Sketching Daily-or not

Who defines our work?

Repeat after me, “I am the artist. I choose my method and I choose what to share.” You may have to practice that one. We are under pressure to monetize our skills, often in ways that take away our inner voice. Do not build your portfolio based on which pieces garner the most “likes.” It can be difficult to separate constructive criticism from the noise of a digital interface with the world. We love our followers, we love to discuss our methods and our choices. But we must be allowed our voice. It may not resonate through the digital realm as others think it should, but in this age of micro-opinion clicks and word prompts, we need to explore authenticity.

What is a sketch?

A sketch may be the exploration of a topic in advance of a final composition choice. It may be a rough color study done to capture fleeting tones before the sun sets. A random thought, a picture conjured by song lyrics or poetry, or perhaps practice to improve an ability. Definitions shift and return. I like to sketch as a way to capture what I see and feel. Sometimes as meditation. I like to practice details for later compositions. But in the end, I have used all these definitions of sketching at one time or another.

Where are we?

Anywhere. Sketch from life. Sketch from photos. Sketch pads or practice pieces should not themselves be holy objects, or the purity of blank pages may become intimidating. Once filled, perhaps they are objects of encapsulated self. Be wary of destroying old sketch pads. They can bring you back and show you where you have been. I’m not saying don’t ever destroy them. I have ritually burned one to symbolize moving forward in my life.

When do we sketch?

I have tried many times to sketch-a-day. I have tried working in groups to support and lift others up, looking for support and rigor in my schedule. I have tried it alone. I haven’t been very successful. Other people’s prompts don’t inspire me consistently. The constant, well-meaning, “just start again” when a day is missed implies that a missed day is somehow “the end.”

My current schedule is very forgiving. I place small sketchbooks at critical locations. I have scheduled my lunch at work to be time to sketch, and I walk around outdoors. I have selected images from my photos that have things in them I want to learn and created six digital files.

I am sketching in general, two month cycles. I do not abuse myself for missed days. We draw near the end of Jan/Feb. I haven’t sketched every day, but in 51 days I have noted 40 sketches in my file so far. Some “good” some “awful” but always noted and placed in a digital file.

Why ?

I am a recovering “self-marketing” artist. I found myself focused on small, high volume, low profit pieces, and keeping up on multiple platforms. There was too much emphasis on selling and not enough on creation. Now I sell through a small gallery and sketch on my lunch hour.

I am looking for the flow and muscle memory to collect thoughts. So both eye-hand coordination and perhaps thought-hand coordination. I want to capture my vision and expression confidently, whether forshortened tree branches, dreamscapes, musically alliterative patterns, rainy weather, historic ruins, or children in an unruly line holding hands.

Find a ‘why’ for sketching. Sketch. Whenever and wherever you can. Daily if you wish. Let it relax you and open up the connection to your voice, your vibe, or whatever you call it.