I needed to post off a sketchbook as part of the Sketchbook Circle I am in, so I decided to use the walk between my house and the Post Office as the start and end points for this exercise. The instructions for the exercise wanted me to make the journey with as many senses as possible. As I was going with my family, I decided to make a video of the journey, and let my family hold the camera, to take advantage of their own unique perspectives and subconscious choices about what to point the camera towards.
I found the video really interesting. My son holding the camera lower, in particular, was refreshing. It's been a long time since I have seen the world from that perspective and it game me lots to consider, which influenced some choices in future exercises.
As we went along I was walking behind, trying to sketch particular viewpoints and landmarks using the viewfinder I had created out of card. I was using a pencil, which I had chosen for speed but the combination of keeping up pace with the family and the quality of line made me think that the sketches seemed overly rushed. Having to sketch and move on also meant I mostly focused on quick sketches, rather than some more closely observed ones.
As part of doing Exercise 3.1, I took the opportunity to take my paints and pens with me. I stopped en route, taking shelter in a bus stop to perch and sketch a landmark building on the route I was taking. I found this a little challenging. Not being outside or the public aspect, I was remarkably comfortable with that aspect. What I struggled with was actually the discomfort of doing that kind of work in cold and wet weather. When I did the drawings above, it was a cold but crisp and clear sunny day. It was a big difference in how easy and enjoyable it was to sketch.
I noticed on putting these images together that I did tend to focus on wider composition and some details, but I didn't at any point really zoom in to the micro-level. Nor did I try and capture aspects of tone or texture in my pencil drawings. I feel like that medium doesn't do me any favours for this work. Comparatively, I really enjoyed using my fountain and brush ink pens. The variety in line weight and ability to convey more texture was a lot more gratifying.
I didn't feel the need or desire at the time to add any words to my drawing. I am not sure why that was. I think that I can push myself further to try and be more present in that regard, and pull in more aspects to give a sense of place.
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