Friday, February 15, 2013

Fighting the urge to detail



Last Saturday I went to Pyrmont to sketch with a group of experienced Urban Sketchers. They tend to work more quickly than I and with more detailed and accurate results. My aim on the day was to only use one hour or less per sketch (we draw for 2 hours). My preference here is still to offer more to these wonderful old sandstone townhouses by trying to capture its design and surface with further detail.  I am familiar with the term less is more but I have a real problem in recognising when is best to STOP. So time constraints for now seem to be still the only way I can prevent myself from trying to "finish" this in the way I am most accustomed too.
 
 

The rest of the week just flew by and suddenly it was Friday and I'd had no other opportunity to sketch. I took my sketchbook to my hair appointment and fitted this in before the weekend returned.

6 comments:

  1. I think you have captured the sandstone beautifully.
    Anne xx

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    1. Thank you Anne! I appreicate feedback from a fresh set of eyes like yours.. I find it so hard to see things in recent work - I need to hide it away for a few months before i can start to see it objectively
      : )

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  2. Always lovely x

    I can see the bottom image in a magazine as a part of a story or an ad..

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    1. Thanks Christina! Would be very exciting to see one of these published one day!

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  3. I completely identify with what you say about knowing when to stop. I find if I keep a sketch in pen, I'm fine, but if I start to add colour I often overdo it. Using a time limit is a great idea to counteract that. I will try it next time. Your sketches here are fantastic. Love the hair dresser one. I need to take my sketchbook along to appointments like this I think.

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    1. Thanks very much for visiting Jodi! I think you make a very good point about the difficulty in stopping once colour comes into it. I feel the similarly. Maybe that could be another way to reduce my detailing.. perhaps I should try a few with just black pen.. and a little grey for shading :)

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