Tag: drawing

The Sketch

I typically am an early morning riser. My day starts anywhere from 4:30 to 7:30 depending on how much I have slept. While my husband and dog sleep I am either sketching, reading, or stitching. Today, I’m sketching.

I am trying to increase my skill in portraits. While I typically sketch in pencil my art teacher tells me that is a no-no. Be bold enough to do it in ink she says. So here I am in bed sketching in ink trying to make a character appear on this page.

While he might not be perfect and is lacking color he does at least in some form seem to have some resemblance to my source. As I make each line I try to give him character something that will make you question “who is this guy”?

I think now I may use him in my next short story. Sketches as imperfect as they are give you a quick insight as to what the finished piece will be. Sometimes I add color but most of the time I don’t. As I add each stroke I am building not just his structural features but also his character. I ask myself “Who is this guy” because forming an identity in my head makes him more real on paper.

My teacher says I am more critical of myself than anyone else. Drawing is not just fun but at my age helps me to keep that part of my brain active. It also helps me build characters to write about.

Well, time to get up and fix coffee. The dog is squirming and the husband will be waking soon.

Have a glorious day!

The Art Of The Sketch

While I am not a paid artist or prominent painter, I can tell you there is value in the sketch. The meaning behind this is not monetary but a way of putting my emotions and feeling both onto paper and at rest.

The above sketch is of my father. While it doesn’t really look like him, it does remind me of certain aspects of him. My art talents come from him, as well as my obsession of detail.

In sketching, I realize my skills are limited, but try to capture something about that person. No matter what level of perfection I think I have achieved, it will probably not be good enough. I keep trying different techniques and mediums, trying to find that level of satisfaction.

When sketching, draw by allowing yourself inside that person long enough to decide what aspects of the person you want to reveal. For instance, showing a softer side, a stern or mysterious look.

In the sketch above, I tried to capture my Dad’s softer side, something that was rarely seen.

In whatever you sketch, do it with feeling so the viewer will know what you are trying to convey.

Share art throughout the coming generations and teach a kid to draw.

Have a blessed day.