Newbie greetings

[annbemrose]

Hello!

It's wonderful to have found this forum. I've spent a lot of time recently, reading posts, thinking about different approaches to sketching and looking at members' sketches. Just doing that has been a huge, valuable education for me. So, many thanks to Russ and to everyone who has taken the time to post here. Always remember that more folks read what you write than you're ever likely to know about!

I've joined the forum because my artwork needs to loosen up a lot. After spending years working hard at realist drawing and painting, I feel that I've become too tight, too limited, too focused on the finished product. I need a creative boost and to regain a sense of playfulness in what I draw. It's been ages since I did much sketching, and I don't think I ever did enough of it.

I'm changing that, now. I've spent many happy hours in the last month or so making hundreds of gesture drawings and sketches in ink (because I can't erase it) on big sheets of paper, trying to follow the internal dynamics of whatever I'm looking at instead of obsessing over size, proportion and perspective. I'm starting to like a lot of what flows from my pen onto the board, and not caring so much about whether it's "good" art. It feels great, and I'm already starting to see some new lines and forms recurring in my many, messy sketches.

I may not post very often--or I might!--but I will surely be reading and enjoying your words and work. Thanks again for being here.

[Russ]

Welcome to the forum Ann! One of the main reasons this forum was started was to remind us (especially me) why we started sketching in the first place. Glad to hear you discovered a way to make it feel great!

[BeginAgin]

Welcome, Ann. This site has been my
home away from home since it started
and very influential in getting me to sketch
at all. I know you'll continue to be inspired
and to feel supported by our gang.

annie