It may sound like an odd thing for a painter to say; but I really don't enjoy painting very much.
I much prefer the drawing side of the work. The initial drawings are far more fun, and convenient.
A pencil, pen, and pad take no room, pencils and pens are clean, drawings are quickly executed, and relatively easy to master.
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Very rarely do I go anywhere without my pen and pad, but mostly, these days I take photos with my phone. However, occasionally only a quick drawing will suffice.
Ever since I drastically pruned this Fig tree, and revealed its trunks, I'd wanted to draw it. I got a bit lost whilst mid drawing but it hardly mattered, it was the meditative quality of drawing that mattered.
The fig trunk is a work of art on its own. I am one of many who can't draw at all well.
ReplyDeleteDrawing is usually just a matter of practice, and being relaxed about it.
DeleteI notice you have been referring to taking your phone out with you a few times when talking of photography on your outings. I take you now have a smart phone as you used to talk of taking your camera. I am currently doing a drawing a day, or some form of drawing exercise at least. I post them on Instagram. It is a good discipline.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was almost obliged to have a smart phone (proof of vaccines, etc). I find the quality of the pix very good too. I would love to do a drawing a day, but the discipline just isn't there.
DeleteThe drawings and paintings shown on Instagram are amazing and it is a very friendly community of like-minded people.
DeleteI've never looked at Instagram. I have a friend who shows her photos there, but I've still not been tempted.
DeleteMany years (decades) ago I used to enjoy drawing but am unfortunately not very well skilled at it so gave up. Perhaps I could try again, just to give me pleasure.
ReplyDeleteJayCee you really shouldn't worry about your skill, it's the fun of making your very own recording of things that's important. I used to do drawings of silly everyday events. They were really badly executed, but are now amongst the favourites of the family.
DeleteDrawing is indeed meditative and good for the soul. With practice we get better. Back in 1972, I won the school prize for Art at Beverley Grammar School but it can be easy to leave one's artistic talents on hold.
ReplyDeleteLike with everything, one needs to be consistent in order to improve.
DeleteYour fig tree is an interesting subject for a drawing. In rural France, there must be a multitude of good subjects. Both plant life and architecture comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteThe architecture makes wonderful subject matter; I've drawn a lot.
DeleteMy son draws everyday and almost always has his sketchbook with him. I am always amazed at how a few quickly placed lines can turn into a recognizable image! It's like magic to me.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like a talented guy. Viva your son!
DeleteIt's interesting that you mention this. I never saw myself as especially artistic, but while trying to interest William in new things, we've been using Sculpey clay. I'm really quite good at making figurines with it. Working with the clay is very relaxing to me.
ReplyDeleteI really envy you being able to bring out your pad and your pencil and draw something that gives you satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI did study drawing (and painting) for about 5 years. I should get some satisfaction from it!!! But not always.
DeleteI like pen/pencil drawings best but then, I'm not a colour person really ! I also love pen and ink drawings with a bit of watercolour ..... call me a heathen !!! XXXX
ReplyDeleteNothing 'heathen' about that. Pen and wash, pencil and watercolour, pen and rain, etc, all good methods.
DeleteI have recently discovered that making things in clay is awfully relaxing as well. Bonus. I seem to be fairly decent at it. Who would have guessed?
ReplyDeleteI have a good supply of clay nearby, and often used to bring some home in a bag. I'd make small 'sculptures', let them dry, then bake them in the fire. Some would shatter, but others would come out OK.
DeleteWhatever the work seems they all have aspects we truly enjoy doing but some much less so as you describe with painting.
ReplyDeleteI've only started drawing in the last few years having been told at school that my artistic ability was zero and that I could get on with anything else that I wanted to do (usually homework!)..
ReplyDeleteNot just the eye hand brain coordination, the act of concentrating purely on one thing for a while does one good
ReplyDelete