For the second time in just over a week, having my sketchbook with me at lunchtime paid off. If I had left it at home, I doubt very much that I would have seeked out paper and pencil. But, since I had the stuff with me and a few extra minutes at my disposal, it worked out.
I’ve mentioned my aversion to lettering in the past. And as I started to draw this, my first thoughts were, “how can I fake the sign?” And then I almost immediately forgot all about that, and the next thing I knew, I had the whole thing sketched out; and not too badly if I do say so.
In fact, the signage and the roof are my favorite parts of this sketch. They aren’t perfect, but for what this is–a small post-lunch sketch–I’m quite happy with them. If I had to guess why, I would point to 3 things:
- Practice: I’ve been drawing more days than not for the past 10 weeks (Wow! When was the last time I was able to say THAT?!).
- Confidence: With all that practice comes a certain level of trust that I can make a decent line when I need to.
- I don’t know if I can put this into a word or two, but: A willingness to bind and gag my inner critic until the work is done. Sometimes you just have to convince yourself to shut up and draw. The more I do it, the easier it is to beat my inner critic into submission.
One thing I think I’m starting to convince myself of is that no matter how difficult the subject matter, it’s all just shapes and areas of shade/color. Some are a little more complex than others, but that just means you have to spend a little more time looking at them.
Interesting. This was not my best work; but I feel like it pointed out a lot of really important things. Oh American fast food… is there no problem you can’t solve? I mean, besides obesity.
You’re on the right track. Ignore the critic and just keep going. It gets easier the longer you do it . And you are correct, all it is is shape, value and color (and edge and a few other things, but those are the most important.) The more you practice the more intuitive it becomes – but new challenges appear like ranges of moutains behind mountains as you approach. It’s a wonderful journey. Enjoy.
Great sketch – and I agree with all of your reflections about the effect of daily drawing on your internal critic.
You know, I will probably come back and read your insights more…you are so right….I feel that sometimes I have an evil twin living inside my head…(like the one that told me to eat that candy bar yesterday)…when I have been so good….why is it that we give these bad influences so much credit by LISTENING to them….I will not let them win…thanks for reminding me we don’t have to….. The teacher I currently have in my Sat. morning drawing class…tells me, put the darks in and the rest will come into focus and you will see the shape….PS I love your Wendys sketch…
Well, i think you’re so brave to draw in public – i’m only just getting up the courage to do that. And ignoring the inner critic is definitely a great idea… you produced a lovely drawing so you are right to start trusting your abilities. i look forward to seeing some more…
Well, I was sitting here fretting about EDM #211 and wondering what on earth I could do wwithout making a complete idiot of myself! Then I read your post and felt so much better that I went of and did my picture! And it is so different to what I usually draw and paint, thanks to you!
By the way, that lettering is great!
Words of wisdom – Thanks Jeff!