More than a decade ago, I quit my job at the school where I taught kindergarten, to stay at home and care for my mom-in-law and my pet dog. MIL suffered from schizophrenia and my pet dog was one hyperactive little guy who needed constant attention, and of course, MIL couldn’t manage him.
Staying at home can take its toll for someone who is used to working a 9 to 5 job. It keeps the mind that much more busier and you get a break from your domestic life, mingle with your colleagues and experience life outside the four walls of your house.
So, yes, I did begin losing my mind. Caring for a mental illness patient is, as it is, a tough job and it can have its effect on the caregiver if the caregiver has no source of recreation or entertainment. And, so I took up drawing to fill in those hours and keep my mind occupied.
Initially, it was just scribbling and doodling, but then one fine day, as I wondered what to draw, my eyes fell on my pet Chikoo, who was sitting beside me, staring into nothingness. I decided to sketch him.
Of course, he would never have posed for me for as long as it would take me to sketch. So, with the help of his photo, I made a pencil sketch. My very first dog sketch, which I felt, came out almost perfect!
I was ecstatic!
And, thus began the artful journey of this eccentric artist! Being a crazy dog lover, I sketched almost every dog breed I could find, with black and white pictures from Google. There are also other animal sketches in my drawing book, but I will always be partial towards my dog sketches. Those I love the most!

Some years ago, my mother encouraged dad to start drawing as he had now retired and was wondering how to keep himself occupied.
So, dad took up drawing and created some really beautiful artwork. I did a post on his art journey some time back and received an encouraging response to it.
WHY ART?
The reason I am doing this post is to encourage people to take up art – in any form – especially if you think you are not a “born artist”. For each one of us has an artist hidden within. All we need to do is give him/her a nudge, and some encouragement.
Also, art is therapy. It can take your mind away from the world and refresh you just the way books do.
Art helps you focus on the work at hand, forget your worries and manage your stress better.
It helps your restless mind relax as you draw and helps keep your anxieties at bay.
You never know what you are capable of unless you try!
So, if you think you don’t have it in you to draw even a straight line, then I suggest you go ahead and draw that line!
Begin with something simple, like a glass placed on your table, or even a flower.
Look at it closely and draw it.
it will not come out perfect, I promise you. But, at least you will have made an attempt.
Your kids’ storybooks will have many cute pictures to draw. Copy those in your books. Draw an easy picture every day, and at the end of the week/month, you will definitely notice a difference.
Most importantly, you will notice how your mind will be focused on the activity. The hundred ugly thoughts that cause you distress will vanish as you work on your picture.
Visit this link to learn simple exercises for beginners.
Any art form helps us achieve mindfulness – a state of being present in the moment, being fully aware of it, which, in turn, helps relieve us of our stress. Our everyday battles with Life leave us exhausted, our peace of mind ruined. If we are to survive in spite of it all, we need to find ways to restore our peace of mind.
And, what better way to do that if not through art? Any kind of art.
So, go ahead and give it a try.
And, do share with me your experience, I am waiting to hear from you!
Love,
SHILPA…
My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge is all about my blog, Metanoia, and my blogging journey from the time I started, 5 years ago. The lessons I learnt, the tips and tricks I picked up from fellow bloggers and the guidelines I could have used back when I began.
You will find all of my A to Z posts here.
Like it, Pin it!
Wow the animal sketches are just superb Shilpa – loved the one of the kitten; detaiing in it is superb! You certainly have a very artistic streak in your fingers 🙂
Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo #atozchallenge
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shalz! Although I am a complete dog person, kittens do find their way into my heart with their innocent eyes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this post shilpa. I am.not art part. Its not that i don’t like art. I lack the creativity and so never took art serious. I can draw things that i can see. But ask me to draw on a theme, I lack the skill. This postvis encouraging me to rebuild my art skills that i completely ignored after my secondary schooling. Lovely post.
LikeLike
**I failed to notice the typo.. Read as I am basically not an art person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never consider yourself a non-creative person, Deepa. We all have something in us that we can work on, for the sake of finding peace and happiness. You really don’t need to bother about themes. All you need to do is enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you shilpa.
LikeLike
Amazing sketches! Love the detail in the eyes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
You know shlipa art is therapy.. and Ur sketches speak volumes too…I personally can’t get basic strokes right, but do appreciate good art, and love gazing at them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spending time enjoying art can be rejuvenating, Ramya. Even a doodle refreshes the mind!
LikeLike
I love your artworks, Shilpa. They are so neat and intricate and have life like quality. Love Chikoo’s sketch. I am not an art person though have drawn a LOT of diagrams thanks to my graduation in Science -Biology. I have taken up to coloring and I find it very therapeutic.
5 Reasons Why Adventure Travel is Good For You #AtoZChallenge
LikeLike
Colouring is the next best thing to take up if one isn’t comfortable about drawing. It makes you oblivious to the chaos around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You encouraged us (me and son) couple of months ago and now both of us have taken up zantangle. Keep inspiring dear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That really makes me happy Balaka! Thank you! 💟💟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know about how you started drawing. The kitten is too cute and the dog is very expressive with beautiful eyes.
LikeLike
Thank you, Ramya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the sketches Shilpa!! You have captured the expressions amazingly well, the love in the giraffe’s eyes(despite being closed) , watery eyes of the doggy , cute adorable kitten! Just wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so so much Sampada! ❤
LikeLike
Thanks for this. There was a time when I was a pretty good artist. I used to do really well in cartooning too back in college. Lost my way…
Godyears.net
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then you must begin again, Roshan! Even a quick 5 min sketch will leave you feeling refreshed! 👍👍
LikeLike
These are great sketches, I was almost always drawn to the eyes – like you said you loved drawing them so it’s probably no coincidence! I really can’t draw. I do love colouring however, I’m so glad it’s back into fashion for adults as well 😉
My blogs in the A to Z: Self discovery via travel and a separate Interactive story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colouring makes for great therapy, too! And I feel if not drawing then one must at least colour!
Thank you for dropping by! Will visit you soon! 👍👍
LikeLike
First, let me pick my jaw from the ground. Your sketches are fantastic, Shilpa. I used to draw – A LOT when I was young. But I’d stopped for the past couple of decades at least. Only recently, I have started again thanks mainly to my son who insists that I have to draw something for him to color it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, really? Then you must share your art work on your blog, Varad! I would so love to see it!
Thank you so much! 🙏
LikeLike
I’ll do so shortly. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right about all of us being latent artists. Perhaps the Universe is asking me to go back to painting because I keep reading Shinjini’s posts about using art to express yourself always call out to me …. looking forward to the next 27 posts. I’m sure there’s a treat ahead for me !
LikeLike
You are a painter, Sunita??? Why haven’t you taken it up already? Please, do make a painting and share with me. It will be lovely knowing the artist Sunita, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is just splendid, Shilpa. I don’t know which one I love the most. But the giraffe – man, that’s so sweet ❤ Happy A to Z!
A at Kohl Eyed Me
A at Something’s Cooking
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, dear Shalini! ❤
LikeLike
Wow. Your artworks are so amazing that I find no words to express its greatness. Happy to join in A To Z Challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Vasantha! 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the most positive post that I have read today. I love your artwork as much as I loved your writing. Keep drawing and keep writing.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Sonia! That feels wonderful! 🙏
LikeLike
A journey of miles begins with just a single step. Thanks for such an inspiring post, Shilpa. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ravish! I am so glad you found it inspiring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such brilliant piece of art Shilpa. You are such a talented, versatile lady with so much unconditional love bubbling within. Loved this post. Coming back for more.And yes, Im rooting for you. ❤
My April Anecdotes, alphabet A: Anachronism
https://natashamusing.com/2018/04/a-is-for-anachronism-misplaced-in-time-atozchallenge/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for all those lovely words, Natasha!
Hopping over to visit you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your sketches are just superb. Yes it is so true that unless we try our hand at something we would never realize our own potential.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. And there’s really no harm in giving an art activity a try, right!?
Thank you for dropping by, Sudha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful impressive sketches.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks shilpa for the words:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Who doesn’t love art! Love your sketches. I sometimes doodle too but can’t write two parallel lines 😉
good luck! Great start!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Priya, drawing two parallel lines isn’t really important. Doodling is an art, too! So, keep it up! And, enjoy it. 🙂
Thank you for visiting!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That was your first sketch, WOW!
Can’t wait for more. Loved how much effort and love you have put into this passion of yours.
Looking forward to the rest of your posts ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I too was surprised, Soumya! 😛 But, then, he was my baby, so his sketch ‘had’ to come out perfect.
Thank you so much! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! these are super amazing shilpa, I did not know that you are such a great artist, hats off to you. really I did not have enough words to express your talent. best luck for the challenge.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Ritu! 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, Shilpa. You are one talented soul, and you definitely have a gift. I personally cannot draw to save my life, but I do love to color. Though I am not good at it either – with the color combinations, I mean. But what does it matter when it makes me happy, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precisely my opinion, Shantala. If an activity gives you happiness, then you should just go ahead and indulge in it. Be it drawing, colouring, dancing, singing..One must do it for themselves!
LikeLike
I love that zentangle. And the eyes are so soulful. Eyes are the most trickiest ones to draw. Art heals surely. It is the best hobby too, i agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Drawing the eyes can be tricky, but because it’s a challenge it makes us focus on our work and forget the world around. And that’s what I achieve from my art. That’s also the reason why I urge everyone to take it up .
Thank you for visiting, Pratikshya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. Love your Mom for nudging you back to practicing your talent. Sigh. I keep meaning to do it, but it always a tomorrow that never comes. I wish my Mom was around to give me that much-needed push. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww….Vidya! ❤❤
Okay, I am nudging you to get back to your art now… So get going, girl! Pick up your pencils and get down to work!
Hugs!
LikeLike
Beautiful artwork, the letter A was awesome.You are very creative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
The journey always begins with a slight nudge and a strong push. Nice sketches, Shilpa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rohan!
LikeLike
The artwork are so beautiful 🙂 Love the sketches. I think I will draw a line now 😀 thanks for sharing and for all the positivity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Shweta!
LikeLike
Hi Shilpa! What a beautiful start to the challenge. Loved your post, the sketches and the message to discover the artist within us. Beautifully sketches and article. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Tina! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! The sketches are amazing. I liked the cat one best. Also I love your statement that says that one may not be a born artist, but intention and hard work go a long way
LikeLike
Isn’t it a fact? One may not be a born cook, or dancer, but if you have it in you to try your hand at it and work hard towards it, and most importantly, enjoy the activity, then there is no reason why one can not achieve anything!
Thank you for visiting! 🙂
LikeLike
Were you a school teacher? Wow! Nice to know that 🙂
And I remember that post about your dad’s drawing. It is indeed encouraging. I am also not a born artist, but I have started to practice drawing for a year now. I will remember your tips. Also, I agree that all the negative, stressful thoughts go away as we focus on the drawing 🙂
Please do keep posting more about art!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Dhanashree. I taught the pre-primary section for around 8 years before quitting to take care of my mom-in-law and my pet dog. I am glad I had my art to provide me with the necessary distractions and keep my mind occupied and my heart happy!
I see your drawings and I must say you are a natural! Each and every drawing shows the passion with which you make it. Really love gazing at your art! keep it up, my dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are so incredible maushi!! But the last one was the best!😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kruti! ❤
LikeLike
wow! These are all beautiful!! I liked the second the and last one the most. Inspiring! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Stefan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome write-up.. And of course the drawings are very beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! 😊
LikeLike
I love the idea of an A to Z challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is an exciting month of writing and reading! 🙂
LikeLike
Indeed – I am in the same boat. I paint and it soothes me. 🙂 I to encourage folks to try their hand at whatever their interest is in creating are – be it drawing, painting, sculpting, welding, knitting, sewing – whatever! Find that medium that draws you and you become comfortable with and work it with your hands. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Kim! We need to find out comfort zones and lose ourselves in them😊
Thank you for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful sketches
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
Hugs.
Adorable sketches. I love your artworks. They are very creative in a very interesting way. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Tarang!
And I love your artworks, as well! 😊
LikeLike