Sketching as a regular habit
The basis to me gaining confidence in my art has been my sketching practice. I usually have a sketchbook on the go at all times. Sometimes I may use other pads or pieces of paper.
For me sketching is the base practice in which I have developed the skills to do the drawings that I put out for people to possibly buy.
Back in 2015 when I started a regular sketchbook habit the idea was to carry it with me most / all of the time and have a fineliner or more with me to draw with. My choice to draw in pen was to stop me worrying about trying to be perfect and by working in ink I can’t go back and rub things out.
I soon established two mottos;
- If it doesn’t move, sketch it
- If it moves, take a photo and sketch it later
Now that meant I could draw anything. What I hope to do is to look at a range of my sketchbooks and share examples of things I have done and additional guidelines I have followed at different points as my drawing skills have developed.
Over the years I have carried a range of different sketchbooks and in different sizes, the key factor to have something to draw on with me. I have at times drawn on other materials from pieces of paper or paper napkins.
I believe my practice and repetition of skills is how I have built up my skills. Also looking back, even though I wasn’t drawing for the purpose of art I have a long history of drawing diagrams: as a school pupil, at university for my degree with a range of geographical and geological diagrams and maps, 28 years of teaching and especially 15 years of chalkboard work, then whiteboard markers and even electronic markers in Interactive whiteboards all developed my skills.
Is it a skill that anyone can do? I believe so which is why I encourage all ages to have a go through the ‘Art for fun’ activity at the shop to make a mark.
Do you sketch?
Would you like to try?
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