Yesterday I was facing an empty canvas. I knew I wanted to create but couldn't find inspiration. I searched through my archive of pictures (I have a huge file), but nothing piqued my interest. I was aching to create, yet I couldn't begin.
After dinner my husband and I decided to take Dasher to the dog park. He ran and swam, enjoying his friends and freedom. We threw the ball and strolled through the park when it happened. WHAM the ball hit a tree! And I saw images that intrigued me. These beautiful, elegant trees were bathed in light as the sun was setting. Their branches entwined. Their roots a mass of tangles. Lovely organic shapes that nature creates. Now I'm ready to make some art!I'm not even sure what kind of trees these are. I know they are strong ones to survive in the brutal Houston heat. Each tree is as individual as we are. Each species has it's own characteristics. I'm itching to capture their beauty on paper or canvas.
Today I think I'll stick with sketching on paper. Drawing a tree can be a simple or complex thing. Since each one is different I suggest that either draw it from life or, if it's as hot as it is here, use a photo. Feel free to print out one of my photos if you'd like.
1. Start with a simple line drawing that captures the shape of the tree and it's branches. Fill your page from top to bottom. Don't worry about being perfect. The tree isn't going to be insulted if you make it look fat. Just get the basic information on to your paper.
3. After you complete your first sketch try drawing it again maybe a different portion or from a different angle. Remember these are just practice sketches to inspire your creativity. Perfection isn't the goal. Being creative is!
NOTE: Yes, my blog format looks different today. I was experimenting with some new templates. I'm a digital immigrant and am just learning about all the possibilities my blog design has. Please bear with me!
Those are some beautiful trees. I can see why you felt inspired. :)
ReplyDeleteLet them inspire you too!
DeleteI am not much of an artist, my mom is but did not pass any of those skills on to me, but I will give this a try. I do like to 'doodle' so perhaps I will be somewhat good at sketching too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDoodling is so relaxing - don't worry about realism. Just enjoy the process.
DeleteWhen I used to dabble in art, photographs were always some of my biggest inspirations too!
ReplyDeletePhotos help me spark my visual memory. I don't always try to reproduce the photo exactly - just let it inspire me!
DeleteNicely done Karen. It's really important to just keep going, just keep sketching. That's what I do. :)
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion any drawing is good drawing!
DeleteYou are always so inspiring and encouraging. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol -
DeleteThe lower right picture is my favorite. Thanks so much for sharing the beautiful Houston landscape with us . . . quite different here in Ohio!
ReplyDeleteThough I don't draw, I am trying to blog more, and keeping pictures in a pile for inspiration is something I'm going to try. Thanks for the suggestion!
Lisa
Just being creative is so enjoyable. I look forward to reading more of your writing.
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