Having joined Daily Devotions 365, I am committing to making art every day this year. I have interpreted that to mean doing something that is art-related for me every single day, mainly as a way to keep myself sane and motivated. A more specific goal is to draw something each day.
I chose this because I have always wanted to sketch. I did a lot of pen and ink (extremely unforgiving) when I was in high school, and some charcoal work for cartooning. I wasn't bad - but I had to have something to look at - which isn't a bad thing. I have always felt like I could improve my drawing. I can do enough to get by - sketch quilt patterns, pics for the kids at school. But I wanted more.
So I actually started before the New Year. My first try was of a patio table and umbrella - not bad, but trouble with perspective and distance. I then started with smaller items right in front of me. I figure I have a way to go before I can "do distance." I had a lot of success with realism, and I realized I wanted more than just a number two pencil. I bought a basic set of four pencils of varying hardness. Lots more potential.
Today's exercise was a drawing of one of our Christmas houses that we still have out. I started just by looking at it - one of the things I read was to spend time just looking at an object, and when you think you are done, look some more. Which I did. I was amazed at the amount of detail in this ceramic house. I spent close to an hour completing the drawing. Lots of detail. I was amazed at what I could accomplish with just a few pencils of different hardness. It's a good likeness, with some good shading. I had anticipated just a basic outline of the house, and I ended up with much more.
I think the goal tomorrow will be to choose one of the other houses and focus on outline only, to see how different the process will be.
Ta for now - Linda
|
