Control Freak? I think not.

Sketchbook entry

Drawing is relaxing; but, only if I dont think about what I am drawing.  

Not easy to do.   Try it someday.

I could not have done this drawing with a lot of planning.  In fact, I just put pencil on paper and let something emerge.

I have no idea if this is normal, or something unique to me.  

It would not surprise me if most artists were total control freaks and plan every detail out prior to placing a mark on paper.  I wouldn't understand how they could live with themselves; but, it would not surprise me.  

I have to force myself to draw from a still life set up in front of me; and, this is a necessary thing to do.  Drawing from life, or objects, does help sharpen drawing skills - not to mention training my eye to see what is actually there.   

Maybe, I should try planning out a drawing.   

On the Easel - Contemplating Balance

Small Study
oil paint on 4 by 6 inch panel

balance is strange

the more I look

the less I understand

a structure

 a building

 in fighting gravity

achieves balance

 a losing battle

we need such structures

for our lifetime not the structures life

achieving balance involves a struggle

for space in our heart

of opposites

but 

the mind 

it craves symmetry

that is not really balance

Symmetry doesn't move

there is no struggle

no compromise

no life

How to Become An Artist

Pencil Sketch
April 2022

The beginning

students.  

Start drawing.

Sweat, 

Struggle 

Master the craft 

Then color may be learned.

        Children leap directly to color and crayons.  

                They simply draw, color, make a big mess.

                             Children have fun. 

                                                    Children are smart.

Digital Sketchbook Entries 4/31/2022

The following images are captured with a smart phone.

Visual Note:  There is very little actual white in the image of the clouds.
Note:  Depth is created by trees and perspective.  The farther away a tree, the more solid the leaves look
Note:  Trash can becomes focus of shot due to location
This is a quick snap, more of a candid photo than a set up 

Use of depth of field allows for selection of details.
Point of view is not from standing position. 
Studying the root system of a dying shrub
Note:  While this was an accident, the ground and wall together follow the rule of thirds, which I believe creates an image that does not appear contrived.