I chose a time when I knew that I would not be disturbed for a while to do this exercise. I decided to listen to the radio, so that I could focus less on the outcome. I used a 2B pencil and filled the A2 page, starting from the right hand corner as I am left handed.
Once the page was full, I carried on a new page with a brush pen as I wanted to see how different the exercise would be if I could play more with the width of the lines. I started sketching with brush pens a few weeks ago after watching a course on Domestika taught by Sorie Kim. I really like the fluidity of the lines in her sketches (https://wowxwow.com/shop/portals/pandora-sorie-kim). I first used the blue pen but it was a bit dry, so I carried on with the pink one. I kept sketching on a third page while listening to the end of my programme on the radio.
I used two L shapes to select five areas on the first page and named them.
I enjoyed this exercise. It helps to let go and stop worrying about a particular outcome.
It would be interesting to experiment with other tools such as watercolour for instance. I liked creating different lines when I used a brush pen.
Listening to the radio helped as it took away some of my attention.
I encountered a few challenges that were an opportunity to learn more about my way of working.
I found it difficult to keep sketching without thinking of the outcome and wondering if I should do things differently. I noticed that whenever I saw a shape that reminded me of something, I experimented to see how I could use this shape. This is the case with the segment called “Fantasy” where I started seeing a character and added eyes, ears,…And, in a sense, I had to concentrate to go back to abstract lines and stop focussing on anything in particular.
I often doodle if I am on the phone or if I am listening to something and I always end up drawing similar things such as some kind of leaves and flowers and I had to try not to do this in that exercise and experiment with more varied lines.
I wonder if I did not try too hard not to focus. Maybe it does not matter if I draw elements at random that might look like characters or flowers or anything else.
I would like to use this exercise more often and it could particularly help in some areas such as:
- Creating more fluid lines;
- Finding inspiration;
- Getting used to enjoy the process more, and at times let go of expectations;
- Experimenting with mark making and tools.
Catherine Roux Degree in Illustration 