I started some new drawings this week! I've switched from sitting at my work bench to drawing standing up at the white board. I am really liking this, although the concrete floor is not fun to stand still on for hours at a time, it is great to be able to step back and check my progress. I can also move my piece up and down with the magnets. Plus, this new arrangement encourages many mini dance breaks!
A few new things that I am loving lately include some new tools and techniques. These additions to the Tea Drawings series have been stained with local plants as always, but this time I have a few nettle-only ones. They turned out great, I love this soft green color! (It is a little more green in person.)
I have also begun printing out my reference photos at the library (I don't have a computer/printer) instead of working from my phone or imagination exclusively. I can only do this for the vintage clothing inspired drawings. I think the librarians would take offense to me printing out nude photos. 😆 For those figures I will continue doing the same thing I've been doing, using my own body as a loose reference or working from figurative models via my phone. Having these printed photos for reference has made it so much more enjoyable and easier to capture the pattern, texture, and folds of the vintage clothes I love so much. (I've been a collector for over 15 years.)
Something else I've been doing is when I finish a drawing I will right away do a rough sketch for the next. The sketching period makes me antsy and I don't enjoy it that much. I really like getting down to business capturing shadow and light on my figures. This system means I can start at the part I am most excited about right away the next morning. I can work on my drawing with out getting burnt out on the first phase. This new technique really helps me keep my rhythm.
I have finally nailed down a black pencil that I like! I tried a few different kinds that were never quite right. In addition to this, at my most recent run to the craft store, I picked up a little sanding pad for sharpening my pencils. GAME CHANGER. Why the fuck have I not been using these the whole time?! That super tiny point and the crispy fine lines -- so satisfying! I still use my electric sharpener but I finish it off with a few swipes on the pad. I feel like my drawings have improved with just these two small tweaks! I hate to say it, but quality tools and mediums can really make a difference.
I am really in a groove this month and I am excited to get back to drawing in the studio.
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