Hello friends,

Happy New Year 2024! I hope you have had a wonderful start to the new year. Last year has been a busy one for me in terms of both work and family life. Although I have been actively creating for my work, I did feel I did not give enough time to paint and draw for myself. I love drawing all the time. And when I don't, I feel a part of me is missing. It was at the right time I came across a post on instagram about the draw January challenge hosted by Tate and the illustrator Sophie Potter.

I feel that this is the best way for me to get back into the idea of drawing the things I see around me. I started drawing from Jan 1st and I hope to keep it consistent, with at least 3 or 4 sketches every week.

Feeling Inspired ?

If you like to join me, make sure to follow this discussion and feel free to post your drawings here.

If you are on instagram, make sure to follow Tate and Sophie potter (links at the end of this post)

If you don't use instagram, you can still join in as I will share any prompts that is being shared by the illustrator, here in this discussion. (however, you don't need to stick to any prompts)

Let's make this a fun and enjoyable way to encourage each other to draw this month!

Here are some tips to help you.

Draw anything that you see around you. It can be as simple as a fruit or a vegetable.
You may use any materials you like. Some of the easiest materials would be your pen or pencil. If you like using pastels or colour pencils, they are both great to bring in some colour.
Don't feel compelled to draw everyday. I am hoping to do at least 3 or 4 sketches every week.
Don't feel overwhelmed by the object you've chosen to draw. start with simple shapes and later add in details.

My class on Sketching For Beginners' is a great resource if you're a beginner.

Here's the post that inspired me.

tateHappy New Year! And you know what that means... who’s joining our 2024 #DrawJanuary challenge? Get your pencils, paintbrushes and pastels at the ready for a collective resolution to get the creative juices flowing!

We’re excited to welcome Cardiff-based artist and illustrator Sophie Potter who has created souvenir-filled still lifes inspired by British artist Mary Fedden. Fedden worked at the Royal College of Art, where she taught painting to David Hockney and Patrick Caulfield. Though she was commissioned throughout her life to paint people, landscapes and flowers, Fedden continually returned to still lifes, describing them as her ‘one real love.’

Take a leaf out of Sophie’s book by drawing what’s around you this January. It might be a pile of leftover chocolate, a carefully arranged cheese board or your favourite gift. Whatever you scribble, tag #DrawJanuary – we’ll share some of our favourites across the month.

Join @SophiePotterCo for weekly drawing prompts inspired by Tate artists.

Here are the two sketches I've done so far.

New Sketches

I have been able to continue with sketching last week. Most of the time I am not happy with the sketches/ paintings I do. I realised that happens when I have been overthinking the process and have a certain level of expectation for its outcome.

So I have been really careful not to think too much, but my main aim is to capture what I see in the simplest forms and freshest colours.

Here are a few I did last week.

1. Feathers and Twigs picked up on a frosty morning walk.

Medium: Watercolour

2. Brush holder on my table

Medium: Watercolour and dip pen

3. Urban sketching in a local cafe

Medium: Fountain pen and watercolour

4. Tree from neighbourhood

Medium: Fountain pen & watercolour

Suzanne Abraham

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