What's wrong with your drawing?

You know how it is: you spend hours carefully observing, drawing, shading, then you go back and fix a bit here, a bit there... but somehow, it just isn't quite right. You're not sure what it is, but for some reason, your drawing just doesn't work. The fantastic idea you had hasn't made it onto the paper, or it looks nothing like the subject that you had in front of you. Yep, we've all been there. (That would've been me on Sunday, with pages of particularly uncooperative pen sketches .... ) So. What do you do?

First of all, check out this guide to troubleshooting your drawing. You'll find some tips on getting some distance and changing the way you look at your drawing, which will help you to see the problem areas. Also check out the top 10 beginner mistakes - even if you aren't a beginner. Looking objectively at our own work can be difficult. Make sure you give yourself credit for the progress you are making, and don't be too critical. If you notice some things that need improving, that's great - you can't improve if you think you're perfect! Don't expect every work to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, you need to leave a drawing alone and move on to the next one, taking whatever lessons you've learned from one and applying them from the beginning of the next drawing.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It takes just a few moments to join the the drawing forum - and of course, it's totally free - and you'll find the members friendly and helpful. You can post your drawings and ask for advice, and share your ideas with other artists.