And now for something a bit different
I have gone back to my original sketching - but with a difference
I had an idea
What if I used everyday household materials to add colour and shade? Materials that were pretty much free. So I gave it a go - and this is the result.
All done with a difference
The only conventional tools I now use are fountain pens (I can't do without them), a brush pen (that I only now use sparingly) and an Escoda travel brush. And I am heavily influenced by the urban sketching concept.
I will explain more about what I have been experimenting with, and how I use the alternative materials, in the future.
Sketching not drawing
But itâs all about sketching not drawing. I still apply the same principles as I always do, that this is sketching not drawing - spontaneous, with fluidity rather than precision - draw what you see, and bearing in mind only a few basic rules when it comes to perspective.
And to sum up my difference between sketching and drawing I remind you of tattoos. A tattoo may start of as a sketch but it has to be a drawing before tattooing it - you donât want a tattoo of a sketch!
Iâm Always Learning
I have been sketching for a few years and my style evolves, and my mood changes - itâs one of the joys about all of this. And this is my latest iteration - and the one that I have found the most fulfilling. I do like a bit of detail - as long as it doesnât take too long. Nothing should take too long - time is precious.
Whatâs coming?
This Substack is intended to expand upon the ideas of sketching with alternative materials, to provide examples and inspiration.
Itâs all about getting your thoughts and feelings out onto paper without too many rules to follow - this is sketching - not drawing.
Thanks for reading this and coming on the journey with me. Enjoy the journey and the destination can just look after itself.
All the best,
Peter