Ronald Searle
Here are a couple of drawings from Ronald Searle's 1950 Paris Sketchbook. It's a fantastic book, written by his then-wife Kaye Webb, and if read carefully, gives an insight into the drawing life.
I have loved Searle's drawings since I was a kid and have been studying and frustrated by them for the past few years. He renders such incredible detail and yet is loose and fluid with his line. Like so many of my favorite draw-ers, he combines cartoonish exaggeration and flourish with careful observation of reality. I tell myself that if I were to ever find the right pen, I could draw like him, but know that all I can hope for is a pale homage to his style. I just don't have the patience.
If you don't have one, find a favorite artist and try to become him or her. You won't, of course, but paradoxically, in trying to become another, you will draw out bits of your own style still buried.
See the image larger here.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Thank you for posting the drawings from Ronald Searle's Sketchbook. I feel like there is a lovely Searle influence on the gate in your French Technique post. Your work is always inspiring -- thank you for sharing it. I also liked your advice about trying to become your favorite artist and that being a way of expanding one's own artistic voice. Always something valuable to read here. Thanks again.
Posted by: Liz | December 12, 2004 10:21 AM
Oh now this is a coincidence maybe.
Is this searle guy the same one who drew the cat book something like 'The House Cat'. I have that book and have done since i was a child. Several of the pictures being a little rude and almost every one very funny.
Also i wrote the comment in the above post before i read this one, so i'm really glad i used similar phrasing about your artwork to what you used for Searles!
Posted by: fluffy | December 13, 2004 02:40 PM