Friday, April 8, 2011

Dreaming of Spring - Sketchbook 2

I believe I've spoken before about how much I love to draw with a simple old bic pen. The bic  glides smoothly over the cheap printer paper I often use and leaves a nice clean blue. There's no erasing with a ball point pen so you can't get too careful or fussy. You have to think on your feet when working this way and a little coffee will help to keep you alert and fresh. I often like to start these doodle sessions by drawing the frames on the page first and then challenge myself to put something, anything into each one. This of course leads to a certain amount of repetition but it can also yield happy accidents and pleasant surprises. You have to be willing to take whatever you get when working this way but it's often worth it because there's nothing better than a new idea.

Peace be with you.




More soon.
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5 comments:

  1. PorkyApril 8, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Wonderful post. It doesn't hurt for us to put ourselves on the spot once in a while, and there certainly is a real magic in a new idea.

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  2. AnonymousApril 8, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Wonderful sketches Larry. These pens on cheap paper were a favorite of mine two, found it so comfortable to sketch and doodle with. Only problem was when you drew something really good on a bit of scrap lined paper!
    As you say though, great for brainstorming new ideas.

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  3. Larry MacDougallApril 9, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    Thanks Porky. I agree, we have to challenge ourselves in order to make new discoveries. It's liberating, and if you screw it up no one will ever know.

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  4. Larry MacDougallApril 9, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    Thanks AA. I don't know how many times I've heard artists say that they do their best work, quite accidentally, on the backs of envelopes or hotel stationary. It's because it's scrap paper that we relax and work with freedom and spontaneity. That's why I prefer cheap printer paper to expensive, fancy pants sketchbooks. There's no pressure to do something great on a piece of cheap paper.

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  5. Larry MacDougallApril 11, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Thanks Craig. It's mighty kind of you to say so and I definitely appreciate it. :)

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