Exploring the Overlooked: Drawing for a Deeper Connection with Our Surroundings

How often do you stop to truly observe the world around you? In our fast-paced lives filled with distraction and stress, it is easy to overlook the beauty and details of our surroundings. But by engaging in the simple practice of observational drawing, you can forge a deeper connection with the environment you inhabit. In this article, I will reflect on the benefits of drawing and observational study, and share with you some of the ways in which I use this practice to ground myself in the present moment.

Jackson's Hill, Early Winter Morning: pen on paper

Looking to See

Observational drawing is more than just putting pencil to paper; it is about seeing, truly seeing, the world around you. One of the first things I remember learning about drawing was that you should be looking far more at your subject than what is developing on the page. Whether doodling a dog in the margins of your maths paper or intently studying a vase of flowers, the act of drawing is an immersive experience. It is a physical act and requires our attention. But observational study does this specifically. By spending time with an object, place or even person, you begin to notice more and more. The curve of a leaf, the play of light and shadow on a building, the intricate patterns in a spider's web – these things take on depth and character the longer we pay attention to them.

In the Present Moment

Engaging in observational drawing not only sharpens your artistic skills but also enhances your awareness and mindfulness. As you focus on capturing the essence of an object or scene, your mind becomes attuned to the present moment. The distractions of the outside world fade away, leaving you in a state of undistracted mindfulness.

Through the practice of observational drawing, you begin to develop a profound connection with your environment. You no longer see objects as mere background noise; instead, they become subjects of curiosity and admiration. Even the most mundane objects can take on new life when translated onto paper.

Dartington Gardens: pencil on paper

Embracing the Imperfect

There are no limits or boundaries in art; in the wise words of Mary Oliver "You do not need to be good". We can squander a lot of precious time worrying about whether the things we make are good or not. In the age of Instagram where so many people are sharing immaculate sketchbook pages full of beautifully spaced out and considered artworks, it can be hard to even start putting lines on the page without feeling inadequate. But your sketchbook does not need to be shared. Your sketchbook can be like a diary, in fact mine often has scribbles of thoughts in them that I'd really rather no one else read. What might happen if you start a sketchbook with the very intention of it being a bit of a mess?

Cultivating a Sense of Wonder

As I like to take drawing materials out with me on walks, I've kept a couple of pocket-sized sketchbooks over the last few years. The small scale makes them practical, but also liberating to use. I feel somehow less intimidated to start drawing on a small page, and there is the satisfaction too of filling them up relatively quickly. But perhaps most significantly, at least for me, is how through regular use they quickly become an object of great importance. Resting close to the body in a pocket or bag, it is a companion for my thoughts. I do not feel alone when I have it with me, because through using it I am communicating with the world. In its pages I enter into a dialogue with trees, leaves, bees and flowers, as well as myself, and in doing so, I open myself up to the wonder of these things.

Drawing to a Close

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is easy to forget how much beauty and magic surrounds us. Observational drawing can serve as a gentle reminder to pause, observe, and appreciate the wonders of the vast world of which we are a part. So, grab a sketchbook, step outside, and find something that speaks to you. Let the lines and shapes you draw be a testament to the richness and diversity of the world we inhabit.

In the art of observational drawing, we find not just lines on paper, but a deeper, more profound engagement with the world around us.

All images by Rosie Issitt.

Above: Snapdragon Bee: watercolour on paper