How do I sketch? Quick drawing of Buckingham Coach house.

A Sketch is one of the hardest types of drawing to master.
As an A level student, sketching was something that I did very little. I couldn’t see the point, or rather I couldn’t see the difference between sketching and drawing. So every time I set about “sketching” it would have to be done as a completed drawing. Looking back at these sketch books I see pages of skeleton drawings- abandoned before they were begun.
Sketching requires a degree of abandon which most people are reluctant to achieve ie they fear failure. I was such a person. When I decided to become an artist I knew it was something I needed to address. Having Read Doug Eyre’s book “Drawing Caricatures” I had started with his daily exercises, which were invaluable.
But, my lack of Art school training was felt acutely. Where and how could I find out about this elusive artist tool – the sketch? Books on art abound in copious quantities. Books on sketchbooks are virtual Hen’s teeth, or so I thought. I finally discovered what I needed on Amazon and then ordered it from the Book Depository (I’ve found they’re cheaper but use the reviews on Amazon to identify useful books).
 “An Illustrated life” by Danny Gregory is beautiful book crammed full of information. It looks at the sketch books of a variety of different artists and how each artist uses his/her sketchbook. Some are complete books in their own right and others show the workings of the creative mind at it’s most dynamic. He even has a superblog called Every Day Matters for those wishing to walk the walk!
I now Sketch daily. Not always well, but the habit is there. I’m less anxious about their imperfections, they are learning pieces. Because I’m learning I force myself to do the subject I detest! Buildings are my particular “bête noire” so they appear frequently. Sketching informs my artistic style and hones my drawing skill like a knife on stone. The only thing I regret, is that it took over 20 years to make this discovery.
This sketch was done earlier in the week, I see many flaws, but that’s OK, I’ve learnt so much!

So, how do you sketch? Do it often, do it quickly, do it habitually, do it happily and whatever your mood, just DO IT!

Warning - Artist networking at the British Library!

Today, I ventured out into the big wide world! Well, London at least. I’ve been living in the provinces so long it’s easy to forget how busy cities are. I joined “linked in” some time ago and joined the group women mean business and  networking meeting was arranged at the British Library. We met in the foyer of the British Library with the intention of going to the Cafe. An officious staff member informed us, rather rudely that we needed to have library cards to stay after 6.00pm. He chose the wrong group of women to mess with and the assertiveness skills came to the fore. We decided to relocate and ended up at St Pancras station instead. There were about 10 of us and we did the usual exchange of cards and introductions. Quite a mixed bag of skills and some interesting potential contacts. May well have been worth the effort.

Creative output today was acceptable. I have two paintings drying, just got to wait for the big reveal in the morning!

As for images…?

Yesterday I submitted my forms for the Stowe exhibition –the deadline was today. Only a little procrastination there then.Afterwards I went in search of my artistic muse. The river and snowdrops, my first subjects, proved something of a challenge. Snowdrops on a steep bank that led to the river. I negotiated that obstacle and produced some arty water shots with the snowdrops in the fore. All without getting my feet and, more importantly, the camera wet! I’m not posting those, however. On the road afterwards I was greeted by the sun on Buckingham Parish church, I had to stop the car and take this! This photograph is completely unedited!

Buckingham Old Gaol Watercolour Painting

I’ve finally finished my watercolour of the Old Gaol. I’ve been meaning to do it for ages and decided "now was the time" last week. I may need to touch up the painting in places, but generally I’m happy with the result.

I decided to miss out some details such as the information sign but wanted to keep the market mess in to give it a modern feel. I’ve already spotted where I need to touch up!!! It never takes me long when I’ve uploaded an image. I think I’ll get the acrylics out later, although I may have the pastels out before that.

I escaped...WOOHOO!

I snuck out for a few hours this afternoon. Freedom, love my kids but love my space too. I managed to do some sketching. I managed 2, this one of a bridge which looks more than a little rough and the other a view at the garden centre - while I was having a coffee. I let Andrew decide which one to post, he chose this one.

I finished the abstracts this morning. It takes a while to remove the masking fluid without ripping the paper, but they've come out well.
I really must do some portraits or caricatures, I haven't done any since Monday. I'm awaiting some details before I start with the commission. So now to do a portrait...or caricature... who and what style? Decisions, decisions...

Out and about, again!

Finally, I had a day without children. Ewan was off Wednesday to Friday last week, sigh! He's much better now. I had a few small tasks to do in Buckingham today, so I took advantage of the situation to do some sketching. It was going to be a watercolour pencil sketch but got converted into a line and wash, seems to work better for buildings.

I've left the sketchbook edges, for artistic effect, yes, that's it. I've been doing a lot of buildings over the last year as they're something I've tended to avoid. I never felt I was any good at them, I'm coming around. I also tend to be put off by complex buildings, but I'm realising that they're actually easier.
I've also started a two abstracts, I love days when I get some control over what I do!

A little drawing

Procrastination ruled today. Too many "routine" jobs and return to school related activities. I managed a quick sketch in Buckingham this morning, and the rest of the time was on the commission. Then we had some wine...
Here's my little sketch from this morning.

Sketching

No portraits today. I might start one later, once I've sorted out the children's school uniforms for tomorrow.
This is my sketch from yesterday. I decided not to crop it, I like the sketchbook frame. I drew it in Buckingham Yesterday- sitting on a pack of nappies, the ground was cold. I'm wondering whether to build it up to a painting, The bollard at the front has a lovely peeling paint I texture and the stone is seriously weathered, nice smooth flags.I see potential...mmm I think it will probably need some people. Did a couple of rough sketches of people sitting on the steps eating lunch. I had to do them subtly, people tend to get a bit self conscious when you ask them if you can draw them eating lunch. And make it too obvious and you risk hostility. Need to do a few more studies before I start.
So much happier today