How did draw and then write begin?
I drew and then wrote about one paint brush every day for months. I was amazed. I had insights about what I drew, drawing, and myself. I noticed more. Wonderful. :-) I share the magic of drawing and then writing practices in classes and workshops.
DRAW AND THEN WRITE: practices for noticing more
DRAW AND THEN WRITE is for everyone regardless of previous training or skill. The practices are for noticing and knowing more about our outer and inner worlds to build an art practice and to keep it going over time.
Draw to notice. Write to notice more and more deeply.
This book is for artists, students, teachers, parents, writers, art therapists, awareness practitioners, and the curious.
144 pages, full colour Art/Techniques/Drawing/Writing, Creativity, Mindfulness
©Louise Phillips, author and artist, 2025
WORKSHOPS
DRAW AND THEN WRITE came out of drawing workshops. Sometimes I could feel the frustration of folks who were convinced that they could not draw. I suggested we write after drawing just like I do in my own drawing practice. Everyone wrote what was true: good and bad. Then we talked. Something special happened: awareness and gentleness. The power of writing after drawing was wonderful. Drawing after writing works for others.
DRAW AND THEN WRITE meets us where we are. We can appreciate our drawings, ourselves, others, and their drawings. Writing and then drawing is the creative process.
Photograph credit: Tomie Yang
WRITE/DRAW: integrated workshop, January 16, 2025, Upstart and Crow, Vancouver
