Sketching, Drawing and Doodling
It is widely accepted by artists of all backgrounds and mediums that the very basic step to master is that of drawing. Whether from life, photos or memories, the sketch is where you decide what it is you are trying to showcase. Many factors contribute to this process. You have to put emphasis on what it is that excites or inspires as you to begin a sketch. What emotion does it reveal and how does that inform your stroke. For example when I am sketching or painting a baby or young child I will work softly and add feather strokes to their angel features but as one can imagine if you are angry or tired you stroke can become harsh or unsteady so it is helpful to be in the right state of mind.
They say that if you can draw really masterfully than you have the proper skills and insights into painting or sculpting because at its core are the bedrock principles of perspective, however understanding how to make something appear 3 dimensional on a flat piece of paper is just a start. Practicing EVERY SINGLE DAY is the key to training ones eye to see more keenly and hand to render more finely. I need to remind myself that doodling is not ART. Doodling may be relaxing and fun but real masterpieces require a level of commitment and time that can be grueling. In my best case scenario I am isolated from all distraction so that I can really focus on what I am SEEING. If you cannot see it, you cannot draw it unless it is a man-made shape that is ubiquitous and generally known such as the many shapes that reveal form such as anatomy or houses.
DO not forget….The most beautiful and revealing quality of a good sketch is the degree to which you see where the light falls across an object, face or skyline. If working from a photo, the light will always be FRONTAL with the edges a few shades darker. Most of my work is such however if I am working from life it gives me the chance to set up the light(s) in a manner that allows provides FORM light, BACKLIGHT or even RIM light.
The most famous portraits have nearly all been painted to create the illusion of FORM by emphasizing where the light hits or is reflected upon an object. This includes placing emphasis on where the highlight, mid tone, shadow, cast shadow and reflection are to be seen. I will be looking and learning for my entire life or as we artists say, “chasing the light”
Happy sketching!