If some of the greats had followed the traditional ways we would be missing so much fine art.
In times of stress drawing is a way of relieving tension.
Draw, as much and as often as you can. When drawing lies fallow, the skill diminishes.
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.
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.