For the past month I, and several others, have been sharing sketches on my March Sketch a Day page. The idea was to encourage sketching and drawing and provide an opportunity to share work with others by providing the ability to post thumbnails and links.
So what have I learned from a month of sketching?
- I learned that I do enjoy sketching and a lot of my work tends to steer towards animal life. (surprise, surprise)
- I learned that the sketching itself doesn't take a lot of time, but the posting does take a concentrated effort. Maybe because I can't just plop a sketch on a blank page without telling the story around why it came to be.
- I learned that daily sketching enhances my drawing skills that are the backbone for my paintings. The lines of sketches and drawings are my path and cannot be ignored. If I can get across only one message to those who want to create art - good art - it is to learn to draw well. Everything else falls into place from there.
- I learned that its very good to have company along the way. Thank you to those who posted either daily or less frequently on the March Sketch a Day project.
- I learned that the most mundane things often make the most interesting subject material.
- I learned that drawing from life or from a photo of something you find interesting are equally valuable exercises. Yes, the purists will disagree, but drawing is drawing. If you can get accurate shapes and forms on paper, its never a bad thing.
- I learned that I can sketch anywhere. There is no elaborate set up, no rules, no subject that is out of bounds, no place forbidden. I sketched in coffee shops, my studio, at my desk at lunchtime, on the sofa while the news was on, in the car, in airports, on planes...there is no limitation.
I had gotten into the habit of sketching most days prior to this project, but don't always share my work with the world. I may continue to let the world peek into my sketchbook with a weekly post on just that subject. It doesn't become as onerous task if weekly than to create a new post daily. I can share more of my painting work with you in additional posts during the week.
However, the blog may be quiet for a couple of weeks as I'm off on my travels again. I hope I can fit in some sketches of things new and different (to me) and share them with you if possible - technology being willing.
16 comments:
I'm glad to have been part of it. I reaffirmed something. I love graphite and enjoyed it much more than the 75 days of sketches in ink that I did. Graphite gives me a pleasure that no other medium does. Thanks for letting me join.
Always a pleasure Jeanne. I'm so glad you enjoyed the month and you worked hard!
Graphite does have a satisfying feel to it, I agree. And is erasable... ;)
I fully agree with you about the importance of sketching! I love this last self portrait and your airport heads too. I like the idea you have of just placing them on the page. It makes an interesting composiion in the end. Enjoy your travels!
i have really enjoyed seeing all of your sketches :D i wish i had of had more time to join in, maybe next time :)
Celia, its something I go on and on about as I can never emphasize enough the importance of having drawing skills, no matter what style you have or medium you use. I'm so glad you found time to join in, your work is lovely.
Jen, thank you. Your plate is pretty full right now I know but there will be other times and I hope you'll be able to share some of your work then.
It was enjoyable - it's definitely easier in a group. I have always wanted to do a daily challenge and never managed it until now. For me, being able to take photos with the iPod and then write a quick post with Blogpress, made all the difference. If I had had to mess with the camera, the SD card and the PC, it probably wouldn't have happened. Thanks for letting me join you ladies, it was fun and inspiring. Jeanette have a great trip!
Marvelous arts collection. Looking so fantastic. You are a brilliant artist. A big thanks for sharing with us !!
I agree Rose,.the easier it is to post the better. A joy to have you join in.
Clipping Path, thank you, so glad you enjoy the work.
Hi Jeanette,
You're never going to believe what we just saw on the telly this evening. It was a local show called, "Hawaii Goes Fishing"
In tonight's episode, the moderator help a young woman catch and land a barracuda. No big deal...right?
But then, they took the fish into an art studio and you know what's coming...they did a gyotaku print! I couldn't believe it and immediately thought of you.
What fun to see what you do so beautifully!
So, even way out here in the Hawaiian Islands, I feel closer than ever to you. Keep up your great work!
Sincerely,
Gary.
Gary, what a coincidence to see that program! And a barracuda no less. That would be unique to print.
With all that amazing sea life around Hawaii, the opportunity for gyotaku printing must be huge. One day....
Thanks for sharing. Sketching is such a good thing. You are right about the posting. Once a week is a great idea!
jeanette lovely idea and joint project ... i've enjoyed seeing all you sketches this month ...hope we get a glipse of other sketches .
Truly wonderful self-Portrait. and you learned statements are good for us all to take heed of. Thanks and Bon Voyage
This is an awesome post this. I like the way you've displayed your text. It is just, perfect. keep it up.
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