Learning is messy, Learning is practical

Art should be messy and explorative!

I read an article recently about how learning happens and it sparked my curiosity. Mostly because I could relate it to starting to draw and paint.

As I said previously, learning does look messy and never perfect. It takes courage to just play around with pencils and paints, but in doing so you are learning what they do and how they work.

It’s easy to watch loads of videos and then never actually do anything after. You start with good intentions and then… then what?!

Notice what happens. Do you feel like you could never do that? Is there a flash of worry that it won’t look the same? Are you concerned that it will be a complete disaster? Or is it just that you want to do it, but there are a million other things to do and time isn’t on your side… so I’ll sit here for another 5 mins and scroll for a bit longer…

Ok, harsh, yes, but the reality this happens often – I do it too!

I am very guilty of procrastinating when it comes to my own art. I make all the excuses under the sun for “not doing it today”. I have loads of ideas and an image in my head of the paintings I could do, but often they stay there, while I post and scroll, or write lists, or plan this and that…

So, from my experience, I know exactly what’s going on in your mind!

Let’s crack this together and make a plan to scribble and doodle for a month. Something small, something easy and no longer than 3 mins – you up for it?!

This December (2025) I am posting a prompt and video each day on Instagram – follow me @debbie_swann_cygnini – and we are going to have a bit of Christmas fun, getting to play around with the prompts and drawing silly pictures.

Seriously, this is NOT for you if you want to learn the serious stuff!

BUT

Also, this IS for you if you want to grow in confidence and learn to draw.

If you’re ready, here are the first 7 prompts – remember they are only prompts and you can take them in whichever direction you choose! Draw the first thing that comes to mind.

So…Let’s draw (or paint):

Day 1: A snowman

Day 2: A rabbit in the snow

Day 3: A Christmas pudding

Day 4: Winter warmers

Day 5: Boots

Day 6: A Christmas Carol

Day 7: Presents

Ok, so these are your starting points. I’m setting off on December 1^st. Join me on Instagram to see what I do and tag me in any stories you share!

@debbie_swann_cygnini

HAVE FUN!