"Inspiration exists, it has to find you working." ~Pablo Picasso
It's been a number of years since I first started sketching and drawing often, more specifically drawing a variety of illustrations and still life subjects. The inspiration I often find is in photos of a perfect subject as room settings, scenery, and portraits, or a live model and still life. They're both valuable sources of a good drawing, as long as they're what inspires you and if it will work completely well with the media you choose. And I love to work with a variety of dry media to either begin the process towards painting or as an end in itself, and that is important in creating great masterpieces.
Subject
I find that the joy in sketching effortlessly is first starting off with thinking about what you want to draw, and then simply releasing your creativity and imagination can help you. I love to find inspiring photographs of landscapes, interiors, buildings, and portraits. I also love to seek those that have defined lighting and shadows, especially with drawing people's faces. So here's a tip of mine: expand your horizons and go beyond your comfort zones whenever you want, to fully enjoy the work you should utilize the areas you have the most talent in.
Medium
How does an artist choose just one sketching medium they like to work with so easily? I don't think it is a simple decision. Having many years of practice using pencils, chalks, vine charcoal, etc., I like how they seem to be great at making the right chiaroscuro (strong contrast between light and dark) effect, form, line, and such. Being passionate about drawing really helps with loving every bit of dry media. So, I like to work with all of them as often as I can. I also am being inspired by other sketches and final drawings by talented artists, which is a definite requirement, trying to get the same feeling they had. It depends on what I like to see as the end result. I am finishing a charcoal portrait, so hopefully I can share that later in another blog. I think it is great to try something beyond the graphite pencil, especially when trying something with color. I love to use pastels and colored pencils for portraits or floral subjects. So, three words when it comes to a successful drawing, especially with a new medium: practice, practice, PRACTICE!
Sketching Area
As an artist, I like to seek out a good area to focus on my work. There are times when I can multi-task and listen to music, watch my favorite shows and such while drawing. But on the other hand if I need to concentrate more I definitely need a quiet place like my room or going outside to finish my work. Classical music or listening to the sounds of nature helps. Confession: I don't have a studio, so any area helps me.
The Finishing Process
This work can sometimes feel like it is going on and on til I feel that I have completed picture or study, but it feels great to get inspired with how I want to approach my creative process. I believe anyone can do their own thing, and they can be inspired by anything they want, even for amateur and professional artists. I don't think anyone (unless they want to) should follow certain ideas and specific trends for art instead of letting their own talent flow naturally. This definitely goes for drawing too, as I see sketch artists make their work, inspired by their own ideas and showing the world what they can do. This is more of an encouraging post, not a full, professional teaching course. But people who are passionate about a good drawing should also be passionate about the process. It may be hard to believe, but I promise its a true statement to go by.
Comments