I’m Chris Wilson, the creator of Art of Sketching. I write practical drawing and sketching guides based on observational drawing, sketchbook practice, figure drawing, storyboarding, traditional art fundamentals, and real studio experience.
Drawing advice can get overly complicated or too vague. My goal with Art of Sketching is to make sketching feel more useful, approachable, and grounded by focusing on what actually helps artists improve over time.
I write for people who want to draw better, build a stronger sketchbook habit, understand materials, practice more intentionally, and develop the kind of visual thinking that supports animation, storyboarding, illustration, and personal art.
My Art Background
I studied Character Animation at CalArts, where observational drawing, figure drawing, movement, gesture, storytelling, and visual development were a major part of the training.
That background shapes the way I write about drawing. I care about drawing as a real practice, not just a set of tricks. I’m interested in how artists learn to see, simplify, observe, design, and communicate through lines, shapes, composition, and movement.
I have also worked with sketchbooks, figure drawing, storyboarding, ballpoint pen drawing, mixed media, Procreate, Photoshop, iPad, and traditional drawing materials. I tend to think of drawing as something you build through repetition, observation, looseness, and problem-solving rather than just chasing polished finished pieces.
I also think sketchbooks matter. A sketchbook is not just a place to make pretty finished drawings. It is where artists explore, make mistakes, test ideas, study from life, and build visual memory over time.
Why I Started Art of Sketching
I created Art of Sketching to help artists build stronger drawing habits and understand the practical side of sketching.
A lot of art advice either becomes too academic or too shallow. I try to write in the middle: useful enough for serious practice, but clear enough for someone who just wants to get better.
When I write a guide, I try to answer practical questions like:
What should I actually practice?
What materials are worth using?
How do I make my sketchbook more useful?
How do gesture, movement, and observation help my drawing?
What matters most for beginners?
What habits help artists improve over time?
That practical point of view is the heart of Art of Sketching.
How I Write Art of Sketching Guides
When I create or update a guide, I focus on practical drawing advice that artists can actually use.
I usually look at:
- Observational drawing and drawing from life
- Sketchbook practice and creative habits
- Figure drawing, gesture, movement, and anatomy basics
- Storyboarding and visual storytelling
- Drawing materials, tools, and surfaces
- Traditional art fundamentals like line, shape, value, composition, and design
- What helps artists practice consistently and improve over time
I try to avoid making drawing sound more mysterious than it needs to be. Good drawing takes time, repetition, observation, and honest practice. My guides are meant to support that process.
You can read more about the site’s process here: How Art of Sketching Creates Guides.
What I Usually Focus On
Art of Sketching is written for artists who want practical guidance, not generic inspiration.
I usually focus on:
- Sketchbook ideas and habits
- Drawing fundamentals
- Figure drawing and gesture
- Observational drawing
- Storyboarding and visual storytelling
- Art materials and sketching tools
- Practice methods that help artists improve
My goal is not to make every technique sound equally important. My goal is to help artists understand what to practice, why it matters, and how it can support their own creative work.
My Approach to Accuracy and Usefulness
Art instruction should be useful, honest, and grounded in real practice.
When I write about materials, techniques, or drawing exercises, I try to explain how they are actually used and what they are good for. Some tools are great for loose sketching. Others are better for finished work. Some exercises help beginners build confidence. Others are better once you already have some drawing experience.
I try to make those distinctions clear so readers can choose what fits their current level and goals.
If you notice something on Art of Sketching that looks outdated, unclear, or incorrect, I appreciate the heads-up. Keeping the site useful matters to me.
About Art of Sketching
Art of Sketching is an independent drawing and art education website. It is written for artists who want practical, grounded advice about sketching, drawing fundamentals, materials, and creative practice.