
I’m not the illustrator in this family. In fact, my scribbles are more than occasionally the object of ridicule and usually the kids just discreetly trot off to Dad. And quite rightly so. You don’t have to know how to draw to be a graphic designer and the last time I took hold of a piece of charcoal in any regular fashion was way back in my Uni youth during life drawing class. This evening, as we were eating dinner, I glanced up at our ‘inspire wires’ and boy, they did their job! I always see Alan Fletcher’s Cats, but this evening, there was the quickening of a pulse and an: OH MY GOODNESS, I NEED TO DO THAT!
Like Alan, I used a stick and unearthed a pot of crusty ink and started scratching away. Like the days in my life drawing class the first marks were stunted and judged and uncomfortable. I was thinking too much – planning my next move and trying to make my stick behave like a marker pen. See:

But then, gloriously, my hand started doing its own instinctive thing. Letting the stick be a stick. Now I can remember how my hand used to feel its way across the page in those life drawing sessions. It really did used to be all instinct, after throwing off a heavy cloak of self criticism.

It was just a half hour of ‘breathing space’ but for me, some tiny gems emerged. I like the unpredictable thick and thin that comes with drawing with a stick and I liked working out how to tame it a little (ever the control freak). I like some of the little doodles that came out of that half hour. And most of all, I like that anyone could do it. Food colouring would work just as well as ink, knick a stick from the garden, find some paper (bigger is better, but don’t let that stop you) and you’re set.


Go on, give it a whirl!
33 comments:
These stick scratches you've drawn or whatever you call it is beautiful!! It is art!
Lovely!
*LOVE* the frog
beautiful!
You don't have to be an artist to be 'an artist'...beautiful.. simple lines that create amazing creatures. Keep having a bit of Breathing Space.
loving that frog bestest :-)
Wow... these are amazing. I keep looking at them. Those butterflies... wow.
Oh my goodness, I love that little frog!!!!
Love the magpies on the wire! Looks like a fun activity - must try it with Sarah.
they are simply gorgeous!!!
It's the vivid liveliness that you've achieved with these ! I love them and we need more ..... Back to your stick , woman !
Gosh! Those are beautiful!!
You have 'the eye' and your hand is making lovely things. They look beautiful. If I was your kid I was coming up to you for some help with my drawings...
eb
I agree - your drawings are just lovely!
Beautiful!
T
Isn't it amazing what the lack of expectation (and deadline) can do for you? These are fab. And an inspiration.
W
This is great. Can I post it on my blog? I just mentioned your blog on my blog as part of a tag. Didn't tag you, just pointed people your way.
They are just wonderful - your butterflies and frog are fantastic.. very talented :-)
Lovely to let go and see where instinct takes you.... I miss that with drawing - haven't done it for years - but I sometimes do it with SEWING!!!
I'm goingt o send my sister a link - she runs a life-drawing group in Newport. I'm sure she'll love these!
Oh I remember uni illustration classes where I was dismal!
Love the charcoal work - especially the butterflies and birds on wire. What a whirl!
no artistic talent, my ass!! It was just crouching inside waiting to be sprung. These are sublime ... just lovely, Tania. God - I love all of them.
Gems indeed...crikey..if I had an ounce of your ability I would open a bloody gallery ;)
These are wonderful. I love the movement and character in your sketches. What a clever stick, you are!
and with a photocopier and a Gocco machine - WOW imagine these on cloth !!! You have inspired me.
Sooo cool.
I love them.. the butterflies are just gorgeous!
incredible....you're a talent!
hey stranger. just been let into the world of myrtle and eunice and am loving it... you are an inspiration girl... hugs
I love these. Makes me want to have a go!
Very inspiring indeed. I even like the initial pieces where you were still working on letting go.
Gorgeous! I think they're fab!
wow, they're beautiful!!
I might just have to try that! I found your lovely blog through Kate (Crackernuts)! It's lovely!
I know that feeling of being too aware. I know it well. My husband is an artist, and I love seeing his new works. And then I just laugh and laugh at how silly and painful my own scratchings are. I love yours. They are inspiring and inspired!
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