3 Simple Drawing Exercises to Help You Slow Down and Reconnect
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Time to read 5 min
Why make art outside? The moment you step out with the intention to draw, you will realize that inspiration is all around you. You begin to notice little things that often get overlooked—the sounds of birds chirping, the wind blowing through the trees, the smell of fresh air, and other details that slip past us in the daily grind. These little moments can slow you down and help you feel intentional.
When your schedule opens up, consider letting the screens rest so you can reconnect with the world outside. It’s easy for screens to become our primary window to the world, making it feel as though 'experiencing' something means watching it through a lens. It’s a delicate balance—screen time can be inspiring and fun, but it should spark curiosity and nudge you to pursue your own creative endeavors rather than consume all your time.
There is joy in the feeling of sun on your shoulders and graphite on paper. Whether it’s been years since you last drew or you’re just craving more time outside, these exercises help you settle into both.
- Blind contour drawing
- Gesture drawing
- Negative space drawing
These drawing practices help ground you, inviting you to pause and appreciate the beauty in the details we often bypass.
Blind Contour Drawing
Blind contour drawing is a creative observational exercise in which you draw all the details you can of your subject without lifting your pencil and looking at your paper. Blind contour drawing may seem intimidating, but the goal is to let go of expectations. Whether it's been a day or a decade since you last picked up a pencil, the first mark on the paper is a quiet invitation to begin again.
Start by opening your notebook to a fresh page and choosing your preferred graphite. Whether you prefer a firm line or a dark, soft stroke, having the right feel makes all the difference.
Next, pick any subject outside. Place your pencil on the page and look at your subject closely. As your eye moves along the edges and details, move your pencil at the same pace.
Now set a timer for longer than you think you need. If you think it will take five minutes, set it for seven. Don't look at your page, don't look at the timer, and don't lift your pencil until the timer goes off. Trusting the contour-drawing process helps you slow down and notice more details.
This part can be difficult because you will feel your eyes moving faster than your hand. When that happens, pause, take a breath, and reset your eyes on the detail you are trying to draw without lifting your pencil from the page. Practice this outside as many times as you would like.
Objective: Helps you get more comfortable with pencil and paper without focusing on perfection.
How to start:
1. Pick a subject
2. Set a timer for 5-7 minutes
3. Draw your subject without looking at the page or lifting your pencil. Your drawing should be one continuous line
Gesture Drawing
Gesture drawing is the practice of capturing a subject in a loose, rapid sketch. This exercise should be completed in a short session because it focuses on capturing a subject's energy and movement. There are usually no details besides the character's flow and the movements it may convey. You can draw a person, a tree, a bench, a bush, and anything else with an organic shape. If there's nothing around, your non-dominant hand works just as well for a reference.
Choosing tools that feel right can change the entire experience. The way the graphite glides and the steady weight of a pen in your hand help quiet the tension, making it easier to enjoy the process.
Set a timer for a minute or two. Look at your subject and draw the overall shape and movement. The limited time encourages your hand to move more freely, letting go of tight or overly careful lines. When the timer goes off, move on to a new subject and start again.
There are many options outside, and you can really feel the space and depth compared to using a screen as a reference. Gesture drawing is a great way to make your art pieces flow and feel natural.
Objective: Helps you create expressive and loose drawings without worrying about details.
How to start:
1. Pick a subject
2. Set a timer for 1-2 minutes
3. Draw continuously, focusing on gesture, flow, and overall form rather than precise details
Negative Space Drawing
Unlike the other exercises, which focus on the subject's outline and movement, negative space drawing focuses on the spaces and shapes around and between it. Think of the sky peeking through tangled branches, the geometric gaps in a park bench, or the puddles of light between shadows.
Negative space drawing flips the way you look at a scene. You'll feel your eyes wanting to draw the subject, but concentrate on the empty spaces. Take a deep breath and let your pencil make the marks that you would normally ignore. There's a beauty in making “emptiness” into something meaningful.
Nature is full of complicated shapes and edges that are perfect for practicing. This new way of looking at things can broaden your appreciation of the scenery outside. The more you practice, the more you will be inclined to sit down for a minute or two and draw a unique perspective.
Objective: Helps you create expressive and loose drawings without worrying about details.
How to start:
1. Pick a subject
2. Look for the spaces around the subject and the gaps it creates
3. Recreate every shape and gap with your pencil. The subject will naturally emerge in a unique way
Drawing is about the process, the journey, and the little practices that make it all come together.
As you settle into practicing contour drawing, gesture drawing, and negative space drawing outdoors, you might find your perspective shifting, allowing you to notice details you once missed. It's a gentle way to discover how the outside world can hold your attention, without needing a screen to fill the gaps.
There is a natural balance to be found. Let the stories of others be a catalyst—a nudge to pursue your own adventures and creative discoveries. Seeing the world for yourself is a rare and worthy thing.
Never forget that drawing isn't a performance. It is a process and a practice, built on the small, consistent habits that turn a quiet moment into something meaningful.
To find the right tools for your own kit, explore our Mindful Living Collection. It’s the perfect place to begin packing your analog bag for whenever the world calls you outside this year.
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