drawings

Why draw faces?

drawings / /

Faces are everywhere. They are unique but similar at the same time. Drawing faces can be challenging. It depends on your expectations and goals.

contour line drawing of face

I like loose and expressive drawings that capture the essence of a person.

I watch a lot of TV, and I have started to look closely eyes, nose and mouths. It is a fun challenge to do quick  sketches of these features.

blob faces

A really fun project is to do hair portraits. It is simple and satisfying. You can use magazine references and other photos. Sometimes I feel like the hair alone can capture the essence of a person.

hair portraits

If you are struggling to see the nuances that characterize a certain face, then you could do a tracing. I am always amazed at how much I can learn from tracing the dominate lines of my face. Tiny differences in line placement can make a big difference in accuracy of the drawing.

trace to learn to see

Tracings can feel stiff and without energy. So I try to use them as a tool to help me to see more accurately.

This skill of accurately seeing carries over into drawings of all types.

line drawing of seed pod

Check out another post on drawing faces here.

Why draw faces? Read More »

Make Marks Supplies List

book arts, drawings, handmade books, mark making, mark making tools / /

You can make interesting marks with simple tools. Enjoy this quick video.

 

In this online class we will layer marks to reveal a visual story. Read all the details on the workshop page.

The suggested supplies:

  • Gelatin plate – FREE recipe here
  • Speedball water based ink
  • brayer
  • paper of your choice – I like
    • 90 lb drawing paper 12″ x 18″
    • Rice paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″
    • Tracing paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″
    • I like these sizes and papers because I am making a long landscape shaped book, but you could do the techniques at any size. So use what you have
    • One large sheet of sturdy printmaking paper, watercolor paper or mixed media paper for the cover. I use Arnhem. But you can use what you have.
  • Cardboard
  • thin easy to cut craft foam sheets
  • set of small children’s blocks (dollar store)
  • water based markers
  • Variety of found mark making tools (see photo below)
  • glue
  • exacto knife
  • soft crayons

Hope to see you in class.

mark making into books

 

Make Marks Supplies List Read More »

Go back to your sketchbooks – reference

book arts, drawings, mark making / /

Generally, I need a reference for drawing. I don’t do so well just drawing from memory or imagination.

drawing of leaves

Some of my favorite drawings are the ones of twigs and organic items found in the woods. They feel authentic, real, most like me.

twig and berry drawing

Recently I have been looking back through my sketchbooks to find flowers, leaves and doodles to add to a new book.

use sketchbook for drawing reference

In the image above, I used the sketchbook drawing of the black vines as a reference for the lower drawing in a new book in progress. The bigger book is one I am creating with the lessons from the Make Marks + Books online class. The book is layered with marks, prints and doodles. And in this one I am finishing it with leaf, vine and flower drawings.

This loose layering approach:

  • fosters just beginning and going with the flow
  • allows you experiment with different kinds of mark making
  • delete, cover or edit undesirable marks
  • discover meaning, focus or story as you go
  • identify your strengths and preferences

If this sound interesting to you, then read the details on the Make Marks + Books workshop page. Class starts soon.

Go back to your sketchbooks – reference Read More »

Seeing things differently

drawings, inspiration, mark making / /

Our perception is our reality. And we can learn to perceive things differently. Okay that was a little deep. Let’s lighten up.

In my recent days, I have been doing a lot of line drawings of faces. I have done self portraits, zoom participants, and other images as references. I have to admit most of the drawings are not very strong likenesses of the subject.

self portrait line drawing

This does not bother me. I am using the drawing process to change my perception and to build my seeing/drawing skills. I like the quick contour line drawing format. It is easy to squeeze in a few drawings every day.

mixed media selfie

I can practice noticing the different shapes of peoples facial features even when I am not drawing. This will help improve my actual drawings.

contour line drawing

So much can be expressed in a simple line. Take emojis for example. Emotion is conveyed with just a few lines. I would love to develop the skills to capture unique expression with limited line.

One way that I try to learn to perceive differently is to do a drawing based on a photo and then trace the contour lines of the photo. Then compare the traced lines to the ones that I thought I saw in the first drawing (without tracing).

trace photo for contour line drawing

It is very helpful to me. For example this last drawing was based on a tracing from a photo of myself. I notice that my eyes are not equal and my face is not as long as I usually draw it. I challenge you to question your perception today. Be open to seeing in a new way.

If you want to explore, drawing, tracing and monoprinting to expand your seeing skills, then consider the online class, Draw into Print – a trace monotype workshop. Read all the details on the workshop page.

Seeing things differently Read More »

Explore Meditative Marks

drawings, mark making / /

What is your go to doodle? Do scribble while you are in meetings or on the phone? This may be a way to engage a different part of your brain.Meditative marks

Lately, my marks have been dashes and lines with watercolor or acrylic ink. Sometimes I do long lines that become a structure for a list on another day.meditative marks by linda germain

I think you could make what ever doodle or mark feels good then explore it. It could be a way to quiet the mind or to get your creative juices flowing. And I bet you will end up with some cool patterned papers that can be used for collage projects.

painted meditative marks

I suggest:

  • Use whatever ink, pen or paint that is handy
  • Play with different media and paper
  • Trust your gut. Let go of needing to know.

painted meditative marks

Check out the current online classes that are available now.

Explore Meditative Marks Read More »