I haven’t sketchbooked in such a long time, not properly. I had an appointment this morning that made me a little later than usual for my train so while waiting at the station I got myself a coffee and sat down with my sketch book.
It was almost alien and, I’m not joking, I felt uncomfortable holding the pencil. I’m starting to realise (a little too late I think) that the frustration I’ve felt over recent weeks while painting is because I’m out of practice at the very basics.
There are I guess lots of excuses I could use, but that’s exactly what they are, excuses, not reasons.
I stopped taking my sketch book out with me, mainly out of frustration that I was unable to use it when I needed to jot things down during the day (due to the 9-5) which is usually when I get my inspiration, while I’m thinking of something else! Does anyone else have that same problem? I imagine so.
Sketching not only helps to clarify and build ideas, it also helps to release all the crap as well, all the ’stuff’ that builds up that I think would make a great image, until I get it down on paper.
Lesson learned – sketchbook everyday.
A possible new canvas to come soon. This popped into my head while waiting for the train this morning. Apparently someone decided to jump on front of a train in North Wales, causing a fair amount of dissruption.
Just an idea at this stage.
I know I’m way behind the times – we watched Wall-E at the weekend and I can’t believe I haven’t seen it up until now. It’s a great film and every detail was perfect. Like I said, way behind.
I’m going to have to make some time to watch it again on my own so I can soak up/absorb more. I’ll probably do what I used to do before I found myself getting side-tracked by life’s ‘little distractions’ and have my sketchbook handy. There was a time when I wouldn’t/couldn’t sit and watch a movie without my sketchbook. I found myself half way through Wall-E getting distracted because I wanted to remember parts for later, that’s how inspiring it was. The last time I felt like that was when I watched James And The Giant Peach.
I always turn a painting upside down to make sure it looks ok. It’s the best way for me to know if it’ll work.
Sometimes all you need is to spend 10 minutes on something to turn it around and put it back on track.
(photo is from my phone)
This is the third day I’ve gone out to the studio and not felt like painting. That’s not entirely accurate, it’s not that I don’t feel like painting, more like I can’t paint. I’m artistically impotent.
I have too many thoughts going round in my head, like hundreds of voices all talking at once so when I try to concentrate on one task, another ‘voice’ starts ‘talking’ over the top.
That has pretty much been the par over my entire weekend and it’s driving me nuts and making me irritable to say the least.
Upfest 2010 Ilse Of Wight
Upfest will be at Cowes week in the Isle of Wight. Featuring many of the artists from the Upfest/View gallery show (inc myself).
Opening night is tonight at 6pm.
The Folly - 2010
Plan B - 2010
Some shots of the recent canvases for Tend To Offend in Sheffield.
seriously contemplating a rain dance, it’s that muggy.
