IMAGES AND
QUICK IMPRESSIONS
Materials: (pick and choose what you
like from this list of suggestions)
Small
to medium size sketch pad, or loose sketching papers
#2
pencil, felt tip pens
Small
set of watercolor, or colored pencils, oil sticks, or water base crayons
take water, if using waterbase materials,
in a small container, such as a film container
A
camera
A
small portable stool
Organize
these materials in a backpack, and/or fanny pack
Travel
lightly and comfortably. Wear very
comfortable shoes.
Instructions: Take a trip around your
neighborhood, or city.
Look
for at least 6 subjects or ideas. Do
small thumb-nail sketches, no larger than 5”7”. Plan to spend no more than 5-10
minutes per sketch. You can enlarge
them and do completed works on your own. Photographs are very helpful for
remembering details and capturing the essence of the first impression. These
are handy as aids, but not meant to be copied.
Think: What are the colors and textures that
attracted me? What combinations do I
like best? Make notes in your
sketchbook as reminders, along with the sketch information. If there is a
texture to rub, capture it.
Remember: Your first impression of the place and the mood as well as the
atmosphere makes your work special. Look for a dominant color scheme. See if
you can convey the freshness of that mood and impression.
Composition: Avoid dividing your design in the middle. Look for a high
horizon, or a low horizon in the composition.
Which of your sketches would make the most interesting composition? Why do you think that certain sketches work
best? Many good compositions can be
analyzed, or planned, using the letters L,A,T,S,O and X as a guideline. Try some of these.
Tips: Have fun with these compositions. Do the best you can at the time. Approach the paper with an open mind. Simply enjoy the process. Finish, and go on to the next idea. Don’t
pass judgement on a sketch until it has been around for awhile. Put it up for a few weeks. You will find that flaws will fade.
A
sketchbook is a record of the birth of your future final work. Like the family photo album, it will show
the development of your piece. Try to
think of it as a creativity recorder, an idea source for works to come.
It is a good idea to get into the habit
of drawing in your sketchbook everyday.
Record an even that occurred, a
sight you saw, or a dream from the night before. Keep sketching. It can be
the springboard to a masterpiece.