Sketching

Sketching your animal

Here you will learn 2 different sketching methods. Of course you can use any other method that works for you. Try different versions and share it in our Facebook Group. If you are happy with a sketch and want to use it for your painting, move onto the next lecture.


Words of experience if you get frustrated or lose hope

The misunderstanding

Sketching is thought to be easy and should just come off your hand. We get frustrated if it does not turn out this way and might doubt ourselves and our ability. Do not despair, dear friend! Sketching is an art in itself, it takes time, observation and practice.

How to sketch with a free spirit

Do not spend too much time on one sketch. If it does not turn out well, move onto the next one. Then give yourself some time and distance. Return with a fresh eye after a few minutes, even hours if necessary. Then look at your little babies. Be nice to them but honest. What elements of it work well - line weight, a specific curve or shape, that one eye. Then look at what could be improved and take it as a help for your next sketching adventure.

Why is it so damn hard?

Our creations are very personal to us. So many times we easily judge ourselves by what we create - I'm including myself here, I'm no exception. The problem is that this frustration blocks you from creating. Sometimes we need to warm up a little bit, sometimes it takes more observation and time put into a skill to develop it. We are not born with the ability to draw or paint. However, I do believe we are all born with creativity and the ability to create. I dare to go so far as to say that we are meant to create.

Why do we aim for perfection?

I believe that one of the reasons why we get so frustrated is because we compare. We compare ourselves to all the perfect sketchbooks we see online or all the finished paintings. To be really honest with you - most of the things you see are edited, meaning that you only see what people want you to see. It is very rare to find someone presenting their art online who says: "Well and this is one of my sh* sketches, yey!"

Self-editing

Sometimes it almost makes me laugh what "sketchbooks" are considered to be nowadays. Whereas in my understanding a sketchbook is, well, a place for all your ideas, for play, for sketches and imperfections, so they can be developed for final pieces, nowadays I feel that many sketchbooks come more across like portfolios. One perfect piece after another. If we don't like one piece we rip it out. Are you guilty of this? Fair enough. I was too.

"Everybody poops" - James Victore

There is a video that really challenged my view of perfection in art by the designer James Victore. He might not be your cup of tea, as we say here in England, but he has some really good points to offer on this topic. If you are interested I highly recommend having a look at this video and a bit longer version here.

I hope this gave you some hope and a different viewpoint on your sketches, below I give you some more practical advice if you are struggling to achieve a sketch that resembles your chosen animal.


YOUR TURN

Create various sketches and choose one for your final painting!
Share your sketch in the Facebook Group.


Struggling with creating a cute sketch? Here is a helpful tip!

The challenge

When working with students I noticed that some of you had difficulties achieving a cute sketch of their animal. This usually happens when you are not really familiar with its characteristics and features, which makes it much harder to exaggerate but still keep it recognisable.

Go back to reality

Study your chosen animal really well. You can do this by either observing it in nature or at home if it is your pet. If this is not possible try to look at many pictures in books or online and analyse what its characteristics are e.g. what makes a pug, pug-like? I would say it is the cute snout, the small ears, curly tail, short stubby legs etc.

Study and sketch - then play!

After you have found the characteristics create a realistic sketch. Draw what you see and not what you want to see. This will help you to put all these features down on paper. After you have done this it should be much easier for you to exaggerate and go crazy with your sketch until you have something you are satisfied with.


Don't struggle alone

I hope this was helpful, please do not hesitate to contact me through our Facebook Group if you find yourself struggling with anything relating to the course.

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