like to find a photo and work from that since I’m not good at brining the image clearly enough in my mind.
- Draw a repetitive pattern with a paint marker , gel pen , or brush . Use dots, circles, dashes, or wiggly lines. Imitate something in nature or make up your own based on what feels good to your hand. On light backgrounds, you can use a Micron pen too.
- Use a photo to draw someone you love. You can also paste it into your journal if you prefer not to draw.
- Illustrate a place that makes you feel happy.
- Be sure you are on my mailing list for more art journaling ideas and inspiration!
Remember, I’m sharing ways I use my art journal in my own life to feel better. This isn’t art therapy, and in no way should be seen as mental health treatment or advice. If you are facing overwhelming feelings or mental health struggles, I hope you honor your pain by getting the support you deserve. If art therapy feels like the right option for you, you can find a local art therapist here .
Creatively Yours,
The links shared in this post are affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase something after clicking the link, at no extra cost to you, you will support the work of Mindful Art Studio to empower the artist in everyone. Thank you!
17 Comments
Thank you for these tips. I lost my sister this past summer, and then my mom last month. I have been searching for a way to process the sadness while being overwhelmed with the business side of death. This gives me a way to acknowledge my feelings. Great ideas.
Oh gosh, Karen. it’s a lot to process. What a weight on your heart. My mom died in 2011 and then my brother a few years later. I can only imagine what it’s like for you. I am so heartened to know that you see some ways to use these ideas and I sincerely hope your own art wisdom mixes up with these ideas and that you find your own special path through grief. Everyone is different. For me, I can tell you that I’ve found a lot of comfort in talking to my mom and brother through my journals, both in words and pictures. Big hugs, Amy
I love these ideas Amy! I’ve never used writing in my art or art journaling, but I tried just a little bit of writing within a drawing. I expected to throw it away afterwards, but instead I loved the effect it had in my drawing and also it gave me a great feeling! Now I know I can use writing in my art to Express fear, anger, depression and sadness without anyone being able to read it clearly, and the end result can look awesome too! Thank you so much for posting this! 💖 Christina Cloud
Christina that’s so exciting! I’m thrilled to hear you’ve already given it a try and that these ideas spark your interest. Happy journaling.
I love these ideas. Sometimes I feel blocked and don’t feel like doing ‘good’ art. I love having one journal that has a bunch of unfinished layers that I can use for experiments and processing.
Oh I’m so glad that this speaks to you! I feel the same way, and it’s funny how often those experiments are junk and often they lead to something great on another piece, and sometimes they turn to gold!
Dear Amy, this summer, I have discovered your website. I‘m so grateful for the inspiration and permission you have given me to start with my first art journal. I‘m chronically ill, and art journaling allows me to express my feelings in a very honest and intuitive way. By adding layers of color and text, I can transform them. The effect is so fabulous. Feelings of sadness or anger which I would normally hide allow me to create beautiful pages. Thank you again! Barbara
Hi Barbara: Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to inspire us with your story. I know that your words will help others to get started in their own journals. I’m thrilled that I can be a small part of your comfort and creative discovery.
Creatively Yours, Amy
Hi i’m Leilanie and I think I will like this website I don’t know why but i’m just feeling depressed so I hope this website will help😀
Hey Leilanie – First I just LOVE your name – it’s so pretty. Secondly, it’s hard when we feel like that. I hope you find some inspiration and enjoyable art here. XO – Amy
Thank you for invoteing me
thank you so much for helping me during covid one of my closest friends got covid and a kid in my class too thank you so much for helping.
I’m so happy I could help!
I don’t know what it’s just that Im always sad around the holiday season, my bestfriend died when we were six then the summer before third grade my bestfriend moved away I’ve been feeling very sad and angry and others because it’s very hard to loose someone and for a bestfriend to move away I’m excited to try these ideas because i love doing art to express myself I’m really hoping this helps and in this process I’m hoping to improve my art at the same time these ideas are great thank you -Luna
Losing someone is hard. I”m so happy this process speaks to you! xo
I lost my husband 11/10/21…the day my life imploded…the image of finding him that morning is in front of all my thoughts…and there’s our 2 small kids, who were right behind me. So this page is a God sent, or maybe he brought me here…I thank you for sharing your gift with us….I truly do!
I’m so sorry for your loss, and so happy that the art calls to you. xo
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Here's some ideas for writing when you feel sad: Write a letter you'll never send. This helps me clarify my feelings and get them out. Describe how feeling sad makes you feel in your body. Create a poem about feeling sad. Honor your sadness: "Talk" to sadness as though it were a person. Honor it.