Drop-by Drawing, NGV with John Wolsely

I attended a drop-by drawing session at the NGV last Sunday. It was facilitated by John Wolsely. I was surprised to discover that so many people are keen on drawing. It was catered to people with all levels; some families came and even the kids got involved.

John stressed that we should focused on abstract shapes, and the dynamics between them. We were asked to do some drawing. The session was short (only 2 hours), but I found it useful.

If you are interested, the sessions are free, and there is only one more session in January. This last session is on Sunday 27/1, and is facilitated by artist, Callum Morton.

DIY book cover design with text

This is a simple way to decorate a plain cover. You can personalise the design for a great gift. Here are some simple steps.

Find a book with a plain cover. Decide on a theme for your design and list words that relates to the theme.

For this design, I laid out the text on my computer to work out the composition and fonts (if you haven’t got access to an application to do that, just use pen or pencil to sketch it out on a rough paper).

Sketch the design lightly with pencil on the cover, and paint some words white.

I used acrylics paint. When the paint is dry, outline all the text with pen.
Note: wait for the paint to dry or your pen/s will be wrecked.

I like to use a variety of pens with different thickness and shades. You may decide to use only a single pen or use coloured pens.

This is roughly where we are up to. There are a lot of gaps to fill in.

Back to the computer – make a list of other words related to your theme in smaller font sizes, and print.

Cut and lay your words on the design, then glue them permanently.

I added some red and it was done. You may want to add other colours.

I put DottedSquare.com’s logo on the back of the book. Don’t forget to sign your name.

Comfortable shoes

Aidan: Don’t take this the wrong way, but this place could use a little work.
Carrie: I know, but I can’t afford it.
Aidan: You’ve got eight thousand bucks worth of shoes over there.
Carrie: I needed those!

How I wish I could wear some of the shoes that Carrie (from Sex in the City) owns, but I love comfort too much. Here is a new design based on one of my favourite comfortable pair:

Melbourne free drawings sessions

For those who love to draw and are in Melbourne, you may be interested in this:

Drop-by Drawing, NGV Collection, International art Explore your creative side while drawing directly from the NGV Collection alongside prominent Australian artists Louise Hearman, Juan Ford, John Wolseley and Del Kathryn Barton who’ll draw upon their own unique practice to give you tips on how to enhance your work.

There are 4 sessions throughout January.

Learning to draw, and then draw on a regular basis

The other day, a friend told me that she wanted to be able to draw. I asked her what she was doing about it and she said she didn’t know how to proceed. So how does one learn to draw? And how does one keep drawing regularly? Here are 7 steps (in no particular order) that I can think of.

1. Just start

Drawing does not need to involve a complex scene or objects. Even if we draw a cup, a ball, a box or even a pencil, it is good practise.

2. Practise, practise, practise – 15 minutes a day

I read a lot about drawing and nothing compares to practising. Often, the theory that I have read only became clear sometime later. It is great when I am drawing and the clarity strikes, and I think “aha, now I understand what the author was trying to say”. My drawings are not as good as many that I have seen around, but with practice, I am improving every time.

I came across a suggestion in an art book to set aside a least 15 minutes a day to draw. What a great idea - it's a short time, but it is enough to complete a drawing.

3. Attend a class (Duh, everyone knows this…)<

Unless you are someone who has the inclination to learn on your own, you might like to consider joining a class. If you are a beginner, you will gain valuable information that will provide you with the essential foundation in art such as proportions, perspective, etc. And if you are not a beginner, you may learn new ways and new techniques that may help push your drawing to another level.

4. Join a drawing group/draw with friends

Drawing alone is not as fun as drawing with others, and requires discipline. Consider getting together with some friends to draw, or join a sketching group.

5. Carry a sketchbook

Having a sketchbook with you all the time will enable you to take advantage of any free 15 minutes crops up (see no. 2). Be sure to also carry a few pens or pencils too.

6. Participate/submit your images to memes

There are groups on the internet that enables one to connect with fellow artists. Examples of these are blogs such as Creative Every Day and Paint Party Friday. Another one is Illustration Friday which has a weekly theme, which may be great if you are not sure what to draw.

7. Having fun/letting go

I used to try to make every page of my sketchbook “count”, and would get upset if a drawing didn’t look good. I have covered up bad drawings by pasting blank papers over them. I have seen friends rip out pages of unsuccessful work.

Now, I have learnt to let go and just enjoy the moment. Splash ink or paint to improve your drawing. Add other materials to turn it into a collage. It may end as a good piece of work or it may be a mess. It doesn't matter - just have fun. At least that way, it becomes a positive experience and you will look forward to drawing, and having a great time again.

These are a few steps that help me. Please feel free to add your suggestions.