Wednesday, April 16, 2008

"Lippizaner Stallion" sketch
Copyright Rita Woodburne


Howdy, dear reader.

Whoops, there goes the country side of me slipping out again.

So a couple of weeks ago I got my edition of Artists Magazine and in it was an article about not just the importance, but also the joy, of sketching. I must admit that while this article wasn't ground-breaking or that it shook my foundations of art to the core it was refreshing to read and, quite frankly, something that at this particular point in my art career an article that I needed to read.

Lately I've found myself particularly enamoured with the idea of sketching and I suspect it has something to do with my desire to get outdoors (as the onset on warm weather is wont to do) and also that I've been working a lot on people portraits lately which is something that always gets me excited artistically. Sketching people when they don't even know you're doing it is, I suspect, a secret joy of artists that venture out armed with sketchbook, pencil and (possibly) eraser in hand.

The above sketch, I must admit, was done from a photo a friend took when at a local show of Lippizaner stallions (I'm extremely jealous I couldn't attend) who were performing feats that most horse people only dream of their horse attempting. Although I would normally say that sketching should primarily be done from life, in this particular instance I was just so drawn to the picture that I couldn't help but try my hand at sketching it.


It took me about 15 minutes (that's right, I wasn't watching UFC) and was done in my sketch-book with graphite. If you get the chance to read the article on sketching in this month's Artists Magazine then that's fantastic. If not then I highly recommend visiting the blog of Katherine Tyrell who is an accomplished coloured pencil artist and avid sketching enthusiast. I absolutely love visiting her blog to see what she's been up to... and to catch a glimpse of her latest sketches, of course! She is a wealth of information and always seems to be current on the latest comings and goings of the pencil-wielding art world (and artists in general).


Sure, this was a shorter post, but a necessary one nonetheless. I guess what I'm trying to say is something that's been uttered many times before: draw, draw... and then draw some more. What's the worst that can happen? You become a better artist?

Heaven forbid! Happy art-ing! ;)

5 comments:

Ann said...

Your sketches are terrific! I enjoy seeing them, they show more of the thinking process.

Lisa B. said...

I got to see the Lippizaner's when I was a kid. Horse lover's should make at least one pilgrimage to see them!

I'm a sucker for looking through sketchbooks, and your sketches are just wonderful. I especially like the horses- very expressive!

Rita said...

Thanks Ann! I like to think of sketching as an outlet and lately it's an outlet that I've really had fun with.

Lisa...I am so jealous! I still have yet to see the Lippizaners in person. I could watch them over and over and over...

Horses are my muse, I'm glad you like my "roughed in" versions! ;)

Making A Mark said...

Thanks Rita - sorry it's taken me until now to catch up with your very kind reference to my blog.

I definitely endorse your final comment!

Rita said...

Thanks Katherine!

You've truly been a boon to those of us that aspire to sketch more often and catch life's little moments in art. :)