To The Drawing Board

In my last sketching post, I was lamenting my lack of drawing flair. See, I can draw. What I'm missing is my very own michele-type style. A few of your comments on that post were quite insightful I felt, and got me to thinking.

For instance, Catie suggested:

"Have you ever tried just adding a little colour? Like pink to the cheeks and nose. It is so playful and breathes life into an otherwise monotone drawing."

As you can see, I took your advice to heart Catie. I may have added somewhat more than "a little" colour though. Once I got started I couldn't stop myself. When it comes to colouring I turn into a giant kid: the more colour, the merrier... 

I also appreciated the advice Saraccino shared: 

"You are able to see beauty in stuff which is so normal, even trash. This view will give you special insight for sketching. Stop thinking and just enjoy it!"

I think you're right Saraccino. I do tend to overthink drawing. Part of the problem may be that I like to control every little pencil stroke. Letting go and relinquishing a teensy bit of control might be just what the doctor ordered eh?... I'll have to give it a shot.

Aneesah recalled a moment from her own experience. She wrote:

"I've struggled with style since forever. I've been told by a lecturer that I'm too literal... I think that means I don't use my right brain enough. There isn't enough of me in the artwork, more needs to go in the process." 

She also added wisely:

"Style takes time and experimentation."

Wow, it's like that lecturer was speaking directly to me from across the chasm of time... The idea of "being too literal" and putting "more of me" into the drawing really struck a chord. You're so right Aneesah. If I'm just reproducing what's already there (as I've done with the elephant photo above) then maybe I'm investing too little of myself in the work. Perhaps what I could try instead is to practice interpreting the photo rather than just reproducing it verbatim. Then I might see more of myself in it. I might even begin to develop my own style... Hmm, what an intriguing concept!

Thanks for your thoughtful and considerate comments. I do appreciate every one, and try to learn from them whenever possible.

Have yourself a beautiful day.

♥M

Comment Response Update

You may have noticed that Blogger has recently introduced threaded commenting. This new development allows for direct response by both you and I to specific comments within the comments section. Thusly, I will no longer be responding to comments via email but rather responding here on the blog within that section. I'm very much hoping this will work well and simplify things for us. Fingers-crossed!

If you'd like to contact me privately, you can always send me an email at michelemademe (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

Have a happy day now!

♥M

Note: The above wedding card was designed by The Boy. It was then rendered in paper by me.