Drawing should always be an enjoyable and imaginative activity that allows you to express yourself freely and creatively. These ten drawing ideas to banish boredom are just the starting point to push you out of your comfort zone and into a realm where boredom doesn’t exist. Grab your drawing tools, let inspiration take over, and create something truly reflective of your creativity.
Transform Random Scribbles into Cool Drawing Ideas
Grab a pencil and let loose, scribbling randomly across your paper without any clear intention. Once you have your scribble, step back and allow your imagination to find shapes, creatures, or scenes hidden within the chaos. Outline these emerging images to create a unique piece that is uniquely yours. Get your creative juices flowing!
As you look at your simple lines, you might see the outline of a fierce dragon, its wings outstretched and flames curling around its body. You could outline the dragon in bold lines, giving it a sense of power and strength. In the background, you might notice the shape of a castle, with turrets reaching towards the sky. Add details like windows and flags to bring the castle to life.
Next, you might notice a smaller figure crouching in the dragon’s shadow, a brave warrior ready to take on the beast. Outline the figure in smaller, more delicate lines to create a sense of vulnerability and determination. Give the warrior a sword or shield to show their readiness for battle.
Finally, you might see a winding path leading away from the castle, disappearing into a forest of twisted trees and mysterious creatures. Add details like leaves on the trees and eyes peeking out from the shadows to bring the scene to life.
With a few more bold strokes and careful outlines, you have created a unique and fantastical scene that started from a simple scribble. Let your imagination run wild and see where your hidden images take you!
Explore the Surrealist’s Mind for Exciting Things to Draw
Surrealism opens the door to the subconscious mind, where dreams and reality blur. Create your surrealistic scene by combining elements that don’t typically belong together. Think melting clocks, floating trees, or a fish swimming through the sky. Embrace the unexpected and let your pen follow your most whimsical thoughts.
In this surreal scene, a giant teacup is floating in the sky, carried by a flock of butterflies. Inside the teacup, a miniature elephant with rainbow stripes takes a sip of tea with its trunk. The sun is shining brightly, but it shoots out rainbow-colored bubbles instead of light rays. A clock is melting off the side of a tree, its hands spinning wildly in different directions.
Below them, a fish is swimming through the air, gracefully navigating through the clouds. The grass beneath them is made of candy cane stripes, and the flowers bloom with jelly beans instead of petals. As the wind blows, the scent of cotton candy fills the air. This whimsical scene is an unbelievable blend of dreams and reality, where the impossible becomes possible.
The Four Elements: Ideas to Draw
Focus on the classical four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Create four separate drawings, each one dedicated to visualizing one element uniquely and metaphorically. Consider the emotions and symbols related to these primordial forces and express them creatively in your artwork.
Earth: A drawing of a woman sitting cross-legged on the ground, surrounded by vibrant greenery and blooming flowers. She is rooted deeply in the world, embodying stability, grounding, and growth.
Water: A drawing of a serene lake at sunset, with ripples on the surface reflecting the colors of the sky. A lone boat drifts in the water, symbolizing tranquility, emotion, and adaptability.
Fire: A drawing of a blazing bonfire with sparks flying into the night sky. The flames dance and flicker, embodying passion, energy, and transformation.
Air: A drawing of a bird soaring high in the blue sky, its wings outstretched and free. Clouds swirl around it, symbolizing freedom, communication, and intellect.
Beginners: Draw Easy Zentangle Patterns
Zentangle art is a methodical and relaxing way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Pick a shape to fill with these patterns, and watch as the repetitive process eases your boredom and stress. The beauty lies in the different textures and designs you can create in a confined space.
Experiment with patterns, line thicknesses, and shading techniques to add depth and interest to your zentangle doodle ideas. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your creativity.
Zentangle art can be done with just a pen and paper, making it convenient and accessible for anyone to try. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day or to pass the time during a boring meeting or class.
So grab a pen and some paper, pick a shape, and start tangling! You’ll be amazed at the intricate designs you can create and the sense of relaxation and accomplishment that comes with it. Happy tangling!
Doodle Idea: Drawing to the Beat of Your Favorite Song
Music and art are intrinsically linked. Play your favorite song and let the rhythm guide your hand. Draw abstract shapes that flow with the music’s melody, tempo, and mood. This creates a direct connection between your auditory senses and your visual expression, producing artwork that resonates with the vibes of the track.
As you listen to the music, let your hand move freely across the paper, letting the music guide your movements. Use different colors and shapes to represent the song’s elements—the beats, the melodies, and the emotions.
Allow yourself to get lost in the music and let your creativity flow. Don’t worry about making mistakes or trying to create something perfect. This exercise is about letting go and letting your creativity run wild. Start drawing without thinking—start drawing spontaneously and intuitively.
When the song ends, take a step back and look at your artwork. Notice how it captures the energy and emotions of the music. Reflect on how the song’s different elements inspired your artistic choices and your next gesture. Feel free to add as much detail as you can.
This exercise can be a fun and therapeutic way to connect with music and art and explore their creative connection. Enjoy the process and see where the music takes you!
For Seasoned Artists: Illustrate a Scene from Your Favorite Book
Engage with your favorite piece of literature in a new way by illustrating a scene from the book. Capture the setting, characters, or a pivotal moment as you pictured it while reading. This exercise celebrates the stories you love and encourages your ability to visualize narrative concepts.
One of my favorite books is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. One scene that always sticks out to me is when Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have their famous dance at the Netherfield ball. I always picture the elegant setting of the ballroom, with the flickering candles casting a warm glow on the walls and the sound of music filling the air.
In my illustration, I depict Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in their dance, surrounded by other couples twirling around them. Elizabeth is wearing a beautiful gown, her eyes sparkling as she looks up at Mr. Darcy, who is wearing a simple yet refined suit. The tension and chemistry between them is palpable, even in a simple drawing.
This scene is a pivotal moment in the book, marking the beginning of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s evolving feelings for each other. It captures the essence of Regency-era England and the societal expectations that shaped the characters’ actions and interactions. Illustrating this scene allows me to visualize the setting and characters in a new way, bringing the story to life in a new light.
Fun to Draw: Self-Portrait with a Twist
Self-portraits are a classic exercise in art. However, give your self-portrait an abstract or fantastical twist to spice things up. Perhaps you represent yourself with symbolic imagery, or you mix your features with those of an animal or mythical creature, expressing different aspects of your personality.
I am a hybrid of a human and a phoenix in my self-portrait. My eyes are intense and fiery, symbolizing my passion and drive, while my wings stretch out behind me, representing my desire for freedom and growth. The flames that swirl around me depict the challenges I have faced and overcome, turning me into a stronger and more resilient individual.
My hair is a vibrant mix of red, orange, and gold, mirroring the colors of the flames that engulf me. Each strand seems to dance and flicker like tongues of fire, embodying my creativity and innovation. The phoenix symbolizes transformation and rebirth, reflecting my journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Overall, my abstract self-portrait reflects the complexities and depths of my personality—a fiery spirit that rises from the ashes, constantly evolving and reinventing itself.
Creative Idea: Still Life with an Unconventional Subject
Go beyond the traditional bowl of fruit and try drawing a still life with unexpected objects. Hone your drawing skills by arranging a few unconventional items from around your home in a composition and capturing their shapes, textures, and how light interacts with them. This challenges your observational skills and can create surprisingly engaging artwork.
Some ideas for unconventional still-life objects could include:
- A stack of colorful books with a pair of glasses and a mug of coffee
- A collection of vintage keys with a pocket watch and a candle
- A mix of succulents and geometric shapes like crystals or gemstones
- A pile of art supplies (paintbrushes, tubes of paint, pencils) with a sketchbook and a plant
- A selection of kitchen utensils (whisk, spatula, measuring cups) with an open cookbook and a bowl of spices
Experiment with different arrangements and lighting to create a dynamic and visually interesting composition. Don’t be afraid to mix and match objects that don’t seem to go together – sometimes the most unexpected combinations can make for the most captivating artwork. Have fun and let your creativity guide you as you explore new ways to approach still-life drawing!
Drawing Technique: Opposite Hand Drawing
If you’re right-handed, use your left, and vice versa. This drawing technique forces you to focus less on perfection and more on the process, often leading to interesting and offbeat illustrations. The loss of control can be liberating, and the results can be wildly different from your normal work.
It may feel strange at first but try to embrace the challenge and see what unique creations you can come up with. You may discover a whole new style or technique that you never knew you had. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or let go of your usual expectations. Just have fun and see where your non-dominant hand takes you!
Draw Your Own Comic Strip
Storytelling through a comic strip can be an incredibly fun way to pass the time. Design a set of characters, whether they be humans, animals, or even inanimate objects, and create a short narrative within the borders of a few panels. You’ll practice your skills in characterization, dialogue, and pacing all while entertaining yourself with your unique creations.
Here’s a simple example. Try drawing this story first, then write your own!
Title: The Quest for the Golden Leaf
Setting: Whisker Woods is a magical forest with talking animals and enchanted plants.
Characters:
- Sly the Rabbit— A clever and adventurous rabbit with a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble.
- Burt the Bear— A big, friendly bear who loves food and has a heart of gold. He’s Sly’s loyal friend.
- Wise Owl— An old and knowledgeable owl who knows the secrets of the forest.
- The Mischievous Squirrels— A trio of squirrels who love pranks and causing a bit of chaos.
Panel #1: Sly and Burt chat beneath a grand, ancient oak tree. Sly looks excited, holding a map, while Burt scratches his head, puzzled.
Sly: “Look, Burt! The map to the Golden Leaf! Legend says it grants the finder eternal luck!”
Burt: “But, Sly, adventures are troublesome… Are you sure?”
Sly: “Adventure awaits, my friend!”
Panel #2: They’re shown stepping cautiously into a darker part of the forest, eyes wide, as shadows loom.
Burt: “Why do adventures always need dark, spooky places?”
Sly: (grinning) “Adds to the thrill, Burt! Plus, the Golden Leaf isn’t going to find itself!”
Panel #3: Wise Owl is perched on a branch above them, watching them with interest.
Wise Owl: “Seekers of the Golden Leaf, are you? Many have tried, none have succeeded.”
Sly: “We’re different! Right, Burt?”
Burt: (nervously) “Uh, yeah… different.”
Panel #4: As they proceed, they suddenly find themselves entangled in nets—a prank by the Mischievous Squirrels!
Squirrels: (giggling) “Gotcha! What brings you two to this neck of the woods?”
Sly: “We’re on a quest for the Golden Leaf!”
Burt: (muffled) “Could’ve done without the ‘catching’ part.”
Panel #5: The Squirrels, finding the quest exciting, decide to help. They reveal a shortcut, hidden beneath the leaves.
Squirrels: “Alright, questers! This way to the Golden Leaf… but beware, the path is tricky.”
Sly: (determined) “Lead the way! Right, Burt?”
Burt: (freeing himself from the net) “I need a snack.”
Panel #6: Our heroes stand before a shimmering, golden tree leaf, hanging out of reach. Sly and Burt are wide-eyed with wonder.
Sly: “There it is! The Golden Leaf!”
