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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
The word "scribble" has always killed me--it just sounds funny. When I was a kid and only wanted to unthinkingly make marks on a page, the adult comments ranged from the condemnatory "You're just scribbling" to "Quit wasting paper with your scribbling."
But I didn't quit; remember how amazing it felt to zone out while the pencil or pen or crayon glided across the page and left multi-circles or wads of illegible marks?
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
I'm still a fan. And even though I seldom make illegible marks--on purpose at least--I love the sensation of scribbling out sketches without really thinking.
I'd realized that I'm not always in the mood to think while sketching, but I'm too antsy to sit around with my family--just talking or watching TV--without drawing. So I grabbed this little, lined notebook and a pen, just for the purpose of mindlessly scribble-drawing.
The only rule for myself: Use ballpoint pen only.
It's been an interesting experiment. Here's what I've discovered:
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
1. My scribbles got better (well, at least more like my other sketchbook drawings) even without trying. Here's the first page, looking suspiciously similar to the drawings I did way back in middle school.
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
2. As I messed with it more, my scribbles looked a bit less mindless, but they still were.
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
3. I started reaching for the scribble-book more often than the sketchbook. Probably because I was enjoying the lack of pressure to make "good" sketches.
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
That's really the point of any sketchbook, but somehow limiting myself to un-erasable pen on lined paper just added more freedom.
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
4. I found myself developing ideas for finished works without having that goal in mind.
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
And, just like the "thinking" sketchbooks, the images that developed are sometimes getting used for finished artworks...
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
...like this detail of a work-in-progress.
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| http://tomsarmo.blogspot.com/ |
So stop thinking a bit and scribble--it's been a great and fun thing for me, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the visit!
right. I do all the time illegible scribblers ;) so I don't have to distinguish sketch vs scribble book, it is a lot easier :) But you make a good point when talking about "the lack of pressure" . Obviously , the use of ballpoint force you to "do it better" than with pencil because correction is (almost) impossible. And yes, important to do it. But do not try it while driving a car ! :)
ReplyDeletebtw spring is coming what is great news !!! :)
Spring is very early this year, and I'm not complaining! I think your artworks are amazing, LT--do they all come from your sketchbook scribbles? And is your warning about car-scribbling from your own experience? :)
Deleteall scribbles...... yes ;) Thanks Tom for your kind words. But with the car...... once I tried to put a some idea on paper while driving..... nothing happened (luckily) but I had BIG luck.... (learning moment- NEVER EVER TRY TO DRAW WHILE DRIVING) Yes spring - enjoy it! btw I like a lot your pictures of "neither man nor bird " ! :)
Deleteartisjokken, I had a really great art teacher once... a hippy lady back in '75... she said, "No erasing. Make it work." You'd think that would've put a lot of pressure on me to be "perfect," but no! Instead I found freedom! No more erasing...no more holes in the paper or smudgy areas that hinted of unsure moments. My drawings and sketches all became "scribbles." Very freeing. And with that freedom came a greater experssion and a more developed hand-eye-coordination. Yay!! All the best to you!
DeleteBTW, Glad you did not get into an accident. No Draw and Drive! As to spring, so far, I have seen daffodils, crocus and forsythia bushes all aflame with color and bloom!
Thanks Miss Gladys. And your teacher was indeed very good. Indeed the biggest enemy of creating art is a fear!
DeleteAnd do not forget birds ! They are sooooo busy - wonderful !!!
Thank you, artisjokken. Fear is an enemy of creating art.
DeleteBirds are fabulous!
Tom, I have always loved your sketches and I love your scribbles even more. They are light, animated and gentle. By gentle, I mean not hard-edged and absolutely full-of-life. Lively. Fresh. Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment, Miss Gladys--that is very kind!
DeleteBy the way, Tom, I really appreciate your sharing your process on this blog. I always learn something new and valuable. :o)
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know that you find it valuable. I'm always looking for ways to get better at drawing and painting--somehow putting the quest into blog-form helps me learn things too :)
DeleteYes, I sure do! And I can see where you find it clarifying and educative to write your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, artisjokken. Fear IS an enemy of creating art.
ReplyDeleteBirds are fabulous!