Drawing Our Own Lines

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.” – unknown

My nine-year-old daughter came home from art class the other day with a new trick. When trying to draw something specific, try turning the object you are drawing upside down. She said it helps to keep the brain from interjecting that we’re doing it wrong.

I loved that suggestion to help tame the inner art critic. And it ties in so well with all the incredible perspective and inspiration Vicki Atkinson and I learned from talented artist and author, Danny Gregory in Episode 109 of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast.

Danny shares his incredible journey from being an ad agency creative director for 30 years to becoming a renowned author and artist. His books and newsletters are not just inspiring; they are a daily call to create and live with purpose. They read like good philosophy, urging us to embrace creativity every day.

Our conversation with Danny was nothing short of inspiring. We delved into morning routines, where I meditate and Danny creates art before breakfast. Why? Because, as Danny delightfully quips, our inner critic tends to get up later.

Vicki and I discovered the magic of illustrative journaling with Danny. Art, as he explains, helps us adapt to life’s changes, builds our confidence, and gives us control over our perspective. It keeps us from being stuck in the mundane.

Danny’s enormously popular YouTube channel, Sketchbook Skool, is less about teaching how to draw and more about understanding the chemical process of creativity. He reminds us that our inner critic is no more correct than we are. Talking with Danny is like having a good coach who not only teaches us skills but also provides the mindset to be most productive.

Join us as we explore the scenic and beautiful places we go as creators. You won’t want to miss this insightful and inspiring conversation with Danny Gregory! And then sign up for Danny’s weekly newsletter for more great inspiration from the amazing Danny Gregory: https://dannysessays.com/

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 109: Daily Dose of Creativity with Danny Gregory

Episode 109 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this episode:

https://www.dannygregory.com/books

https://dannysessays.com/

https://www.dannygregory.com/

https://www.sketchbookskool.com/

https://www.dannygregory.com/monkey

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith;

(featured photo from Pexels)

33 thoughts on “Drawing Our Own Lines

      1. Oh, bummer! I’m sorry, Ally. But if you are considering subscribing, I’ll vouch that his weekly newsletters are worth getting in my inbox for free and no other rigamarole comes with them. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  1. yes, it’s good to keep the channels of creativity open and flowing; it’s god to be productive; still I wish I could draw, or play/write music but as the Stones say, ‘you can’t always get what you want; you get what you need’; to even have one talent is amazing —

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I really enjoyed your conversation with Danny and his thoughts around creativity and describing it as a chemical reaction. Just wow.

    And love the art of illustrative writing such as journaling or blogging – what this community on WP does so well.

    So nice and agree that we should teach our children to tame their inner critics, one of their inhibitors in the creative process.

    Wishing you all a nice weekend ahead!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your take-aways from this podcast, Ab. But don’t you usually listen on Sundays? And you’re right – this WP community does a good job of capturing our stories.

      Here’s to taming our inner critics! Hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Your daughter is brilliant. Turn it upside down so you silence your natural inclinations about an object. Wow, just wow. I have to go listen to the podcast! It sounds fascinating and inspiring. Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

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