Generally speaking, I do three types of drawing. Very quick sketches that snatch a moment outdoors. Like this one above - I was sitting on the tram and this toddler was staring at me almost the whole time! I worry, when I get my eyes tested, whether I have answered all the questions right and got the correct prescription. So, I wondered, looking at this child, how do you get the correct prescription for such a young child, barely more than a baby?
Another snatched moment, this time to capture that nasty fan heater on the older trams. Great if you are frozen to the bone but on a milder day you don't want to sit opposite this thing or have any frozen food in your bags!
The second type of drawing I do are the slightly longer more detailed drawings for the EDM challenges. They make me think about the things around the house, things in my life that affect me, trips I've been on, family mementos etc. They are both relaxing and fun to do but quick enough to fill the sketchbooks and not to get bored. The sketches open your eyes to the world outside your door and the challenges to your own life and how unique that is.
Then there are the portraits and the cat drawings. These may not differ too much from the EDM challenges in terms of quality but the process is much slower. But it's that process and the reflection that is most important to me. I've had my drawings described a couple of times as 'contemplative' and I feel that is very apt. These are the ones that are most reflect who I am.
There are three different speeds, three different mindsets. These days I read a lot about not fussing over details, loosening up, keeping a sketchbook with you at all times. But in reality one size does not fit all. Sketching can have many purposes and some sketches, like these two above, are not really for show, they are simply moments that interested me. Some of my tram sketches are nothing more than a couple of lines but they trigger a memory of a moment or a person. I feel that artists need to do very basic sketches like this and not worry about making them pretty, adding lovely lettering, putting them on show, making them worthy. I was worrying about my sketches, tidying them up, making them presentable and that is not really why I do them. That in turn takes away the time I need to get into the right frame of mind for my other drawings. Ironic, I feel, that some people imply that drawings like mine are all about the end product (just because they are 'finished') when in fact it is the process that is so important to me.
So, it was a worthwhile experiment, but now it is time to change down a gear again and tootle along at my own speed!
9 comments:
Sometimes it takes a challenge to realize you have your way of doing things and that's fine. When ever you post it is a gift to the rest of us to see it.
I have to agree with Teri when she says all your posts are a gift.I love the ones that are detailed and the simpler ones too. They each tell a special story of your art journey. It allows us, as the viewer, a glimpse into your life as you share your observations. I like knowing others are dealing with similar things as me. I think thats why we share ourselves with our art friends.
And I'll third the sentiment! I like seeing all of your drawings, Type 1, 2, AND 3!
(...and I also wonder how they fit toddlers with glasses!!)
Oh my days, that is one of the cutest things I've ver seen. I am talking about the baby sketch, of course. I've never seen a toddler in glasses actually. And you're right, how do you get the right prescription for such a young child? Anyway, it's gorgeous and I do hope it's on Flickr, I need to Fave it.
I have the same problem. I call it my "HAVE TO" syndrome!!
But please keep posting, cos we all love to see your work! Even your quick sketches are fantastic!
MD
Felicity, I admire your drive and sense of daily duty with respect to your sketching. I teach art but rarely find the time to sketch; in class there is rarely a quiet moment and in the afternoons and evenngs I become a tuition machine. I can't even keep a written diary, although the idea draws me. I bought a beautifully bound book to try to tie me into the process, but after a time I failed. thanks for your comment on the gaping holes in education. I would wholeheartedly agree with you about cooking, bank accounts, etc. And I am sure you are being too modest in your last comment!
Even your quick sketches show so much detail and sensitivity. I agree with Andrea - that toddler is one of the cutest things I've seen in a while.
Bravo Fiz! I love seeing all of your drawings, but what's important is not your audience - it's you. I'm happy you've decided to be true to what works for you and not worry about us. We will be happy with whatever we get, and wouldn't be happy at all if we knew you weren't. (love that little sketch with the heater btw -
I enjoyed this post, especially your comment about worrying about answering the eye doctor questions correctly, which I do too. I had a migraine this week myself (on Thanksgiving) but fortunately it was what I call a "walking" migraine -- I can be up and about but feel lousy.
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