Sketchbook
A collection of pages from my recent sketchbooks. The practice of rekindling an “art practice” has been challenging and frustrating at times, but also exhilarating and so satisfying! Sometimes it’s easy to catch the wave of inspiration, and other times I fight the inertia that can easily set in. It’s really gratifying to gather these images here, evidence of inspiration followed, ongoing practice and my emerging creative voice.
Around here
Drawing is a wonderful way to really see and savour the landscapes or little things around me.
Abroad
Going abroad really opens the senses to what’s around us. On our recent trip to Mexico, there was lots of new inspiration.
Following Inspiration and Practicing
Inspiration is a gift; it can come at unexpected times, from random places and be so fleeting. So often, I will feel its spark but ignore it or try to hold on to it for a more convenient time, but then not find that time and then the spark is gone. Catching and riding that wave of inspiration is key!
Practicing is how you get better at anything, including drawing, or painting, or whatever the medium might be. Releasing the desire to make a “good drawing” make space for mistakes (the wrong paper, the wrong medium, etc) which is where the learning and growing actually take place!
Learning from others has also been a source of growth. The classic book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain showed me new ways of seeing with fun exercises for practice, while online classes with Still Drawing introduced me to willow charcoal and oil pastels. Through trying different mediums, I’ve slowly begun to get a feel for what I enjoy and what works well for me, such as tonal drawings in a range of pencil weights for landscape and using mechanical pencil or ink pen for my flower studies.
I’m excited for the continued journey and look forward to adding to this collection.
