Some more pages from this new Moleskine sketchbook, in which I am teaching myself to draw. It's really hard to get out of some habits, right? To leave your comfort zone and all of those other cliches. The drawings above are from the first full spread in this book. I couldn't give up on the those things I'm always drawing. Little things; the buttons, the tags, the scissors, the stamp.
But, I'm not learning from that. So, I'll keep on pushing myself in other directions. Cos that is the point of this sketchbook; no pencils, no perfect neat drawings, no same old same old.
And as each page goes by I feel I am letting go a little. As I become a bit more confident of drawing things that scare me. And there's a real sense of achievement in drawing something you would have previously avoided and it turning out okay.
Yeah, there are some that turn out pretty rubbish, but they always seem to be the ones I've overthunk.
Some more pages from this new Moleskine sketchbook, in which I am teaching myself to draw. It's really hard to get out of some habits, right? To leave your comfort zone and all of those other cliches. The drawings above are from the first full spread in this book. I couldn't give up on the those things I'm always drawing. Little things; the buttons, the tags, the scissors, the stamp.
But, I'm not learning from that. So, I'll keep on pushing myself in other directions. Cos that is the point of this sketchbook; no pencils, no perfect neat drawings, no same old same old.
And as each page goes by I feel I am letting go a little. As I become a bit more confident of drawing things that scare me. And there's a real sense of achievement in drawing something you would have previously avoided and it turning out okay.
Yeah, there are some that turn out pretty rubbish, but they always seem to be the ones I've overthunk.
Your "rubbish" still blows away the best efforts I could make. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteI guess for most of us your insecurity about your drawing seems absolutely ridiculous, since you are so good at what you do. If I could draw like you I'd be jumping around happy and showing my work off at everybody like some proud 5 year old going 'look look LOOK, look what I made!' and just knowing that they would ooh and aah over everything.
ReplyDeleteI guess everything is relative ;-)
Really gorgeous pages, as a viewer I can't see the flaws just enjoy them. Thanks for posting these x
ReplyDeleteI love that you drew the Moley book mark in the second one!
ReplyDeleteYou just get better and better. I too am diving into my moleskin with same goal-learn to draw-love following you on twitter now.
ReplyDeleteWe all have a comfort zone, and you seem to be more comfortable than most with a pen. These are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you're learning and it's effecting the direction of your work it doesn't matter what you sketch. What things do you have in mind? Where do you want your drawing to improve or grow?
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is so hard. I have been trying it for all of 2011. It's so hard to break tried and true patterns. I so easily slip back into the same things that are comfortable for me. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic! and I like the idea of drawing what we would rather avoid. It can be very freeing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Caatje and Bryan. I would be absolutely thrilled if I could draw such "rubbish"! ;-) Your drawings are wonderful. I think I've got all your zines.
ReplyDeleteCool, you are actually scared of drawing some things!? I agree with everything Caatje has said. Your drawing 'ROCKS'
ReplyDeleteLovely work Andrea, and very inspired. I too love sketchbooks and moleskins (and have recently bought one of your zines). I have been inspired to create a zine of some of my sketched from the last couple of years, so thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteThis latest work of yours shows consistent quality. I love the attention to detail. Your eye for perspective and tone is so very good. Keep it up.
Lorrie x
The sketches all look perfect and neat to me...you've a unique talent
ReplyDeleteAs artists we are always learning, and developing our drawing skills, so it is always worthwhile spending time honing these skills. I never feel my drawing is good enough, except for some odd days where the sun is shinning and I feel in tune with the universe so I know exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteYou're teaching yourself to draw?! What?!? You mean you don't know how!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your work and being inspired. But more than anything I love how you continue to be so down to earth and approachable. (heart) Love from Mona in Vermont
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks, guys.
ReplyDeleteI didnt expect such a great response to these drawings and this post. I never know whether I should post this stuff, but your kind words make me think I was right to! I'm also, really not fishing for compliments. I have a LOT to learn; the human body and architectural drawings are top of my list.
Thank you ALL. You make my day.
Following your last comment, interestingly...despite as a student having done enough life drawing to last a lifetime, nearly 30 years later, I am in fact undertaking some life drawing workshops, as I feel I have forgotten so much. So, yes...you never stop learning, and relearning.
ReplyDeletep.s. if you ever feel like posting a tutorial on creating an artist's zine, I for one would find it very useful indeed.
ReplyDeleteLorrie x
Thanks, Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteBecause I am self taught I've never learnt those things, but I am starting some life drawing sessions next week (eeeek! ssshhhh! don't tell anyone).
As for the artist's zine thing, I think this is a really good idea. I am in fact hoping to have another zine made in the next couple of months so that could fit in very nicely. I was actually thinking on making one page (of the new zine) about zines and making zines as my frineds, who are not neccessarily familiar with the zine concept, keep asking me 'what are zine?'. So thanks for that. I will definitely do it.
Cheers, everyone.
I think you are doing great. It is good to push forward but that doesn't mean you can't add a button, snap, stamp or other familiar item to a page if you need that little bit of comfort. I'm always surprised when a subject I thought was too difficult turns out pretty well but really, your past experience with seeing objects and drawing them will translate forward into your more difficult items. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteExcellent..I shall be watching for that 'zine' tutorial then definitely. And good luck with the life drawing sessions, it will be lots of fun I am sure.
ReplyDeleteAll of it is wonderful! Each of them..! And I couldn't really understand why you would want to 'learn' again, but, now I get it.. It's sometimes necessary to just go back to the start, even if just to loosen up and relax with your drawings... :)
ReplyDeleteI've zoomed in on the pages, examined the back, stood on my head to look at them and I'm blowed if I can see a single one that's 'rubbish'! ;)
ReplyDeleteWow! Those kitchen utensils that you draw are quite amazing. Love it!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Peny@digitizing service