With my art, I have discovered something curious. I am convinced that I cannot do certain things (like sketching) until suddenly I have the feeling that I can. I know it sounds bizarre and it is to me every time.
Last year, my talented friend Kelly (of Kelly Berkey Designs) had a Stretching to Sketch challenge on her blog. She'd post a picture of herself, and the next week everyone would submit their sketches. I didn't participate partly because it was a busy time for me, but also because in my mind I had decided that I couldn't sketch.
This morning, somewhat out of the blue, I felt the urge to sketch with pencil and paper. So I decided that I would take one of Kelly's photos and sketch it. In order to not overthink this (which can easily happen for me), I set two ground rules: to take only 10 minutes, and no eraser!
I think what changed is how I look at what I am drawing or painting. Instead of seeing a human body and thinking how complicated that is to draw, I am starting to see lines and shapes, and light and shadow. Suddenly it's starting to make sense to me...
The result? Not great art, but certainly a nice first "real" sketch!
I disagree -- I think your sketch is pretty great!! And it sounds like you are starting to see like an artist. You go, girl!! You are doing some great things!
ReplyDeleteyes, your sketch looks fine, you should see mine, it looks horrible xD
ReplyDeletehave a nice day Silke!!!!!
xox
The ability to sketch is all in the head. And I mean that seriously.
ReplyDeleteEven after YEARS of doing fine drawing, I can get myself so freaked out at the thought of a sketch, I won't do it!
You are totally correct in that when you look to draw, you see lines and shapes, and how they relate to other lines and shapes. Not what it actually IS.
And I think it came out fine!
Sometimes I think drawing is more taxing on the emotions than on the hands...you know what I mean!
XXOO~~♥
Anne
You did a great job and I knew immediately it was kelly!
ReplyDeleteI am totally in awe of your development! When I discovered your blog, you were just beginning to paint - and just look! You've come a long way, baby!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely!!!! And to think you did it quickly and with no eraser!! You are growing by leaps and bounds Silke!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful sketch to me, even more so if it is your first.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful start...and just reading your words when you say you see shapes now and lines...that's what it's all about...training your eye to see volume and proportioning...We were taught this for 4 months in Spain when I went to art school we drew boxes...stacked differently...with charcoal...NO shading...just line...4 months,4 hours a day...then we proceeded to draw the figure(instatue form)we blocked light and dark areas...same concept..."blocking" volume of light and dark shapes...they trained our eyes to see form, NOT a photo.It was the best ART classes I ever took.
ReplyDeleteHUGS...keep sketching!
Char.x
I think it's a great sketch. I was just doing that last night as I sat at the computer, Just doodling and then sketching sort of. It's hard for me to sketch too. Great job. Have a wonderful rest of the day. Time to do something around here like clean house, wash clothes, make a tuna casserole for dinner, la da da da.:D Take care.
ReplyDelete10 Minuten und kein Radierer? Wow zu dem Resultat!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Silke, I think is a great sketch for being the first time you do that, I am glad you are discovering the art that is inside of you, that must be a good feeling.
ReplyDeleteLove, Amalia.
Fabulous Silke..beautiful..gorgeous and pure! I love it. yes me too..it is a different way of seeing and connecting..and it all makes sense!Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLiebe Silke,
ReplyDeletedeine Bilder gefallen mir immer wieder. Hier bin ich gern zu Besuch.
LG Sabine
Liebe Silke,
ReplyDeletewir besuchen dich auch sehr gern.
Liebe Grüße
Angela und Elisabeth
Bravo Silke! You saw with your heart!
ReplyDeleteYes you can !
ReplyDeleteDas ist gut, du solltest mehr Zeichnungen machen.
Wirklich gut.
Liebe Grüße
Janine
You did a fine job with this sketch, Silke. Bravo! So glad to see that you conquered your fears and just went for it! Theresa
ReplyDeleteHi Silke!! Look at you...and me! ha-ha. That is wonderful. And you know, mine took me 5 hours and so much erasing, I'm truly amazed that you did this in just 10 minutes. Mine at that point looked like a bunch of circles, lines, and boxes.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it excited to see as an artist? In terms of shapes and tonal value, it's amazing how well we can sketch when we take the nose, or arm out of it. Way to go and I'm so glad you are going to join in on the Blue jean Challenge too! Hopefully I'll get the photos posted Sunday night.
Big hugs to you my sweet and talented friend!
Kelly
Silke!!!! This is great! Good for you!! I cannot believe you did this in 10 minutes! I spent hours on my sketch, I didnt have much going in 10 minutes! I probably was thinking too much. good idea to go quickly without overthinking it! I was over at Kellys blog and saw that you will be joining the challenge! YAY! Me too! :)
ReplyDeleteSilke...not great??? Honey...this is gorgeous! go back to my blog today and write down the affirmation...put it on your bathroom mirror and and another copy in your studio!!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo! I enjoy how blogging allows us to participate in someone else's journey. I just now found your site -- popped over from Laura's blog -- and I look forward to exploring... :-)
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me? This is a wonderful sketch! And then you go on to tell me it took just 10 minutes and no erasing! Good golly, girl! Stand up and take a bow!
ReplyDeleteI love this sketch. The mind shift is so powerful! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletei just love it silke, it must feel wonderful to be so creative and growing more so every day. keep it going, you are very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteAh la la!! Notre Kelly nous fait craquer et se fait croquer!! bravo... bisous
ReplyDeleteI am awful in sketching. Can't do this.
ReplyDelete