This week has simply vanished into thin air. I haven’t completed viewing all the lessons that Liz Steel has in store for me in Sketchbook Skool but I am plugging away. The process of watching the videos, contemplating the lesson and doing my best to get into a new mindset are fun but also a bit daunting at times. Liz is a teacher today but her education and career were in architecture. The analysis that she brings to creating a sketch is very organized and thorough — I like it a lot!
In our first lesson — Seeing patterns in complex objects — Liz drew her favorite subject, a tea-cup. Before getting to the cup, however, there is much thought and analysis that goes into knowing the cup and saucer well enough that you can overcome what may look daunting and then draw what is really there, not what you have in your head. I used her technique to break down the elements of my favorite cup and saucer by drawing a few thumbnail sketches of particular elements. Click on image for a larger view.
The first thumbnail captures the overall configuration of the saucer including placement of the floral pattern. #2 attempts the floral pattern, or at least a good likeness. #3 shows the essence of the cup. Once all this prep work is done, Liz’s style is to do a sketch very quickly. This was quite a surprise to me, actually, considering the exacting nature of her career life and the preparation that goes into the sketch. However, now that I’ve done just one sketch using her techniques, I can see where the preparation work allows for more confidence once pencil is in hand. I also like her view that ‘circles are wonky in sketches, so just get over it and keep moving on.’ What a relief that is for someone who tends to try to be exact. Note to self: This is supposed to be Fun.
I still have more to learn from Liz. The next lesson is about drawing a building. I can’t wait.
I’m enjoying your lessons-I do think I will end up in this class someday.
You won’t regret a minute devoted to it.
Looks like a lot of fun.
It is! Believe me.
One of my employers was accustomed to saying “Well begun is half done.” He said he took it as a challenge to not do anything without careful planning and research. You are giving evidence to the universality of this truism. My employer was a lawyer, so little art was involved in my job for him. Love how you critique the lesson and show your work!
Thanks, Christy! I’ve certainly learned in lots of other projects not art related that preparation is the key to success. The best part of Liz’s preparation steps is that she explains what she is thinking about as she goes through each one. I always like to know the ‘why’ of it.