Daily commitment of 30 minutes minimum, non-negotiable consistency over intensity; requires purchasing India ink, pen assortment, and quality paper; emotional energy to tolerate early work quality and resist discouragement; analytical effort reviewing your own work critically; vulnerability to share work with mentors; willingness to experiment with approaches that may feel uncomfortable initially
Growth Mindset theory (Carol Dweck) emphasizes that artistic ability develops through effort and practice; consistent daily engagement signals neural plasticity and skill acquisition rather than fixed talent
Drawing the Head and Hands by Andrew Loomis - foundational anatomical reference for portraiture structure