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Loose & Expressive Painting Techniques

Avoid This Common Drawing Mistake - Paint Loose

Most beginners fall into the “coloring book” trap — tracing every edge of their subject. Learn how to avoid this mistake and replace it with loose, expressive lines that add life and energy to your drawings.

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

— 3 min read
Avoid This Common Drawing Mistake

I see it happen all the time — artists fall into the coloring book trap. Instead of letting lines flow naturally, they start tracing every single edge of their subject. It feels safe, but the result is stiff, predictable, and lifeless.

This post will show you the difference between tracing outlines versus using lines expressively — and how a simple shift in approach makes your drawings (and paintings) instantly more engaging.

👉 Four Ways To Start and Expressive Painting - fresh ideas to begin your art

The “Coloring Book” Mistake

An experienced artist might pick up compressed charcoal, a crayon, or even a brush and then… trace.

  • Outlining every window, chimney, and roof.
  • Locking into repetitive details.
  • Making every line the same thickness.

It’s a common habit, but it leaves your work flat — more like a coloring book page than an expressive drawing.

Avoid This Common Drawing Mistake - Stay Loose and Expressive

The Loose & Expressive Alternative

Instead of tracing, think organically:

  • Find entry points in the darks. Start where shadows live and let lines grow outward.
  • Vary your line quality. Use the broad side of charcoal, then switch to the point for accents. Mix thin and thick strokes.
  • Skip details on purpose. Suggest a window with one energetic squiggle instead of tracing the whole frame.

This way, your lines feel unpredictable and fearless — they breathe life into the painting.

Garage Studio Drill

  1. Paint or sketch a simple house.
  2. On the left side, trace every detail (windows, roof, chimney).
  3. On the right side, use expressive lines:
    • Start in the shadows.
    • Scribble with varied pressure.
    • Suggest detail without tracing.
  4. Step back: which side has more energy?

👉 Most artists find the looser side draws the eye first — because it carries rhythm, variety, and personality.

Why It Works

  • Predictable lines = boring.
  • Expressive, varied lines = attention-grabbing.
  • Entry points in the darks keep your strokes integrated with the painting, not pasted on top.

In short: don’t trace your art — dance with it.

Next Steps

Try this in your next sketch or painting:

  • Add charcoal or crayon on top of dry paint.
  • Avoid “outlining” everything.
  • Let some lines wander, skip, or break.

Your work will feel loose, expressive, and much more alive.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend materials I use regularly, often from Blick Art Materials. Your support keeps my tutorials free and ad-free—thank you!

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