… and why I look forward to attending my weekly drawing class!
I have recently been looking back through the large stack of drawings that I’ve created in nearly a decade of attending drawing class. I have had a few minor clean outs but many works remain!
What is clear is how much I have learned and here is what I found …
Whether I’m working in abstraction or realism, my observations skills have greatly improved. Closely observed drawings have trained me to see the relationships between light and shade, form and space, edge and volume.
Still life in charcoal
A sketch allows me to problem-solve in real time and a sketchbook is my playground for compositional decisions, experimentation and learning. Over time the practice has become an increasingly integrated part of my artistic process, and I feel more confident about my compositions.
Thumbnail Sketches
Regular sketching has helped me develop my intuitive mark making skills and personal style. Working repeatedly with a subject in different ways builds “muscle memory” and the sketches become part of my visual vocabulary.
Small composition study
Sketchbooks are a place where I can push the boundaries. I like to work with quick loose sketches, thumbnails, crops from previous works, small colour and composition studies and concertina books.
Concertina Sketchbook
I love getting outdoors for a few hours sketching! For me it is an opportunity to slow down and connect physically with place, nature and materials. A very special part of my practice!
Sketching in the Mangroves on Jervis Bay, NSW
Drawing and sketching are my ‘cross training’ keeping my art practice alive, evolving and directed by exploration…