I arrived and it was the same weather that I had further north where I live. It was humid and muggy but I was hoping that I would get a few hours in before it started to rain. I had even packed myself a lunch in the hopes of spending the majority of the day there. I ended up with just under two hours before some big drops of rain started to fall on me. Luckily, I wasn't too far from the parking lot when it started.
The botanical garden was pretty busy for a weekday morning. I was really surprised at that. I thought for sure it would be empty. My only issue with the people was that some of them stopped to watch me sketch and that made me really uncomfortable. My goal for this visit was to sketch fast and get as much down as I could in the sketchbook so that I had a variety of things in it. The last time I went on location to sketch, I came away with only one sketch after 4 hours. I didn't want to have the same experience. So when these people stopped to look, I felt as if I was being judged. I was trying to get the form to be a representation of what I was drawing, I wasn't going for a complete detailed replica. Because of this, I felt like they must have thought I was a terrible artist. Of course, no one said anything. In fact, I didn't even look up because I was so uncomfortable with them watching. Now that I think about it as I write this, they probably thought I was rude for not acknowledging their presence. Oops!
In the end, I think it was my own projections of insecurity in what I was doing that made me feel uncomfortable. Overall, I enjoyed myself even though it was too brief and I look forward to sketching on location again soon.
First,I love your honesty. I've set a first time goal for myself to venture out with my sketchbook. The last time was many moons ago in an art class. Which I think made a huge difference for my confidence. Your drawings are excellent and your pursuit of expanding your artistry is inspiring. So...continue to get out and I'll do the same. Oh! and as for the gawkers,I've actually been one, and I think they're just astounded at how others can sketch.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouraging words! I hope to get out again soon.
DeleteI have to say I agree with everything Kay just said. It takess a lot of courage to go out and do this in public. I've only done it a few times and stay hidden or put my book away if it's too crowded. This is my goal also, to be more braver and JUST DO IT!! I'm sure they were impressed and delighted to see you there sketching.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautifully done, you have a great eye for details and color, love them all. That first one really speaks to me, I think because it's not a color painting. So it impresses me how you did this, came out perfect.Great idea to take a photo of what you sketched also, what a pretty place this is and full of interesting things to draw.
So glad you got to go and do this, I'm sure it was nice to finally have some art time. Just seeing these makes me want to go to our garden center and sketch some pretty drawings. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your beautiful paintings with us. Hope you can share again soon.
Thank you, Dawn! The lantern was tricky. I had to really look to see where the shadows were to make it look somewhat dimensional. It was really nice to get out there and be in beautiful surroundings. I only wish the rain stayed away so it could have been longer.
DeleteI can TOTALLY identify with what you wrote. I never ever sketch in public. In fact, sometimes I get a little weirded out taking photos in public (especially with my real camera) because people want to see what I've taken a picture of! I know it's polite interaction... but it's a little too much. I think if I saw someone sketching something I would probably tell that person it was lovely, or something. Because it would feel rude to see someone creating and not encourage them. Argh- a conundrum!
ReplyDeleteI love the pieces you created. They have a wonderful airy feeling about them... I'm sorry you got rained out :(