Drawing at Night
There is just no time in the day.
Like many people, I work more than full time, manage a home, and care for kids. At some point unknown, time for myself virtually disappeared.
A few years ago, I made a conscious decision to reclaim a small part of it. Art and nature have always been where I feel calm and like myself. However, my current season of life doesn't leave room to disappear for a few hours to draw or run off exploring plants, rocks, or whatever else I might encounter. Therefore, I've learned to embrace creativity that doesn't always require large stretches of uninterrupted time.
Particularly in the summer months, creativity often begins with opening my nightstand drawer.
Inside are a set of Faber-Castell artist pencils, a kneaded eraser, and a pad of drawing paper. When the day ends and the house is quiet until the next morning assault begins, I sometimes sit in bed, put on some music, and choose something beautiful to study.
As the day begins to fade and thoughts about tomorrow become quieter, my attention settles completely on the subject in front of me.
Most often, I draw from the natural world—birds, dragonflies, moths, fish, branches, the moon, or whatever has recently captured my attention. Each drawing becomes less about producing finished artwork and more about the experience of careful observation.
When I look back through my sketches, I don't just remember the subjects I drew. I remember peaceful evenings, soft music, warm tea, and the feeling of being fully present for a little while. These “nighttime drawings” have become reminders that creativity doesn't have to depend on perfect circumstances or solid stretches of free time. Sometimes it begins with whatever small moments we can create.
These quiet nighttime drawings remind me that when life feels impossibly full, there is still room to reconnect with myself, to keep learning, and to continue growing as an artist.
Continue Exploring:
Related Artwork · Wren Card Set, Dragonfly Card Set
Related Gallery · Birds and Pollinators
From the Journal · Black Tupelo Leaves,Planets Around the Moon, A Record of Attention