Some times, for no particular reason, we just can't summon the enthusiasm to paint or draw. We've all experienced it. Some call it 'artists block' and others just that they aren't in the mood. Some times lifes little problems come along and knock us off track. Some of us are more resilient than others but we all have a point beyond which the pursuit of our art seems trivial and unimportant by comparison. This is where I am right now.
However, fearful that my 'mood' would only deepen the longer I allowed it to, I made the decision to spend a short while doing something arty even though my heart and mind just wasn't in it. Not wanting to think a great deal, nor get involved with setting up my stuff or looking for something to paint, I opted for the simplest, quickest solution and the medium I am most comfortable with. I picked up my sketchbook and a water soluble pen and took down from the wall a Wildlife calendar that had been sent to me last Xmas by my good friend Ingrid (
Ochil Art). I sketched what I saw before me without any thought as to whether I would apply water later or just abandon it when I'd had enough. As I forced my pen to sketch shapes on the paper I felt more at ease with what I was doing and I started to get more absorbed by the art rather than other things.
The end result is far from a masterpiece (classic understatement) and some of the dark areas are too dark because I didn't give enough thought to how much ink to lay down to give me the right tone, but none of that matters. A little over an hour after I'd started, I put my pen down feeling more satisfied and relaxed than I had for many days ... and keener than ever to pick it up again.
I think this is a super drawing, J. You have captured the movement in his wings ... and your darks are not too dark! Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteNot only an excellent drawing, but most importantly took you back to a place you love. Working with your pens... yes, good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteSuper ink drawing John. I think you're right. Sometimes you have to go back to what you are most comfortable with and it is good for the soul too!
ReplyDeleteIngrid, I'm glad you like the drawing and thanks again for the calendar. I told you I'd put it to good use.
ReplyDeleteHiya BJ. Yes, I'm always more comfortable with a pen/pencil than a brush. Thank you for the lovely comment.
Thank you Michael. I wish I could be as comfortable with watercolour, as you appear to be.
It seems that as I read through the recent posts of the blogs I follow, we are all apologising for neglecting our blogs! Maybe it's just the time of year, but you are not the only one going through a dry spell - myself included. It is great that you drew this regardless and it's something we should all do a couple of times a week at least! I think it's a lovely sketch :0)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra. Yes, trying to catch up with blog posts (yours included) is high on my list of must-do's. I'll get there. ;-)
ReplyDeleteKudos for making yourself draw & for sharing it. I think it came up well; you are too hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, I appreciate that very much.
ReplyDelete<<< you are too hard on yourself >>>
That's because it came out as it is, not how I'd intended it. LOL.
You have captured a mood just so.. and you are so right in that once you force yourself to do, you relax into it and then you can't wait to do again!
ReplyDeleteI really do like your drawing too :)