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.

More NEW art pieces

  Lukki - watercolor 9" x 12" acrylic done from Unsplash ph ref, thanks C Deluvio!