SilentStudy7631 in the post "Are drawing skills like "riding a bike", once you know how to do it you never forget? Or do you have to continue practicing to not lose your skill?"

2022-09-19 08:04

I also play the piano as well as the clarinet, in addition to drawing. I practice the piano regularly but have not played the clarinet in five or six years.

I haven't forgotten how to play the clarinet entirely, but my skill and familiarity with it has definitely diminished, especially my fingering and embouchre.

The same thing happened when I stopped drawing for about two years. My basic skills didn't completely disappear, but the lack of consistent practice definitely held me back when I resumed drawing. My gesture drawings are stiffer than they used to be and my sense of proportions has gotten sloppy.

It's been rough getting back into the habit of drawing regularly, and maybe one day I'll have time to pick up the clarinet again.

SilentStudy7631 in the post "Are drawing skills like "riding a bike", once you know how to do it you never forget? Or do you have to continue practicing to not lose your skill?"

2022-09-18 21:44

It's like playing an instrument or playing a sport. You may not forget the basic skills, but your ability to perform at a higher level will gradually dull over time. Consistent performance, or in this case drawing, is definitely necessary to stay the best you can be and continue bettering your skills!