Why you never graduate from art school.

Even if you never went to art school.

Some people think they can just take a course and learn to draw.

As if it’s learning to drive or tie your shoes. One and done.

But drawing is closer to brushing your teeth. You have to keep doing it.

Most days, anyway.

Even when you’re tired, or rushed, or would rather do literally anything else. And if you stop for a while, you don’t lose your teeth—but things do get a little stinky.

Stop brushing, and you end up with bloody gums.

Stop drawing, and your lines get bloody awful.

The good news is that while teeth don’t grow back, drawing skills do.

And just like with dental care, you can upgrade your regimen. Try new brushes, refine your technique.

Some lucky people — like my blessed wife — have great teeth and don’t have to work especially hard to keep them that way. No one calls that a “talent,” though. And the lucky can‘t just stop brushing. Even da Vinci drew every day.

I’m not sure if he flossed.

Of course, the difference is that no one needs to know how to draw — but we all need teeth.

People say they’d give their back teeth to be able to draw, but I doubt they’re serious. And besides, there’s no reason for that sort of sacrifice. (Plus, it’s not really a thing. There’s no one out there giving drawing lessons in exchange for molars. Stop looking.)

So the answer is simple: draw and draw, brush and floss. And because you plan to do it for a long time to come, keep it fun, never a chore.

Your pal,

Danny