Final Drawing Selection …..

I decided to use/revisit the charcoals (pencils) as I didn’t enjoy using this medium before. I used. much lighter stroke this time and enjoyed the experience more. I decided to draw items that I had already used rather than introduce a new item, as I wanted to see if my drawing skills had improved. They hadn’t! I also used a graphite 2B block instead of a 2B pencil, and as before, I enjoyed the feeling of a more chunky implement, although again, my abilities had not improved!

I feel my observation skills have improved through undertaking these exercises, and my confidence to have a go at drawing has also improved. It’s helped me to see that there is never just one way of doing anything either. I also realise that I really prefer using conventional tools, and I have come to enjoy using the charcoal too. I’ve learnt that by holding the tool at different points creates very different effects. It’s almost like you don’t really need too many tools to get vastly different results, which suits my ethos of using what’s available and not collecting too much ‘stuff’.

Drawing and sketching are not activities I have ever done, and these exercises have given me more confidence to sketch. I now intend to carry a small sketchbook around with me and have a go at sketching other things when I’m out and about and see something which inspires me. Although I haven’t actually done this yet!

Final Exercise …..

Sketching with graphite blocks and charcoal pencils are my most favoured tools to use. I like the way they glide across the paper and the very different effects you can get by varying the pressure and stroke. I feel more confident now, although I still feel I can’t draw! But …. I’m pleased that I can at least recognise the items I have drawn. It’s interesting that I’ve completely changed my mind about charcoal!

This exercise has taught me two things: Firstly, persevere with something you don’t initially like and, secondly, to really look at the items to draw. I’ve found myself looking at other things more closely now – not just the items I’ve used in this exercise, but other everyday objects. If you get really ‘deep’ it shows that you need to look closely, without preconceived ideas, to really understand something – be that physically or mentally!