Getting Back into Art
Even though I have always enjoyed it, it’s been years since I’ve actually sat down, got focused, and drawn anything. I’ve sketched friends, family, self-portraits, and my wife, but never my two little ones. Is it a coincidence that I have a toddler and infant and somehow haven’t been able to dedicate a few hours to drawing? Yes, I’m sure it is totally unrelated. Anywho, now that they are getting a little older (relatively speaking), it’s getting a little easier to do things other than just laying around. Our toddler enjoys just hanging out with me by the computer desk, and once I started drawing, she sat and sketched with me. Her subject seemed to be a tornado or something, but I decided to draw my girls.
So, for this one I started with my usual grid system. Even though it’s been years, it really was like riding a bike. Marking the grids, then starting the outline felt really good. It was a familiar, sort of nostalgic experience. We put some music on, and just dove in.
Above is a progress image from early in this drawing. This is probably weird, but I usually like the very early versions better than the finished product. The next image below is probably my favorite state of this particular project. I finished it, but somehow the finished version didn’t seem as good.
And now, here’s the final version. At least, I think this is the final version. Sometimes, I can’t help but continue messing with it, and occasionally I think it’s to the drawing’s detriment.
Overall, though, I’m pretty satisfied with it. I’m glad my modest ability to sketch hasn’t faded too much. I’m definitely not a pro, but it’s a fun hobby.
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Nice drawing! I also have two little ones (boys), so I know what you mean about being able to dedicate time to something!
Thanks Dave! Yeah, it’s probably like this with most kids, but with mine it’s not even always that they want to play with me specifically; they just want constant close proximity. Don’t even think about going in another room!
Yes, tell me about it! One day we’ll miss it.
Beautiful sketch. Keep sketching!!
Thank you!
Beautiful work! Congrats on getting back into art 🙂
Much appreciated! It helps having such great little subjects (maybe I’m biased just a bit, ha ha)
Keep it up, Jon. Glad to see you’re having fun.
Will do, thanks!
They will treasure this. I love it. You really capture their essence here. I know what you mean. Even a ‘finished’ piece will call to me to add a touch here or there if I don’t lock it behind glass or give it away! 😉Keep sketching.
Thanks for saying so! I hope they do want these sketches when they get older. As long as Dad can keep himself from re-sketching until the paper falls apart
I climbed back on this horse back in about 2009 – Jon and I have to say, with technical skills and drawing, it’s all about practice, practice, practice….nice work and welcome back to your art journey! 🙂
Coming from someone with the skills you have, I appreciate the encouragement! Thanks Hilda
Aw, thanks Jon, it’s all about showing up regularly and putting in the hours…. If you love doing something, you carve out the time for it as often as you can and, after a while, you look back at where you started and you realize…..you actually DID make progress! 🙂
My drawing skills leave a lot to be desired. You have inspired me to head back to the drawing board (literally!)
Ha ha, well played
Honestly though, based on the fantastic paintings I’ve seen on your site, that would really surprise me. Something tells me if you dive into it, you’re better than you realize
This is good stuff, very interesting, I love technique type process photos and stories, and glimpses into the thought process. Thank you for documenting, and getting back into Art. I hope you STAY in!
Much appreciated, Ted! I’m enjoying it for sure. I’ll try to keep rolling with the process photos too – it’s always fun looking back on those.
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