Filed under: Drawing | Tags: artist, arts, drawing, sketch, sketchbook, Visual Arts
So today, I’ve taken the rare opportunity to scribble in my sketchbook as my son naps. His napping is rare, kind of like the Yeti. Come to think of it…my son is much like a diminutive, yet angry, Yeti when he HASN’T had his nap…but I digress…
I recently purchased the book, The Creative License by Danny Gregory. At first, I thought that it would be a ho hum book on being “creative” or “artsy”. Well…I suppose it is that on a fundamental level, but it’s actually a very good book (so far). His premise, which is not unusual, is that we can all be creative…and should be. As a vehicle for creativity, he focuses on drawing. For most people who don’t draw, the idea of drawing sounds as much fun as sitting at the RMV. But it doesn’t have to be! He starts of with various exercises to get your brain working differently. I know, this isn’t original either, but I like his enthusiasm for just doing SOMETHING, and not making the whole thing too precious. For me, doing this blog is similar to this. If I had to wait until I was thrilled with something that I did in order to have a blog and post it, you would not be reading this now. BUT, I had to just roll with it, and accept the good, bad and ugly. This applies to sketching as well…but sketching has added benefits of quieting your left brain, and engaging your right brain. Sketching also produces this zen-like calm. You have quiet focus on your subject matter, whether it be your breakfast bagel, or your medicine cabinet.
So, I’ve picked up my pen and sketchbook again, after too long a hiatus. Okay, so these are NOT great sketches. But, they’re where I am right now. The first sketch was one of those, “draw without looking at your paper”, exercises. So, needless to say, as I was trying to capture the “negative space” surrounding my desk chair, the sketch turned out a bit wonky:
I know. Far from perfect…but there is something about it that I like, nonetheless. I looked over at my snoozing son, and thought that I should get him into my sketchbook as well:
This only SORT OF looks like him. The nose is too wide. Anyway…the I decided to do one of the exercises in the book that I mentioned before: draw the contents of your medicine cabinet. This seemed intimidating, but I thought that it was a fun idea:
Again, not great, but okay. I know that with time, I should get better at this! I also know that I have too many contact lens cases, and that I should give the inside of the cabinet a once-over, to get rid of the junk we aren’t using. A spritz of windex would also help.
So, for those of you just dabbling with the idea of getting more creativity in your life, I would suggest looking over The Creative License. I don’t want to hear, “but, I CAAAN’T”. Just do it.
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slightly wonky 
Really, this is ridiculous! You have more talent in you GD medicine cabinet than I do in my entire house! I just tonight completed a “creative” project for the kids that I’ve had in my head (and sitting in the closet) since December. It takes me so long to execute the simplest things. I’ve heard, in order to be a really good artist, or to paint well, you first have to learn to draw. You’re clearly well on your way to becoming a master. (Are you serious? Did you really not look at your paper with the chair sketch? Boy)
Comment by growingmuses April 18, 2011 @ 11:10 pmThanks! I was thinking that these sketches were embarrassingly crude, but you’ve made me feel better about them. What was your creative project? Was it fun???? 🙂
Comment by slightlywonky April 19, 2011 @ 6:38 amI think Iain looks like John in this sketch. I see it more here than in looking at photos. More of those! Think how wonderful it will be in the future to have.
Comment by Caitlin April 19, 2011 @ 9:25 amReally? How interesting! I’ll see what I can do…all of my sketches will have to be of him sleeping, as I can’t even get him to stand still even for a photo…(I have many pictures of either a scowl, or the side of his head…)
Comment by slightlywonky April 19, 2011 @ 9:55 am