I expected drawing from life to improve my drawing skills. But all of the other, even more transformative things that it has given me have been totally unexpected
I resonate so much with this! Urban sketching was this medium where I sketched from life as I was in the gap stage, then it was other mediums and then it was junk journaling, collaging. But the one that is bringing me sheer joy because of how handy it is , is sketchnoting. It’s really changed the game for me.
I am documenting my travels from Koh Samui to Koh phangnon to Chiang rai through sketchnoting and it has been the most efficient way of capturing moments intentionally without too many supply demands.
This is the latest one which involves a paddle boarding disaster, live music, night under the stars and a new workout😁✨. I hope u enjoy it too🌸✨
Wow this is fantastic, and what a great idea to document your travels in this way. It'll help you access the memories so much more. Thanks for sharing!
Thankyou for this post. You are giving me the confidence to do more drawing from life, it seems to be the thing that is missing in my art practise. Beautifully written .
What a great post! I’ve recently gotten back into regularly drawing from life in a small sketchbook and it is simply the best. I also like what you say about your own drawing googles—I find that especially apparent when I’m drawing alongside another person and it’s so interesting to see how differently we all see the same thing. LOVE the pink drawings!!
Thanks so much! It’s sooo interesting to see how we all pick different things of interest I find. Lovely you’ve got into sketchbooking again. I have patches where life gets in the way, but always feel better when I do some drawing
Thank you for posting your work and thoughts. Inspiration ! Here’s my question since I consider myself ‘new’: I have sketchbooks of all kinds unopened and some I’ve begun. I love to draw with my black micron pen. When I add watercolor I feel the result is ruined b/c the papers seldom ‘take’ to watercolor. Now I have a small costly watercolor paper spiral notebook and feel I must have something important to draw (and add color) in it before using these pages. How do sketchbook artists make their book pages look fantastic using watercolor when it doesn’t appear as if they’re using watercolor paper? They look like regular sketchbooks. Any ideas?
Thank you so much! And thank you also for your question - I'll add it to my questions post (coming soon). For a quick answer, I'd say you can get some cheaper alternatives that still have thick enough paper (try seawhites for example). This can help take the pressure off of feeling like you have to make a perfect drawing for it to deserve to go in your expensive sketchbook! Happy drawing
I really enjoyed your post Carys. I’d like to build a more regular habit f drawing from life and this was really inspiring. One thing I do have is lots of tiny sketchpads dotted about - in my kitchen, in the car in my coat pocket … … it definitely helps me snatch some drawing time at what is current a really hectic time for me.
Oh that's a great idea! Yes, finding time is definitely a challenge - but this sounds like a great way to keep any opportunity or window you have as a time to potentially draw. I'd love to hear how you get on
this is so lovely and inspiring!! I fell off carrying my sketchbook everywhere and have been in a bit of a slump - this reminds me why I should. I'm excited to start doing this again! I love how you use such beautiful bright colours in your everyday sketches, I aught to bring along my coloured pencils too 💖
I get these slumps too! Life can be hectic, and it’s easy to get out of the habit. But I always, always feel better if I do a little drawing in my day ❤️ happy sketchbooking! And thank you about the colours - I like having a layer down sometimes so I’m not just starting with white
Ah what a blessing to read this, very reassuring post. Started drawing from life not that long ago, and reading this is very inspiring! Love seeing your work!
I'm partway through reading this and will come back to it but something about certain scenes resonated. I find landscapes are my boring nemesis at the moment, they just don't seem to do it like an interesting building! I'm hoping by reading more of you this may change over time. Best wishes CJ
I resonate so much with this! Urban sketching was this medium where I sketched from life as I was in the gap stage, then it was other mediums and then it was junk journaling, collaging. But the one that is bringing me sheer joy because of how handy it is , is sketchnoting. It’s really changed the game for me.
I am documenting my travels from Koh Samui to Koh phangnon to Chiang rai through sketchnoting and it has been the most efficient way of capturing moments intentionally without too many supply demands.
This is the latest one which involves a paddle boarding disaster, live music, night under the stars and a new workout😁✨. I hope u enjoy it too🌸✨
https://substack.com/@urmilamenon/note/c-111850909?r=2hxtwc&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Wow this is fantastic, and what a great idea to document your travels in this way. It'll help you access the memories so much more. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! Thanks for your warm comment 🎀✨
Thankyou for this post. You are giving me the confidence to do more drawing from life, it seems to be the thing that is missing in my art practise. Beautifully written .
You’re welcome and I hope you enjoy it when you do it!
What a great post! I’ve recently gotten back into regularly drawing from life in a small sketchbook and it is simply the best. I also like what you say about your own drawing googles—I find that especially apparent when I’m drawing alongside another person and it’s so interesting to see how differently we all see the same thing. LOVE the pink drawings!!
Thanks so much! It’s sooo interesting to see how we all pick different things of interest I find. Lovely you’ve got into sketchbooking again. I have patches where life gets in the way, but always feel better when I do some drawing
Thank you for posting your work and thoughts. Inspiration ! Here’s my question since I consider myself ‘new’: I have sketchbooks of all kinds unopened and some I’ve begun. I love to draw with my black micron pen. When I add watercolor I feel the result is ruined b/c the papers seldom ‘take’ to watercolor. Now I have a small costly watercolor paper spiral notebook and feel I must have something important to draw (and add color) in it before using these pages. How do sketchbook artists make their book pages look fantastic using watercolor when it doesn’t appear as if they’re using watercolor paper? They look like regular sketchbooks. Any ideas?
Thank you to anyone with help!
Thank you so much! And thank you also for your question - I'll add it to my questions post (coming soon). For a quick answer, I'd say you can get some cheaper alternatives that still have thick enough paper (try seawhites for example). This can help take the pressure off of feeling like you have to make a perfect drawing for it to deserve to go in your expensive sketchbook! Happy drawing
I really enjoyed your post Carys. I’d like to build a more regular habit f drawing from life and this was really inspiring. One thing I do have is lots of tiny sketchpads dotted about - in my kitchen, in the car in my coat pocket … … it definitely helps me snatch some drawing time at what is current a really hectic time for me.
Oh that's a great idea! Yes, finding time is definitely a challenge - but this sounds like a great way to keep any opportunity or window you have as a time to potentially draw. I'd love to hear how you get on
Love this Carys! Important lessons for artists and non-artists (if there’s any such thing) alike!
Thanks so much! And I wonder if there is such a thing. We all have creativity, I think
Absolutely!
What Ira Glass says is so true !
Isn’t it! That stage can be so frustrating, and I still feel it. But it’s also a comforting thought that you’re on your way to your taste
this is so lovely and inspiring!! I fell off carrying my sketchbook everywhere and have been in a bit of a slump - this reminds me why I should. I'm excited to start doing this again! I love how you use such beautiful bright colours in your everyday sketches, I aught to bring along my coloured pencils too 💖
I get these slumps too! Life can be hectic, and it’s easy to get out of the habit. But I always, always feel better if I do a little drawing in my day ❤️ happy sketchbooking! And thank you about the colours - I like having a layer down sometimes so I’m not just starting with white
Ah what a blessing to read this, very reassuring post. Started drawing from life not that long ago, and reading this is very inspiring! Love seeing your work!
I’m so glad! And I hope that keeping up the drawing helps you too, and not just for your drawing but all the other things too
Loved reading this, I feel the exact same about drawing from life!
Oh I love to hear this! Happy sketchbooking
Loved this!💖
Thanks so much! ❤️
Beautifully put!
This is lovely and encouraging and generous. I am a beginning on and off sketcher but find it really absorbing and mindful.
I'm partway through reading this and will come back to it but something about certain scenes resonated. I find landscapes are my boring nemesis at the moment, they just don't seem to do it like an interesting building! I'm hoping by reading more of you this may change over time. Best wishes CJ