Continuous Line Exercises

For today (started last night) I decided to work on some basic drawing exercises.  Blind contour or continuous line drawing versus continuous line drawing and looking at the paper.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the major benefits of blind drawings.  Who does that in real life beyond a couple of seconds at a time when viewing something and wanting to capture quickly on paper?

And it doesn't matter how many times I might practice........I honestly don't see how it can help anyone with eye/hand coordination if you're working blind.  But that is just me.  The major benefit I CAN see is having fun and at times a good laugh, warming up, and what I read from another artist......... "it can help face your fears about screwing up."  Now THAT makes sense to me.  I can see it might benefit in loosening up too before going into an actual drawing......especially if you're using pen and ink and anxious about making those marks.

As for the continuous line and viewing the work along the way, I definitely can understand how that exercise can benefit people.

I started with the self portraits last night.  Now I had fun and a great laugh when viewing the results.  In fact I like them better than the one I did looking at the paper.  Today I worked on other objects.

One thing I need to work on is my need to close in all gaps which means I have to cross back over previously made marks as I work.  One of my favorite artists who works continuous line drawings is Brenda Swenson.  She leaves gaps and they look great.

Another thing I need to work on is not getting lost or confused in where to go next without skipping an area that I should have done before moving on.  Another reason for going back over previously drawn marks.

Exercise For My Granddaughter

Few days ago, my granddaughter made comment she was glad to see me active again with my sketching and painting.  That when I'm not doing anything, she doesn't feel like it either.  That I'm her inspiration and motivation.

I remember feeling that way myself when closely interacting with others I admire in the Art field. When they were going through down times, I too would lose interest and it would only return when my inspirational friends were back in the game.  I've since then learned to rely on my own (rather than other people)......with ups and downs........but took me many years.  Others still inspire me but the motivation to pick up that pen and paint is solely on me.

Thinking about this and after reviewing one of my Craftsy courses by Paul Heaston, I worked this little exercise hoping to get my granddaughter back into her artwork.

I set up this little still life of makeup I used to use many moons ago.  Not sure why I hang onto it as I've not used makeup in forever.  But makes a nice still life with the simple shapes.

The first step I want for my granddaughter to work through is contour drawing of what she sees in the photo......keeping it simple.  I asked her to use either pencil or pen but if she elects to use pencil, NOT to use an eraser but instead accept the lines she puts down on paper and work with that.  I chose pen so not to be tempted to make corrections myself :-)

Then I want her to sit and view Mr. Heaston's videos on hatching and cross hatching giving those simple shapes some form.

Here's my quick sketch.....flaws and all.  I may change the set up a bit and sketch a few more just for my own practice.  

One of the things I personally need to work out in my own mind is when to use what hatch marks when like direction, spacing, etc.  Spacing not so much as I do understand spacing determines the value of an area.  But directional hatching I'm still not quite sure.........especially on flat areas.  Maybe there is no true rhyme or reason but instead what each individual feels like doing to make an area look right to their own eyes for volume and depth.

Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain pen used in the Strathmore Grey sketchbook.

Now I'm waiting for Miss Madison to do her exercise :-)