I discover methods for myself and then read books that describe 'my' method. This leads me to believe that the creative well is shared in some magical way.
Draw, as much and as often as you can. When drawing lies fallow, the skill diminishes.
Too much verbal stimulation causes the work to suffer.
In times of stress drawing is a way of relieving tension.
If some of the greats had followed the traditional ways we would be missing so much fine art.
I collect words and phrases for naming the children of my brush.
There is joy in feeling the bristles of a quality brush, seeing the richness and lush color of truly good pigment flowing onto the paper or canvas. The cheap stuff just makes for harder work and lesser results.