[Jacqueline Dunster]

Oh, I'm sure there's an element of "you're not suffering enough!" in my feelings, but it's also much more than that.

I think it's a terrible disservice to tell a "newbie" artist that drawing is unnecessary. Because they may find out later that it is - that they would have, and should have, learned how to do it.

It's sort of like asking a little kid if they want piano lessons. They may say no at the time, thinking that it sounds "boring" and "stuffy". But when they are older, they'll envy others who have that ability, and will regret not learning when they were younger. (Of course, nothing's stopping them from learning it at any time, but it's always better to start sooner rather than later.) So, when I read a book review where someone says "Don't learn that boring drawing stuff!" I get upset. I think, don't tell people that. Choose that for yourself, if you wish, but don't ever discourage other people from learning.

Another thing - I've seen a lot of "traced" work, and usually I can see something "missing". Also not to be forgotten is the fact that when a person knows how to draw, they can draw from life, or perhaps even draw things from imagination. So, learning how to draw isn't about "suffering", it's also enhancing what an artist is able to do. I've seen the works of people who can only trace, and I've seen the works of artists who can draw freehand (and can enhance and alter their artwork) and I find that very often, the person who can draw has a wider range of "looks" and subjects they can draw. This is not hard-and-fast, of course, and I will repeat that if the finished work is good, it's good, tracing or no.

But thinking from the viewpoint of someone offering advice to an artist who is starting out, I'd never tell them to not bother to learn how to draw. I'd never tell them that "there is a simpler way", and preach the virtues of tracing. That is limiting. After all, a person who draws can also trace, or grid, or draw standing on their head. A person who can only trace can only...trace. I think people should be aware of the consquences of choosing tracing instead of learning how to draw. But if they choose to do trace anyway - hey - that's their business.

I hope this makes sense!