• Drawing is one of the most affordable and rewarding hobbies you can take up—it requires nothing more than a pencil and the back of a used envelope. Unlike other pastimes that can cost a fortune with little to show for it, drawing offers phenomenal returns on your time. From the paper napkins of famous artists displayed in museums to impromptu sketches on tablecloths, the simplicity of drawing has captured ideas and moments for centuries. It’s a bargain that not only sparks creativity but also builds invaluable skills like observation, persistence, and empathy.

    Ready to dive in? Grab any pencil and start sketching. Remember, it’s about practice, not perfection. Subscribe to my newsletter and to the Shoo Rayner Drawing Channel for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration to keep your artistic journey alive. With every line you draw, you’re unlocking your creative potential. So pick up that pencil, keep practicing, and see where your imagination and observation take you!

    In this video, I’ll be sharing the fifth Golden Secret from my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing.

    Get the book here:
    Amazon in the USA https://amzn.to/4gBsb3L
    Amazon in the UK https://amzn.to/3TK7IzQ

    In this video, I’ll be sharing the fifth Golden Secret from my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing.

    Get the book here:
    Amazon in the USA https://amzn.to/4gBsb3L
    Amazon in the UK https://amzn.to/3TK7IzQ

  • A sketchbook is more than just a pad of paper; it’s your portable studio and a gateway to creativity. With a sketchbook and pencil in hand, you’re always ready to capture moments of inspiration. Keeping these tools with you wherever you go ensures there are no excuses not to draw. It doesn’t matter what brand or type of sketchbook you use – the best one is the one you have on hand. Forget perfection and start creating – every sketch is a step forward.

    One of the greatest joys of maintaining a sketchbook is witnessing your growth as an artist. Each page becomes a snapshot of your progress, a chronological record of your creative journey. Even if you feel your latest work isn’t your best, flipping through past sketches reveals how far you’ve come. Beyond being a tool for practice, a sketchbook becomes a battery of ideas, a place to experiment with styles, capture fleeting inspiration, and even jot down thoughts. Over time, it transforms into a personal diary of your artistic life—proof of your dedication to the craft. So grab a pencil, start sketching, and watch your creativity flourish!

    A Sketchbook and Pen are like a mini studio that is ready for you to start drawing in an instant – no excuses to start drawing at the drop of a hat! A sketchbook is the best investment you’ll ever make!

    In this video, I’ll be sharing the fourth Golden Secret from my book, The Golden Secrets of Drawing.

    Get the book here:
    Amazon in the USA https://amzn.to/4gBsb3L
    Amazon in the UK https://amzn.to/3TK7IzQ

  • I am often frustrated, when reading Christmas books about Santa and his Reindeer, to see that the illustrator has drawn another type of deer, very often a Fallow Deer that has been hybridised with a Roe Deer.

    It’s nearly Christmas and the thought of making a video of how to draw Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer briefly came to mind – as it does every year. But Rudolph is subject to copyright.

    Then it struck me – That’s the reason! Don’t draw Reindeer and you will be safe from copyright.

    But it seems to be a bit more complicated than that.

    The Original Rudolph, in the book by Robert L May, looks very much like a Roe Deer. He certainly doesn’t look like a reindeer.

    In fact, Santa’s whole team are Roe Deer.

    So, to get around copyright the obvious thing to do would be to draw your Rudolph as a Reindeer!

    But why don’t they do that?

    Roe Deer are just more cute – Fallow Deer even more so.

    As far as copyright goes, you can’t use the name nor, in theory, can you use the iconic red nose.

    But the name is Rudolph the Red-nosed REINDEER. If you draw just that, then you are breaching copyright in the description. If you draw a Roe-ish deer with a red nose, then you are copying the original image. So you can’t win.

    They’ve got it stitched up both ways. It’s not worth drawing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

    But why then does Santa’s sleigh rarely appear drawn by Reindeer without red noses and with an honest name like… Sven?

    I think it’s all down to their shape. Reindeer heads hang low, below their shoulders. They look like they are depressed and in need to of some of those famed magic mushrooms that the image of Santa is supposed to be based on.

    It’s hard to draw a perky Reindeer that is looking forward to his Christmas dinner of festive lichen.

    Much better to draw a perky Roe Deer faun that is dreaming of being Santa’s Little Helper and feasting on roast chestnuts and chocolate yule logs!