Copyright James E. Martin 2012: 'Lil Bit - Quiet and Precocious
Sunday, December 23, 2012
From Photos: A Look and a Feeling
This sketch from a photo is the best likeness of Daughter Number 3 I have yet been able to achieve. Not everyone agrees though. I am most pleased with the sidelong look and the feeling I get in the sketch. It is a bit of her personality, in my opinion. The chin is just a 'Lil Bit resolute. Quiet and precocious. This is a good way to end the year and four months of Daily Sketching.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
From Photos: Closer Still
Another drawing derived from a photo. Closer to the age of the subject but not precisely a likeness.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Closer Still
Friday, December 21, 2012
From Photos: Working It
Another depiction from photos. I was somewhat OK with the result as a drawing but it was not really a likeness and did not depict the age of the subject accurately. Must continue Working It.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Working It
Thursday, December 20, 2012
From Life: A Holiday Silhouette
A genteel lady in South Station readying for morning holiday travel.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Holiday Traveler
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Drawing from Photos: Daughter in Repose
I was on a roll yesterday so was able to complete another drawing from a photo of Daughter in Repose. I liked the Style even though there is a gap in the likeness.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Daughter in Repose
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Drawing from Photos: Tie-Dye Daughter
My day to day sketches haven't been flowing well and aren't worthy of publish. Have some photos from the summer with Daughter Number 3. Worked on that portrayal. I liked the result for Tie Die Daughter.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Tie Die Daughter
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Holidays are Approaching: Cafe Tables
More quick sketches at the Boston South Station cafe tables. The holidays are approaching.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: South Station Cafe Tables
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Early Morning: Train Approaching
This morning the train approached the local depot with a blinding headlamp that silhouetted some of the commuters on the raised platform. I had a quick view to the left and portrayed this impression once I boarded the train. This might become an interesting 6" x 6" painting someday.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Train Approaching
Monday, December 3, 2012
Mad Dash: 15 Seconds or Less
I have been apportioning a small part of my day at the Boston South Station between my morning commuter rail and subway escapade. Thirty minutes at a cafe table to enjoy a coffee and treat while sketching. People pass by rather quickly and so this endeavor is generally one of very fast sketching within 5-15 seconds before moving on to the next image.
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Morning at South Station 01
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Morning at South Station 02
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Morning at South Station 03
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Morning at South Station 04
Copyright James E. Martin 2012: Morning at South Station 05
Sadness: Part of the Journey
I have indirectly found out that Scott Lightfoot, a life mentor to me through his blog writings, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. I understand it to be this day in Ohio. I started this art blog because of him and gained a deeper understanding of my artistic endeavor and motivation because of his insight, feelings and expressions. We shared similar perspectives, experiences, and struggles in our Journey. Although I never met him personally, I think we were kindred spirits. I did have the opportunity to write some comments to him on his blog from time to time. I offered him one final dedication....apparently shortly before he entered a hospice. One of his best friends and an intermediary to me, Kristen Dukat, told me that she had the chance to ensure that Scott heard my final message to him through her kind intervention before his final rest. Thank you for sharing with him and for sharing to me, Kristen. My comments and letter to him below.
"Dear Scott, about 12-18 months ago, I came across your blog. It was about art, the quality of life, the meaning of life, unemployment, and daily living. It was about struggle. It also spoke strongly to the theme of what it meant to be a man. To be a provider. To make a difference in the world. To achieve. To make an impact. Many of those issues struck a chord with me during a year of unemployment as a middle aged man, potentially needing to redefine who I was or who I was to become. You are a great writer and in that sense, not just a graphical depicter of images, but a true artist.
Expressing your view of the world and sharing your perspective. Changing the views, perspectives, and values of others as a result of implanting images in their mind that affect how they live out their journey. You have changed the images in my mind not necessarily because of your graphical depictions in a media but because you have affected my worldview because of who you are as a person and what you have done with your artistic endeavor along your life's journey. As difficult as it appeared to be at times against your own true self, you opened yourself up to the world and revealed your innermost vulnerabilities. You have told the story of Everyman and Everywoman in the flow of Humanity. The weakness. The chaos. The search for meaning. The effect of the world against the individual. The seeming lack of control and influence over things that are larger than any of us alone. The deep need to have friends and family. How many artists have there been that perhaps sketched drawings or painted pictures but had no lasting impact upon humanity? They are also artists. But we start out only as practitioners of a skill. Perhaps we are fortunate enough to add some practitioner's knowledge. If we are committed, perhaps we gain experience. And perhaps one day, someone looks at what we have done and says we have ability. But is Art about Knowledge, Ability, Skill, and Experience. Perhaps. But the greatest artists have faced the Void and gone into a Realm where no timid soul has ventured before. Their bravery and bravado put the deep life experiences into their unique expression.
I am only one small witness about you and testimony for you across the country and this globe. I started a blog because of you. It is about Art, Daily Living, the Artistic Endeavor, the Journey, and reaching one's Unique Potential. It is about making an impact during our time here in the flesh. It is about asking the deep questions. Although I have returned to work in Boston, I see things differently now. I have a different balance towards my daily walk. I sketch on the commuter train and the subway. I take photos with a different view towards how they could be used in my artistic endeavor. So how is the world of art changing and what part have you played in today’s art? You have been part of the Daily Painting initiative. Art is a more "democratic" experience whereby many more people practice the craft. It is a movement. You have been a part of its early formulation. And perhaps it can be said that the daily artists influence others through their art and that they enjoy being appreciated. But perhaps you have shown it is more than that.
As you know, the truly great artists changed the world by affecting the worldview of others through their expression. And like the Olympic champions of old, we observe that the torch gets passed from generation to generation. But the Olympic endeavor message has similarities to the artistic endeavor, the triumph of humanity over the struggles of life, the noble message of pure things that are to be aspired and expressed rather than the base things, the physical/mental/emotional struggle to be the best, to reach one's unique potential, to leave a legacy, to get it right, to be remembered in the flow of humanity. We each have a part to play. I am part of your legacy. You have made a difference in my life and how I see the world and what I should do in my time remaining however long that should be. I also am preparing to pass the torch along the timeline of the artistic endeavor. But it is not just about art, is it? I am more sensitive to my frailties and my weaknesses. My limits are more known to me today. I am bounded and constrained. For me, much of your message is about how short a time we have here in this life. To surmise otherwise is a fool's errand. There is great wisdom about the human condition in your story, Scott. So I endeavor, in my small part to play on this stage, to pour myself and my life's experience into others. And may attempt to do just a little art along the way as one medium of expression. But the true artists have changed the world. Just as you did for me. Thank you. jim"
I bid him adieu and will carry on my Daily Walk one small step at a time.
Scott Lightfoot: Artist , Influence, and Mentor
Courtesy of Kristen Dukat: A Time for Art
Courtesy of Kristen Dukat: A Time for Art
"Dear Scott, about 12-18 months ago, I came across your blog. It was about art, the quality of life, the meaning of life, unemployment, and daily living. It was about struggle. It also spoke strongly to the theme of what it meant to be a man. To be a provider. To make a difference in the world. To achieve. To make an impact. Many of those issues struck a chord with me during a year of unemployment as a middle aged man, potentially needing to redefine who I was or who I was to become. You are a great writer and in that sense, not just a graphical depicter of images, but a true artist.
Expressing your view of the world and sharing your perspective. Changing the views, perspectives, and values of others as a result of implanting images in their mind that affect how they live out their journey. You have changed the images in my mind not necessarily because of your graphical depictions in a media but because you have affected my worldview because of who you are as a person and what you have done with your artistic endeavor along your life's journey. As difficult as it appeared to be at times against your own true self, you opened yourself up to the world and revealed your innermost vulnerabilities. You have told the story of Everyman and Everywoman in the flow of Humanity. The weakness. The chaos. The search for meaning. The effect of the world against the individual. The seeming lack of control and influence over things that are larger than any of us alone. The deep need to have friends and family. How many artists have there been that perhaps sketched drawings or painted pictures but had no lasting impact upon humanity? They are also artists. But we start out only as practitioners of a skill. Perhaps we are fortunate enough to add some practitioner's knowledge. If we are committed, perhaps we gain experience. And perhaps one day, someone looks at what we have done and says we have ability. But is Art about Knowledge, Ability, Skill, and Experience. Perhaps. But the greatest artists have faced the Void and gone into a Realm where no timid soul has ventured before. Their bravery and bravado put the deep life experiences into their unique expression.
I am only one small witness about you and testimony for you across the country and this globe. I started a blog because of you. It is about Art, Daily Living, the Artistic Endeavor, the Journey, and reaching one's Unique Potential. It is about making an impact during our time here in the flesh. It is about asking the deep questions. Although I have returned to work in Boston, I see things differently now. I have a different balance towards my daily walk. I sketch on the commuter train and the subway. I take photos with a different view towards how they could be used in my artistic endeavor. So how is the world of art changing and what part have you played in today’s art? You have been part of the Daily Painting initiative. Art is a more "democratic" experience whereby many more people practice the craft. It is a movement. You have been a part of its early formulation. And perhaps it can be said that the daily artists influence others through their art and that they enjoy being appreciated. But perhaps you have shown it is more than that.
As you know, the truly great artists changed the world by affecting the worldview of others through their expression. And like the Olympic champions of old, we observe that the torch gets passed from generation to generation. But the Olympic endeavor message has similarities to the artistic endeavor, the triumph of humanity over the struggles of life, the noble message of pure things that are to be aspired and expressed rather than the base things, the physical/mental/emotional struggle to be the best, to reach one's unique potential, to leave a legacy, to get it right, to be remembered in the flow of humanity. We each have a part to play. I am part of your legacy. You have made a difference in my life and how I see the world and what I should do in my time remaining however long that should be. I also am preparing to pass the torch along the timeline of the artistic endeavor. But it is not just about art, is it? I am more sensitive to my frailties and my weaknesses. My limits are more known to me today. I am bounded and constrained. For me, much of your message is about how short a time we have here in this life. To surmise otherwise is a fool's errand. There is great wisdom about the human condition in your story, Scott. So I endeavor, in my small part to play on this stage, to pour myself and my life's experience into others. And may attempt to do just a little art along the way as one medium of expression. But the true artists have changed the world. Just as you did for me. Thank you. jim"
I bid him adieu and will carry on my Daily Walk one small step at a time.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Lessons Learned: Its Not Just About Drawing
This approach. It's different. Sometimes a good execution. Sometimes not. Arrangements are an additional design attribute. This is what I was headed for this month. Took a while to get there. Had to get in the traffic flow. Observing people in different postures, positions, and context.
Lessons Learned: This is the third month sketching along the commute. As I look back at the month's lessons, I did need to get in a different venue to challenge my observation and expression skills. It was time. I was able to derive occasional stories from the sketches which augment the meaning. The meaning wasn't necessarily derived from the subject but from the feelings or thoughts I was having that day and how that affected my filtering and selecton and expression of subjects.
The larger format sketchbook may have both helped and hindered. It facilitated the latter sketches whereby head arrangements were allowed. But sometimes I felt I was getting sloppy in my discipline. I will continue the depot station context where cafe tables, travelers waiting, hoboes sleeping in the morning, and folks ordering food are daily occurrences. The weather has not yet turned extremely adverse in winter yet and when it does that may impose additional variance in subject matter in the three month outlook.
There may be some value in reducing the number of lines to illustrate the sketch. Therein may lie Style.
Sketching from short term memory still has opportunities if I am walking, see something worthwhile, and need to capture it once I have a moment to sit in a sort of graphic note-taking and remembrance.
Many of these faster sketches in the public arena are "faceless". But I am constantly aware that there is a story behind every person, an agenda, a life of wins and losses, of high hopes and desperate cares. And even of the routine of Daily Life to survive, maintain, grow, and perhaps even prosper amidst an economy of uncertainty.
Beauty, hands, Character, Ideas, and Stories are still elusive in sketching. I have much to learn. I am already looking forward to Springtime and the warmth of a new year's outdoor activity.
These are also days of some sadness and grief amongst the cares and purpose of daily living. It's a time for self-reflection and misty eyed moments. This Creative Pursuit and Artistic Endeavor is a Journey that is revealing about Self. This Daily Sketching is not just about Art nor drawing a few lines on paper.
Daily Sketch: Grouping 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Grouping 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Lessons Learned: This is the third month sketching along the commute. As I look back at the month's lessons, I did need to get in a different venue to challenge my observation and expression skills. It was time. I was able to derive occasional stories from the sketches which augment the meaning. The meaning wasn't necessarily derived from the subject but from the feelings or thoughts I was having that day and how that affected my filtering and selecton and expression of subjects.
The larger format sketchbook may have both helped and hindered. It facilitated the latter sketches whereby head arrangements were allowed. But sometimes I felt I was getting sloppy in my discipline. I will continue the depot station context where cafe tables, travelers waiting, hoboes sleeping in the morning, and folks ordering food are daily occurrences. The weather has not yet turned extremely adverse in winter yet and when it does that may impose additional variance in subject matter in the three month outlook.
There may be some value in reducing the number of lines to illustrate the sketch. Therein may lie Style.
Sketching from short term memory still has opportunities if I am walking, see something worthwhile, and need to capture it once I have a moment to sit in a sort of graphic note-taking and remembrance.
Many of these faster sketches in the public arena are "faceless". But I am constantly aware that there is a story behind every person, an agenda, a life of wins and losses, of high hopes and desperate cares. And even of the routine of Daily Life to survive, maintain, grow, and perhaps even prosper amidst an economy of uncertainty.
Beauty, hands, Character, Ideas, and Stories are still elusive in sketching. I have much to learn. I am already looking forward to Springtime and the warmth of a new year's outdoor activity.
These are also days of some sadness and grief amongst the cares and purpose of daily living. It's a time for self-reflection and misty eyed moments. This Creative Pursuit and Artistic Endeavor is a Journey that is revealing about Self. This Daily Sketching is not just about Art nor drawing a few lines on paper.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Fortify the Groupings
Continued the super fast head and hair sketches. Only moments to capture each rendition. The overall page is a composition not only of each individual head bit its context within the page's layout.
Daily Sketch: Grouping 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Grouping 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Grouping 03 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Different Approach: Seconds to Capture
People Moving so quickly through the area that I only have moments to observe and capture a head, hair, position and posture.
Daily Sketch: Grouping 01- Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
A Full Moon: Crowds in a Bustle
Power failures across town; Trains are interrupted; Crowds are bustling; Procedures to move the masses are without rationale and seem to cause crowding and slowness. Doesn't appear to make sense. Must be a reason. Noticed we are in full moon phase.
Daily Sketch: Crowds in a Full Moon - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Sitting Here Watching the Bedlam - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Postures and Positions: Quiet Cafe
This is something different in sketching the morning commute. Some ideas with perspectives different than sleeping in the train car. At the cafe tables and the food kiosks.
Daily Sketch: Postures and Positions - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Martin News Shop- Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Beauty in Hands: Still Pursuing
Beauty was on the train today. I saw reflections in dark windows of delicate hands in many postures and positions. So the artist Ogre was observing from afar and attempting to express admiration for Beauty. A fitful pursuit for a clumsy beast. I feel like a troll under the bridge.
Daily Sketch: Beauty's Hands - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Ideas But Not Results: The Creative Pursuit
A few good ideas in today's sketches for paintings someday but not resulting sketches not good to publish. I was working hands mostly. More practice required, I guess. This likeness was OK to represent.
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Just Prior to a Miracle: Three Likeness
Some days are better than others. I was at the South Station cafe tables and was able to complete three likeness' before a miracle occurred. First, I share the three drawings.....then the story.
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness 03 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
I met a young, 29 year old homeless acquaintance again at the South Station cafe tables. First met him in January when I was visiting the Boston Art Museum. Didn't have the resources to help then. Re-acquainted and helped him in October. Today, while I was doing these three sketches, he arrived with his back to me about 20 feet away amidst the cafe tables and he was asking for financial contributions from morning commuters again. I called out his name and asked him to join me. He turned around and it took him a moment to understand who I was. He appeared surprised to hear his name called out. As did the 20-30 people around us. Although he didn't need breakfast, his goal for the day was to raise money for a warm winter coat and boots at Goodwill. He was bright eyed and alert. His sneaker soles were flopped and ripped open. His hands were grimy and he had slept in the ATM booth the prior night. He told me about the day shelter he would go to for breakfast. I told him I had been praying for him since last I had seen him. We talked about those details for a few minutes. I gave him some $ towards his clothing goal. While talking with him, a young lady in Muslim garb approached us and handed him about $15. He was surprised and asked what was going on. In a few moments, another gentleman stopped by the table and placed a $20 bill in front of me. I immediately thanked him but pushed the bill across the table to John. More and more, he was tearful at the generosity of others. Answers to prayer. I can't say I had seen anything quite like it before. But I was pleased for John. So my additional prayer was that the givers and the moneys would be blessed and that John would make good decisions. Perhaps next time we meet, I can ask him for an opportunity to sketch him. And pay him for the time spent and the work effort. I will look for a coat and boots in the portrayal.
This is new ground for me to walk on. I bought a warm hat and cold weather gloves and put them in my knapsack in a waterproof bag in case I see John again or someone in need like him. A Metro newspaper survey was done and Boston has 6500 homeless folks heading into the winter weather. I know of four sleeping underneath a bridge in Cambridge. I think our local, state, and national priorities and dialogs are akimbo and policies and execution are thwarted away from daily needs. How can we have such distance between our money and our people. "The poor shall always be with us."
An interesting morning to say the least.
An interesting morning to say the least.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Some Likeness: Today is UP
Today is a rising day on the artistic rollercoaster. A couple of likenesses to depict.
Daily Sketch: PM Likeness 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: PM Likeness 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
To Age 100: Live Today Deliberately
When my third daughter was born at my age 50, I thought how wonderful it would be to live to age 100. To see how her life matured into age 50 would be quite a Journey. I understood that to some degree, I had to do certain activities like Art activities in the present working years instead of in some future planned retirement. What if I didn't make it to those years. We never know our own timeline. We can only live today, in the moment, and make the best of what today has to offer. That perspective changed my enduring view and my daily priorities.
After about 90 days in a new job, new company, new role-responsibility, I have been brainstorming about what my next year should be about occupationally. But avocationally, I also have been thinking about how my Artistic Endeavor should, will, or ought to inform my life's outlook.
So in Living the Moment this morning, a bearded character of distinctive visage was sitting at a cafe table scribing notes. The South Station timepiece was in the background. A setting for Father Time. The result fit my thoughts and perspective. This Art is Living the Moment. Perhaps it is Painting the Future.
After about 90 days in a new job, new company, new role-responsibility, I have been brainstorming about what my next year should be about occupationally. But avocationally, I also have been thinking about how my Artistic Endeavor should, will, or ought to inform my life's outlook.
So in Living the Moment this morning, a bearded character of distinctive visage was sitting at a cafe table scribing notes. The South Station timepiece was in the background. A setting for Father Time. The result fit my thoughts and perspective. This Art is Living the Moment. Perhaps it is Painting the Future.
Daily Sketch: To Age 100 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Serendipity: Tracks to Destinations
I am viewing many folks along their morning journey. South Station has many advertisements posted. Today I notice the feathery dandelion ready to be blown to the winds as people are drifting to their daily setting place where their work efforts germinate.
Daily Sketch: Track Eight - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Dandelion to the the Winds - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Shaking It Up: Inducing Variation
So instead of sketching necessarily on the commuter rail or the subway, I have decided to spend 20 - 30 minutes in the Boston South Station each morning in order to observe different postures and positions. This intended to shake up the historical normal sketching venue. Will this inform the Creative Pursuit in the near term? Numerous small kiosks and different business offerings. Lots of cafe tables. Pedestrian traffic abounds. Today was the first day to execute. Most sketches were a disaster. Distances were different. Lots more movement. Shorter time frames to capture anyone. Observing details to portray in the sketch in the manner I have been executing the last couple of months isn't working. It feels like a stumble but not yet a fall. On Nov 13, 13 sketches in 25 minutes. That includes the intervals between the sketches to pick the next model. This will be a challenge to interpret approach. Not much to show.
Daily Sketch: Boston South Station Timekeeping- Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Thinking on a New Day - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Cafe Conversations: A Genre
There should be ample opportunity to depict morning routines with cafe conversations around the South Station kiosks and cafe tables. And the automatic doors open, the wind drafts in, and the train bells announce a new arrival.
Daily Sketch: Cafe Conversations - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Inward Perception: Using the Same Constructions
Today's sketching effort was like walking with a wooden peg leg. Felt slow, mechanical, and non-prolific. Didn't get far. Didn't sketch many. I have the inward sense that I am using the same constructions and that I need to induce deliberate variations and challenges into my approach.
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Plain Jane: Me Not the Model
I did not mark this as a likeness per se. Fairly simple lines and construction. Although the subject of my sketch was prettier than I depict, the Plain Jane description is about me. The disadvantage of sketching in public is that there is so little time to capture the essence of a person. Also, I know little or nothing of the person in most cases so there is no opportunity to capture their personality in the sketch. To some degree, commuters disconnect from their environment as well. The moments that I am seeing them is downtime or timeout for them. There is a blandness to this time in their day. Perhaps I am capturing the essence and the story is being told after all.
Daily Sketch: Plain Jane - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Gaps in Presentation: Awkward Human Error
Although I am sketching consistently day-to-day, I am currently experiencing very awkward and clumsy results. Occasionally my sketches indicate artistic ideas that may be valuable in the future to me as a reference but the actual drawing results aren't quite worth the paper and graphite. It reminds me a bit of my former golf game....sometimes I could hit it straight and true and be pleased with the results....and some moments were like "where did that lousy performance come from". The variance inherent in these efforts appears to be part of the human drama. Despite the best of intentions, our outward behaviors aren't matched to our inward perspective, view, and intentions. We don't achieve our objectives and goals. Today's sketch was the first in a few days that was acceptable enough to be shared.
Is it part of the human condition to hide and mask our weaknesses and our errors? Plow on through the molasses. If we demonstrate fortitude and persistence on a daily basis, perhaps the longer view to be assimilated is that the fruits of our labors and intentions is yet to be revealed. We sketch for the future.
Is it part of the human condition to hide and mask our weaknesses and our errors? Plow on through the molasses. If we demonstrate fortitude and persistence on a daily basis, perhaps the longer view to be assimilated is that the fruits of our labors and intentions is yet to be revealed. We sketch for the future.
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A Quiet Start: Simple Lines
Keeping to the large page format. Simple lines. A quiet start to the month.
Daily Sketch: AM Likeness: A Quiet Start - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Month End: A Story and Lessons in the Image
I was much pleased with today's sketch. Not only did the person offer some character in the view and perspective but the resultant image tells a contemplative, meditative story. I had been having difficulty with hands and fingers and this pose was motivating for it presented palm gloves with fingers extruded. This was a suitable ending to the last month long journey and worthy to me of showing my progress after 60 days of sketch practice during my rail commutes. This was a good likeness, showed light-dark contrast, tells a story, and has some feeling associated with it. In my humble apprentice opinion.
Daily Sketch: Contemplative - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
I went back and reviewed my first set of Lessons Learned after 30 days of sketching.
What are my Lessons Learned for the second 30 day period of sketching? I had some firsts: Group sketch, assembled composite of multiple individuals, and Beauty. Matured my ability to capture a likeness but not always. Also, was able to start thinking about how to capture a feeling in the sketch. Increasing the size of the sketchbook and each sketch may be helping the resultant effort. I am working up the scale from cartoon caricature to realism. I have occasionally been able to move away from the flat face two-dimensional graphic to a more 3D depiction. In this last 30 days, I feel better about eyes, nose, and mouth. And that focus has resulted in better Likeness.
What are my Lessons Learned for the second 30 day period of sketching? I had some firsts: Group sketch, assembled composite of multiple individuals, and Beauty. Matured my ability to capture a likeness but not always. Also, was able to start thinking about how to capture a feeling in the sketch. Increasing the size of the sketchbook and each sketch may be helping the resultant effort. I am working up the scale from cartoon caricature to realism. I have occasionally been able to move away from the flat face two-dimensional graphic to a more 3D depiction. In this last 30 days, I feel better about eyes, nose, and mouth. And that focus has resulted in better Likeness.
What are potential challenges going forward? Recognized the need to capture attributes such as childness, agedness, frailty, etc. Adding more body posture and position to the head portraits I have been doing? Detailing hands only perhaps. Maybe being willing to sit at the depot at the end of a workday for an extra 45 minutes and sketch people at the cafe tables. Or standing waiting for their ride. Or working at the eateries and kiosks. Methods might include using a tinted marker or wash to add depth to the outline sketch Could consider switching to some type of pen to darken the outlines and eliminate erasures from the method. Some of my opportunities come from Serendipity. Must be on the lookout for her.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Opportunities to Sketch: May have to Create Some
Another Daily but only one in the morning commute. Fewer subjects and fewer vantage points, it seems, to gain something lively.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Grinding It Out: Sometimes
Just one today.
Daily Sketch: Likeness AM - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Same But Different: Size
Still working on achieving likeness of the subjects. But scaling up the sketchbook and assigning one portrait per page changes the task and the results, I think. Its a bit more precarious on the train and subway...what with the movements of the car. It's more obvious and tougher to hide my activity! There may be an effect whereby I tend to select subjects for whom I have more time to sketch them. I filter out the quick sketch subjects. We shall monitor and see if this is an undesireable side effect. Only ended with a mediocre likeness at the end of the day.
Daily Sketch: Crowd - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Likeness 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Likeness 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch: Mediocre Likeness - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Sizing Up the SketchBook: Effects in the Future
Started a new sketchbook today after filling the previous. Larger format 7.25 in x 9.75 in Moleskin. We shall see if it has an effect on the drawings and compilations.
Daily Sketch - Resting 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch - Curly Wavy 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch - Hairline PM - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch - Likeness 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Daily Sketch - Melancholy Self - Copyright James E. Martin 2012
Yeah. I am feeling a bit of the blues today.