Feeling like you don’t know what to draw when you’re bored?
Don’t worry, I’ve got 11 fun and creative ideas to spark your imagination and get you back into the artistic and creative groove!
From doodling to mastering new techniques, these tips will keep your creativity flowing but also help improve your drawing skill.
Let’s dive in and get inspired!
Doodle
Start with some carefree doodling.
Let your pen or pencil move freely across the paper — no pressure, just pure creativity.
Doodle from your imagination, doodle by observing things around you, to photographs, there are no barriers here!
Doodling is great when you’re in-between business calls, on public transport or whilst watching some television. This is your place to just draw whatever you fancy!
Create Master Studies
Choose a work by an artist you admire and study them.
It’s a great way to learn new techniques and styles. Like in this example of Peter Paul Rubens below! I love creating master studies, as it puts you in the mind of the artist at hand.
Pick one aspect or theme per artist, and really study them.
For example, you may choose Monet to study because of his colour theory.
Practice Basic Skills
Focus on the fundamentals — draw basic shapes like squares, triangles to circles.
Basic forms like cylinders, cones to cubes, or practice different forms of shading. It’s all about sharpening your core skills.
This allows you to not only practice drawing, but also feel like you’re doing something purposeful at the same time, a double win!
Draw Things You Wouldn’t Usually Draw
Step out of your comfort zone and tackle something new, whether it’s a complex object, an unfamiliar subject, or a different style.
For me, I always draw portraits, so drawing from imagination, the figure or something abstract is something I wouldn’t usually draw.
Usually by doing this exercise you can test the waters, and become inspired by another subject that you wouldn’t usually pursue!
Try Out Different Materials and Mediums
To help you push your comfort zone like my previous tip, experiment with new tools, materials and mediums.
Swap your pencil for ink, or try watercolours, charcoal, or pastels to see what inspires you.
You can see what mediums you like the feel of, and see how you can integrate it into your more finished artworks.
I tend to do this within my sketchbook, as it’s a great place to experiment for your own benefit and no one else!
Draw Things You Would Never Show Anyone!
Create something just for you.
Let go of judgment and enjoy the freedom of drawing whatever you want, no matter how silly or strange.
Draw What’s Around You
Be sure to draw what you see, not draw what you think you see.
Drawing beginners often mainly draw from photographs and is a big mistake! It’s a slow way to learn how to draw.
Take inspiration from your surroundings and draw the things around you. This will accelerate your drawing skill the most.
Sketch the objects in your room, the view outside, or even your own hand. Observation drawing can improve your drawing skill a ton.
Draw From Imagination
Let your mind wander and bring your imagination to life.
Create anything from fantasy worlds to quirky characters – there are no limits! If you’re finding it tricky, use reference photographs to help.
For example, if you want to draw a hedgehog riding a skateboard, find an image of both a hedgehog and a skateboard, and use these two photographs as reference.
Create Abstract Drawings
Focus on shapes, lines, and colours without worrying about realism.
Abstract art is a great way to explore composition and express emotions.
I often do my best abstract pieces on canvas. It’s a personal preference, but you can do yours in your sketchbook or any pieces of paper you find handy!
Draw Quick Thumbnail Sketches
If you’re pressed for time, do quick, small sketches.
These can be as quick as 2, 3 or 10 minute thumbnail sketches, to help you practice composition, tonal values of an image or even a master study in thumbnail form.
Thumbnails are perfect for brainstorming ideas or planning larger works.
Draw Something Over and Over Until You Master It
Choose a subject or a technique and draw it repeatedly.
For example, a classic artist nemesis, the hand! With each attempt, you’ll notice improvements and gain confidence in your skills.
And that’s a wrap on our 11 ideas for what to draw when you’re bored stiff!
But wait – if you’re still looking for more, I’ve got some more bonus ideas just for you! These are perfect if you’re in the mood for a little extra practice.
Bonus Tips
First up, try gesture drawing. Draw with motion, expression and movement in this exercise. It’s a fantastic way to capture the essence and movement of a figure quickly and fluidly.
Next, you could focus on drawing facial features. Spend some time honing your skills on drawing eyes, noses, mouths, and ears – each feature adds character to your portraits.
Speaking of which, why not dive into portrait drawing? Whether it’s from a photo or from life, portrait drawing is a great way to challenge yourself.
For something a little different, give continuous line drawing a shot. It’s a fun exercise where you don’t lift your pen or pencil from the paper, creating a flowing, connected image.
And finally, don’t forget about tonal drawing and perspective drawing practice.
Tonal drawing means you draw no lines on the paper!
These techniques will help you understand light, shadow, and depth, all of which are essential for creating more realistic and dynamic artwork.
I hope you enjoyed these 11 ideas on what to draw when you’re bored!
Many thanks for listening and visiting my blog today. You can follow what I’m up to on my Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram pages, I’ll really appreciate it if you do, and don’t be afraid to say hi to me! Many thanks again, and have a great day!
10th November 2024
