When I was little I wanted to be an artist when I grew up… until I realized I had no artistic ability. Honestly, toddlers can draw better stick figures than I can. I can’t even draw a circle very well freehand. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve figured out little tricks to fake art skills. Or, at least make it so that people don’t look at what I do and say something like, “Oh, how cute! Your 2 year old is so talented!” Yes, that really happened. Today, I’m going to share with you a way to easily fake art skills. And I’m not talking about AI. I’m taking about taking it old school. Let’s trace.

fake art skills with tracing

Did you know that your computer screen makes a great lightbox? I wanted some art for my little Miss’ room so I found a picture of an Alice in Wonderland dress online and traced the image onto some plain ol’ computer paper. When you’re finished tracing your image flip your paper over and scribble over the entire backside.

Then flip it over again, place the computer paper over a sheet of watercolor paper, and retrace your lines with a ball point pen. After you’re finished the watercolor paper will have a duplication of your image on it that will look like you sketched it yourself. Then get ready to watercolor! See, this whole project is basically taking you back to second grade.

Make sure you remember to use shading and mix colors so your art work has some dimension. I admit I was a little heavy-handed with the grey on the collar and apron but I’m still pretty happy with the result. Plus I already had everything I needed so this cost me $0. 

Have you ever traced to fake art skills?