Over the past few days, we have talked about belief, permission, and the difference between ability and skill. Today, I want to talk about something that quietly stops many people from learning to draw. That thing is fear.
Fear often appears as hesitation. It shows up as a blank page and a pencil that never touches the paper. Fear tells us that we might fail or that our drawing might not look right.
Fear grows when the task feels too big.
One of the most helpful ways to move past fear is to start small. Artists do not begin by trying to draw everything at once. They break the image down into smaller parts. When the task becomes smaller, fear becomes quieter. This is where an important drawing tool comes in. The grid.
A grid helps you see like an artist. It divides a drawing into manageable sections so your eyes can focus on one small area at a time. Instead of worrying about the entire picture, you only focus on one square. One square feels possible. One square feels safe. One square invites action.
Using a grid teaches your eyes to notice shapes, angles, and placement. It also helps your mind slow down. Fear loses strength when your attention has a clear direction.
To support you as you begin, I am offering a free 16-square drawing grid that you can download and print as many times as you need. You may access your grid here:
This grid is designed to help you practice drawing in small, focused steps. You do not need to fill every square at once. You only need to choose one square and begin.
This free resource is educational in nature. It does not promise artistic results or outcomes. Everyone learns at a different pace. The purpose of this tool is to support observation, practice, and confidence.
If you have been feeling nervous about starting, let this post serve as your encouragement today. You do not need to be fearless. You only need to be willing to take a small step.
If you would like more guidance on how to use tools like the grid and learn the fundamentals step by step, my beginning drawing course provides clear and supportive instruction.
You can learn more about the course here: https://www.tamekaart-lessons.com/home.
Fear does not disappear all at once. It fades when action begins. Start small. Choose one square. Let your pencil move. You are learning. You are growing. And you are capable.
Be encouraged.
Believe Like a Child; Draw Like an Artist 