drawings

Trust yourself – Make Marks

artist book, drawings, inspiration / /

Sometimes, I just have to begin and trust that the path will evolve.

japanese stab binding

I do this “just begin” thing a lot, and I am still surprised when magic happens, things work out and I make something that I like or learn from.

walk to fill the well

I keep it simple to begin:

  • take a photo
  • go for a walk
  • clean my work bench for 20 minutes
  • make some doodles

So I say try it, and see what happens. I think it helps to let go of any demands that it work out and just explore the present moment.

soft cover coptic stitch

Before you know it you may have a whole collection of art work! Check out the current online class offerings

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What to draw when it feels like work?

drawings, mark making tools, mixed media printmaking / /

If you are like me and don’t really like to draw, then it can be challenging to come up with ideas for drawing subjects.

sketchbooks linda germain

A few classic subjects:

  • self portraits
  • fruit and veggies
  • flowers

self portrait linda germain

I think the important thing is that you are interested in the subject matter. That will make it easier to stay committed to the drawing. Most recently I have been distilling my marks down to basic shapes.

mark making in sketchbook

I think it helps to give your self permission to draw the same thing over and over again.

A couple of more topics:

  • Studio tools
  • Jars, cups and vessels
  • Buildings
  • Birds

shadow shape inspired drawing

So if drawing feels like work to you, don’t give up. Just keep trying new approaches:

  • new subject matter
  • use small pages or notebooks
  • try meditative marks

If you would like to explore some meditative mark making and learn a few book forms, then check out the current workshops being offered.

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Meditative Marks

drawings, mark making tools / /

Lately, I have been exploring the process of meditative mark making. You know those doodles that take you away. Or the drawings you do during a meeting or phone call.

circle doodles

I was wondering if those kinds of marks could be the basis for growing my personal lexicon of marks. I love that phrase lexicon of marks.  It just means mark making language, but sounds kind of beautiful.

repetitive mark making

I want to combine a bit of “scientific observation” and repetitive mark making to expands the kinds of marks that I can naturally draw and doodle.

painted and stamped meditative marks

  • What are your “go to” marks?
  • How do you go about expanding your lexicon of marks?
  • What tools do you use?

Something to think about. Happy making!

Looking for some mark making ideas and support then current online classes.

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Things I have learned lately – Making ART

drawings, inspiration, mark making tools / /

I recently participated in Karen Abend’s Sketchbook Revival. It was a free event with 28 generous teachers sharing ideas for making art in our sketchbooks.

sketch booking by the lake

I also did a class with Lewis Rossignol through Carla Sonheim Presents.

draw more and enjoy the process

So I have taken in a lot of information and ideas about using a sketchbook. And I am starting to appreciate my style of drawing and mark making.

doodle your message

Let me share a few ideas that motivate me:

  1. From Danny Gregory – Use up those art supplies – don’t let them be precious
  2. From Carla Sonheim – Look more at the things I want to draw – notice the shapes, lines, etc
  3. John Muir Laws – Count and observe and record like a scientist, in a curious way.
  4. Play with sticks and ink from Helen Wells
  5. I am willing to sit and listen for my daily message and write it in my sketchbook – thanks to Jessica Swift.
  6. I love to “mess up” my sketchbook as encouraged by Lewis Rossignol.

sticks to make marks

If you are looking for support and encouragement and an online printmaking class, then check out the current classes.

make marks in your sketchbook

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Tools to build your drawing skills

drawings / /

Drawing is a skill that:

  • can be learned
  • can be practiced
  • can have an expanded definition of what is possible and pleasing

books about drawing

I think some folks love to draw and others see it as a chore or challenge. I have a couple of tricks that I use to make it less of a chore.

#1 Expand your idea of what a good drawing is

line drawing of ear buds

If your skills are not where you want them to be just yet, then try to be gentle with yourself as you train your eye, hand and brain to all work together.

  • Look at line drawings by Matisse, Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly or other famous master. Hopefully you will notice a raw, authentic beauty in the characteristics of their line drawing. Check out my pinterest board of Master sketches.

#2 Use tracing as a tool

drawing with Matisse

With some hesitation, I suggest doing some tracing studies. Please use them as a tool and not a constant crutch. If it becomes a crutch that you use all the time, then your skills may stagnate. But if you can use it with restraint it may help you to see.

#3 Draw a bit each day and keep it fun

make your drawings work for you

Fun, quick and easy is important. And your daily practice will pay off. Sometimes, I have done quick little line drawings in a notebook and found it months later and been pleasantly surprised by the memories the drawing evokes.

  • Give yourself a reason to draw. My reason is so that I have imagery for making printing plates, templates and stencils for other printmaking processes.

block printing gives your drawings life

If you are interested in using your drawing more and learning how to make trace monoprints, then check out the details of the online class,  DRAW into Print.

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