Diane Aoki, Creativity Activism
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Blog

Thinking through and writing about issues that rouse 

How Sketching Changes You

1/17/2015

2 Comments

 
Picture
First pen and ink drawing, a bronze hippo paperweight.
As I've written in a previous post, I am taking an online Sketchbook class through the Craftsy site. I am enjoying it a lot, and similar to my experience in picking up the guitar again, long-ago drawing lessons seem to still be in my memory banks. 
Like any skill, it takes practice. But, I have to say, I'm proud of myself. It's not like I now believe myself to be another Grandma Moses or Aunty Moses. But it's the kind of pride that kids have when they learn how to multiply. It's an achievement, but it's just one skill in a universe of skills. 

What I have noticed in the act of drawing, especially outside, in public, is that my visual sense is heightened. I see interesting people everywhere. I think, wow, he would be neat to draw. You take the moment to look at the beauty, the uniqueness. Even the most mundane things become interesting, like a simple corner in the Henry Street Starbucks. I felt self-conscious drawing the man right in front of me, so I decided to draw the corner instead. Later, I drew these 2 men who were quite far away from me. The top one was painting! (No, I'm not only interested in men as subjects, but that's who was there.) Sorry if it's too light to see. Only a pencil drawing. 
 
Picture
Picture
Besides having a heightened visual sense and appreciation of what I see, there is something about sketching in public that seems to be changing me. I think it is "drawing" me to go out in public more. I don't know how many of you know that I am really an extreme introvert. I am perfectly happy just doing my own thing at home. But, now sketching in public is calling to me. 
2 Comments
Carla
1/18/2015 02:44:28 am

This sounds great! I was cleaning out the garage and found my old sketch book and watercolors. It reminded me how much I loved drawing and it has been years . I am going to look up the on-line class you mentioned

Reply
Diane
1/18/2015 05:05:07 am

Thanks Carla. I didn't think you would reply amid your busy time in Cambodia. I appreciate you taking a moment with my blog.

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    Diane Aoki is a writer who explores other modes of creativity as her intuition leads her. 

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