Observation – The Artist’s Greatest Tool

Observation is the most powerful and simple tool that all humans possess when it comes to learning.

You don’t really want to try out this ability though… I mean why would you?

Proper, effective observation is time-consuming, it can be boring and it doesn’t feel effective…

Remember this.

doing is not always learning – sometimes we just need to be still.

Observation is a Lost Art

Don’t get me wrong – it is important to set goals and intentions for your art. However, there is a balance between seeking goals and surrendering to the process. I talk more about this in my article on ‘creative spontaneity’ which is about becoming so skilled as an artist that you realise the art is making itself…

When was the last time you just looked at an object with a completely still mind? Have you ever felt a deep sense of peace inside and absurd mental clarity as though a flashlight had been shone on every passing thought?

Or do you like to quickly glance at reference images and get to the drawing?

Are you one to pride yourself in being fast-paced and productive?

For the first few years, a baby is gently observing their parents.

Absorbing their behaviours, actions, dialect, and emotions – all without judgement. No labelling: “he is grumpy”, “she is lazy”, “I don’t like the look of that” – just observation.

Gradually, the child begins to implement what they have learnt: language, social skills, movement abilities, and behavioural patterns. Very quickly the child learns many skills and behaviours concerned with their environment.

Leonardo Da Vinci himself used to follow and observe people on the street for entire days just to absorb the dimensions of an interesting person. If you can adopt a similar determination, a whole new brilliant stance on the drawing can be experienced.

Why You Deeply Want Observation

Observation is a simple phenomenon. But because of its simplicity, it is easily overlooked and brushed aside.

If you look at society, we are in the most materialistic era – digital and technological advances, the internet, and social media. This is amazing and profound in its own way!

However, our attention is taken away from what is more important. Art is dying for many people. More and more individuals are becoming mentally and physically ill because of the lack of awareness of our bodies and minds…

Where is the time to consciously sit and focus? It is not necessary to rush around in a hurry all the time, yet our current society demands this and it has become normal.

Our lives are becoming so complex and yet so very empty…

Observation not only sets a foundation for creative inspiration, but it also lets you be at peace with life, yourself and your art. Slowly but surely, you silence the mind chatter as you become more aware of it – as you slow down…

To just allow your mind to soak in all the sensory phenomena is a simple and valuable tool that is massively underrated. Let it be peaceful and enjoyable like when you were a child – watching the ants crawl along the ground.

You will notice that you can:

1. Retain the forms of objects in your memory for longer durations
2. Spend less time recalling objects from memory
3. Feel relaxed and calmer when it comes to your drawing process
4. Develop great concentration and focus over time

You’ll find that after 5 minutes of unbridled observation you will enter the state of flow.

Flow is the result of intense concentration, so if you can tap into this state more often, the easier it will become to observe and focus for longer periods of time.

Quick Observation Exercise

1. Sit down and get comfortable with your object of choice. This could be an apple, a model or maybe just a picture on the internet.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes (adjust to what feels best)
3. Concentrate only on the object. Let your eyes delicately wander and scan said image/object. Gently bring your attention from thoughts back to the image/object.
4. After the timer is done, don’t look at the object but try to replicate it on paper from your memory.
5. Set a reminder now to do this exercise at least once a week

Improve Your Observation Skills Further

If you want to take your observation to higher levels then implement the following. But remember not to force yourself obsessively – slow implementation is all that is necessary. 😉

Practice Daily Meditation

• As mentioned previously, meditation trains your ability to be patient and mindful during your artistic endeavours, allowing you to enter deeper states of flow
• Meditation can be focusing on the breath for 10-20 minutes per day. It is the same as observation – pulling attention away from the mind. Be patient with this process.

Make Your Life Slower

• Slowness may sound threatening, but in reality, there are some things we really don’t need in our lives; bad habits, toxic relationships, and constant social media usage…
• In this fast and hectic world, we need time to be alone. Walk slower, take time to eat, and do one activity at a time – these all help an individual to be more aware, more conscious, and more observant.
• Notice your feelings, sensations, and sounds on the way to work or school instead of music for the day – how does this affect your mood?
• “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” said Leonardo Da Vinci. If you declutter your life,  you declutter your mind and as an artist, you will gain greater clarity, focus, and fulfilment

Practice Being Curious

• When you see an interesting situation or object ask yourself “what is that?” Even with the mundane objects, we see every day, ask “what is that?”
• If you see somebody, you could ask “what could that person have experienced?”
• Asking questions opens our minds and focuses our attention for a while. And it feels really good 🙂

Clean up your diet

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not telling you to eat a certain way. Instead, I am pointing you to a potential (and highly probable) area of life that is hurting you.

Eat what you genuinely feel is helping your body and mind.

Take it easy

To become a master artist, the most profound changes are the simplest ones such as observation. It would be wise to open your mind to these overlooked possibilities.

These tips will not only help your drawing ability but your overall well-being in general. If you enjoy a stress-free life then this will be reflected in your art through better quality and fulfilment.