Value in scribbling – loosen up!

Paul Klee is quoted, “Art does not reproduce the visible; rather it makes visible.”

Scribbling is an automatic, loose, expressive line drawing. It is guttural and filled with emotion. The surrealist and abstract expressionist made scribbling ok.

One of my favorite “scribblers” is Cy Twombly. He did huge scribble like paintings. Do a google image search and enjoy.

Of course you are familiar with the action painting style of Jackson Pollock.

I also love the large brush stroke paintings by Franz Kline and Robert Motherwell.

What is it that is appealing about scribbling?

  • It is raw and authentic
  • It tells a different story to different viewers
  • Maybe it says what can’t be said with recognizable forms

scribble drawing

My scribbles are not going to get me into an exhibit or museum, but they do free up my mark making.

scribble trace monoprint by linda germain

I did a series of 30 small expressive style drawings, using the trace monoprint method and Akua inks.

expressive drawing by linda germain

I was experimenting with different pencils, pens and crayons to transfer the ink in different ways.

use different tools to make different marks

My drawings/prints went from chaotic to quiet and back and forth again. I think making art is like the ups and downs of a gentle roller coaster ride. In the end I had discovered some new tools and marks that I will use in my mixed media prints.

line drawing monotype print by linda germain

If you are interested in:

  • exploring expressive drawing
  • making trace monoprints

Join us in SEE draw print, the online class. Class starts Friday. READ the details.