Jason Pollan claims to be trying to draw every single person in New York. He posts these drawings on
his site. I like the idea, a little less enthusiastic about the execution. Wanna tackle the folks in your town?
Check out this site that features short, time-lapse films of a bunch of different artists drawing. The artists tend to be of the Juxtapoz, tattoo-parlor, heavy metal school who draw from their imaginations and the soundtracks tend to be hardcore rock. The artists are a talented bunch and a quick visit to the theatre makes for an adrenaline shot to your inspiration.
Above:
Recent images from our Flickr Site
On May 8, 2008 sue said, “Yearbooks! What a fabulous idea for practicing portraiture. love that notion. thanks for the inspiration. I look through them at flea markets and didn't think of that, even though I do sometimes buy old photos just because I love the clothing and hair and styles, etc... Anyway, great idea!”
in Stuff I Like of Late.
On May 7, 2008 art addict said, “Blue Skies is like so many of my adult drawing students. It is easy to tell them to lighten up, but it seems to me that many perfectionists find themselves interested in learning how to draw as they become adults, having totally given up on it as a child. It is nearly impossible to get them to lighten up- I find it works better to appeal to their understanding that anything good takes practice and devotion to the craft. Some listen and some don't, but if they are interested enough, they will soon find the fun of it and be less hard on themselves. That is always what I hope for in my students anyway.
Getting interested in making art is fabulous at any age, but that whole inner critic thing is a HUGE creativity killer.
Not only is cheap paper freeing, but it can also be liberating to draw on the pages of an old discarded book. Just draw right over the text. This is not my idea- I read it in Trumpetvine Travels, and it has stuck with me as a good tool to get some people over the thought of "ruining" a perfectly good piece of paper.
I find that it seems to be about three things mostly when someone is hesitant to move forward with drawing because of their inner critic, but all three reasons ultimately boil down to the fact that they do not think they are worthy.
1. They are afraid to spoil perfectly good art supplies (Note- it is JUST paper. Everyone is good enough to ruin a sheet of paper. If you are worried what people will say, draw privately at first).
2. They are afraid what others will say (but most do want people to look at their work. They need a SAFE environment to share in) The EDM forum is the perfect place in which to share- all drawing levels are present and it is a very encouraging group.
3. They feel like they should draw as well as _______ (usually someone that has been honing their drawing skills for years)
Like Danny says above, you can't win the race without putting in the practice time.
Isn't it true that many people stop drawing, for the most part, in early grade school? That is why many adults are baffled how to draw something as they SEE it rather than as a symbolic or representational drawing.
Perhaps the frustration comes because accomplished artists make drawing look easy. In reality it only becomes easy with lots of practice and a drawing discipline. Fledgling artists can't hold themselves up to that loft goal right away. Baby steps need to be taken with mini triumphs along the way.
So I agree with most all of the posts here. New artists need a nurturing environment and encouragement. But they also might also just need to realize that all good things do not come easily. Stop whining and just do it- even if it is uncomfortable.
Beginners will get there too if they keep at it. The good news is that keeping at it is fun if you can get that inner critic to take a hike (or at least a nap).”
in Blue Skies.
On May 6, 2008 rawvolta said, “Drawing , painting make the time disappear;-)
Right before I can start or at times when I can't draw/paint I have this feeling in my belly like I'm right before some important date;-)
Thank you, Danny for amazing notes!
Love YOU, Danny, I started again because of Your book, blog and amazingly friendly intentions;-)”
in Blue Skies.
Flowers, leaves, and ferns can be beautiful reminders on your journal page. I'm not too fussy about how I preserve and mount them — I press them between my journal pages, folded in a paper towel if they're very moist and meaty. A few hours or days later, I take a strip of clear packing tape, preferably the rippable variety, and laminate the specimen onto my page.
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My mum taught me to appreciate paper early. To riffle through blank journals and pinch the sheets between my finger pads. To consider pulp and fiber. To notice how a pen flows smoothly here while it bucks and protests there. Since, I've met and felt quite intensely about so many different papers.
French toilet paper - crisp, waxy, impractically nonabsorbent and harsh. Little Italy deli
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