What is the purpose of Sketchbook Mondays? For me it's a motivational tool to spend more time in my sketchbook, and to embrace the fact that not every drawing needs to be 'perfect.' I think the reason most of us are artists is because we love to draw, we have fun creating an image. And this is one way for me to get back to that state of mind.
Most of the time I am driven to create a painting that is a success, at least in my mind. And each one I do usually falls short of where I want it to be, and that's okay. That's part of the process. If we were satisfied every time we painted what would propel us forward to that next 'masterpiece'?
So for the sake of just plain having fun with my artwork I have made an effort to spend more time doing things that I want to, just for fun. Not for any other reason. Thus the sketchbook Monday. When was the last time you sketched or painted something just for fun? Unafraid of what anyone else would think? Maybe you're better at that than me :) Tell me about it, it will be fun!
These are some of my favorite sketches from seven years ago. That seems like a long time. I used to carry my sketchbook with me everywhere, and I would draw whatever struck me. Sometimes it was from a photo, a book, or even from life. I think my skills grew so much in that time just because I was practicing every minute that I could. And you know what? It didn't feel like practice or work, it felt like fun. :)
Seven years ago and already so gifted!!! Just shows that practice makes perfect as well. I think you have such an amazing gift Crystal!
ReplyDeleteyour talent shines through! I go through spurts of resolutions of keeping a sketch book and unfortunately am not very disciplined about doing it :(
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to look through sketchbooks? I still sketch, but not as much as I would like. When I do sketch, I try to do timed sketches to see what I can do in 2 or 5 or 10 minutes. It can be challenging.
ReplyDeleteYes Crystal - I agree! Sometimes when you just cut loose with no expectations you get the best results! I've had this happen a number of times with paintings. I used to carry a sketch book in college - it was a must - and have not sketched properly in ages! Do you know of the website: urbansketchers.com? I think you would totally love it. VERY inspiring : )
ReplyDeleteI should take a leaf out of your book. I am always too worried about boring the person who is with me, or feeling embarrased if someone looks, so I spend far less time sketching than I should. I wish I could get past that! I adore your sketches! They are pure and simple, exactly what a sketch should be!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your sketches, Crystal. You've inspired me to sketch more often. I've always admired those people who sit on the sidewalk and sketch caricatures of people or do portraits in like 10 minutes. Right now I'd be happy to be able to better sketch a flower or scene to be able to do a better watercolor. :)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks so much Jen! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Meera! And you know I do the exact same thing!
It is very fun Michelle! And I do the timed sketch too, sometimes, it's very eye opening!
Hi Kim!! You are so right about cutting loose, that's what I'm talkin about! I just need to remind myself of that more :) i am on my way to check out that site, right now!
Thank you very much Sandra! And I think your sketches could never be boring, they are always beautiful and creative. But I know how you feel, I worry about that too :)
Thanks Carol! I admire those people too, it's so fun to watch them, but I always wonder how they feel about all those people looking at their drawings. Probably used to it by now! And I think that is a very good goal to have :)
Thats a nice and thoughtful post. Indeed sketching is so much fun. And I agree that I have long since stopped paining just for fun. I just paint to make a successful painting. Maybe thats one reason why my work is not improving much anymore. Thanks for the nice comment about my work.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.