Saturday, January 1, 2011

Sketchbook Challenge

Every year - for several, I start out the New Year with the idea of sketching more. It doesn't stay a focus for very long. This year I am happy that there is a sketchbook challenge on the internet. See sidebar.

I NEED to and simply must sketch more. I find that when I sketch more, I have less difficulty 'seeing' and 'composing'. Being out of practice can be a little frustrating. I find it really helps me tune into JUST what something should render like in my finished paintings. So - my sketchbook for this challenge has begun on this paper. It is heavy and really accepts charcoal/pastel.

The first sketch for January is a subject that is "Highly Prized".  That wasn't too hard to sketch.
Hasty Herman is a good subject - any way I look at him.  Life without him hasn't gotten much easier, over time.  He was one very special dog.
I had to take a break from reorganizing the studio today. It is taking way longer than I thought.  Most of the big items have been moved.  DH has helped me alot with making it just right. 

I feel that I have kick started my "art" year with this challenge.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for posting about the Sketch challenge. I really do need to get back to basics also.

I ADORE Herman's sketches. They remind me of those huge instruction manuals on "How to Draw...." When I used to look at them at my library as a little girl, I was in awe of how the artist was able to render shadow and form with a few broad strokes of a pencil instead of rigid and painstaking placed lines of carbon.

Happy New Year Pattie!

Dana Cooper said...

What a fun challenge to be participating in...Herman is a wonderful choice to lead off in your book!

Pattie Wall said...

Thank you Sheila. Boy, memories of the "How to Draw Horses" book I owned when I was a kid...still on my bookshelf. I like being 'sketchy' and not finished, don't you? Hope to see you on Flickr and the group!

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Dana! I think that there will most likely be some more of Herman. It was therapeutic to draw him today.

Art Still GOING On

(I've been really neglectful of this space. Yikes!)   This summer we planted TREES on our property - spent so much time caring for them,...