waiting at the station…
August 19th, 2004
…yesterday for N to come back from buying a car I got my sketchbook out and doodled a bit. I’m constantly surprised how nervous I am drawing in public and drawing people is particularly difficult. I did feel the need to rush a bit which meant I didn’t really find that lovely calm spot that I do seem to manage sometimes when I’m working on a drawing - particularly something inanimate in the studio. I’m sure it’s a very healthy place to manage to get to and I want more of it.
Interestingly when I look at the sketches this morning I was immediately back at the station smelling the wet tarmac and hearing the loud thunder claps. I think I must have managed some sort of being present even if I was feeling a bit rushed and conscious of people around me. Actually I wonder if anyone took even the slightest bit of notice of me. The woman in the blue coat who I rapidly drew was happily swinging her bag and watching the lightening. Everyone, I’m sure, was caught up in thoughts of their trips or the loved ones they were exciting waiting for - not noticing a small round man crouching with his little sketchbook scribbling away. I’ll try and remember that.
Danny Gregory is away at the moment so I’m getting my regular fix of his drawings and wisdom by rereading Everyday Matters. Apparently he’s off visiting fellow drawers including Dan Price so I’ve also dug out my only copy of his Moonlight Chronicles and am imagining I’m off with them somewhere finding the inner quiet spot and drawing without preconceptions…
August 19th, 2004 at 2:56 pm
I know what you mean! I’m am always a little nervous drawing in public too. I try to find a spot where I hope no one notices me. Always worried someone will come up and ask to see what I’m working on and they’ll tell me it stinks bad. And then I’ll be so embarrassed. Boy is that my inner critic or what?
You got a great drawing while waiting!! I’m reading the everyday matters links too while Danny is gone.
Have a great art day!
August 20th, 2004 at 11:07 pm
Thanks Michael for sharing your story about drawing at the Station and talking about how that experience changed the memories. It is interesting how drawing makes things remian in your memory that otherwise might just drift away.
I like drawing in public and I find that most of the time people just notice you and keep going. Once in a while the come look and they are almost always delighted. If they aren’t they don’t beat you up for trying. The most extream negative experience I had was a guy in a cafe realized I was doing a sketch of him and he got up suddenly and left the cafe. I think he was upset by the body language but he didn’t say anything. Usually people like it if you are drawing them and they want to see how they look. It is strikes me as funny if it’s not as good as they would like.
I enjoyed reading Everyday Matters essays. Wow what a talented guy that Danny Gregory. Thanks for the link and the suggestion to go see his work.
I really like the Tea Cup picture from earlier this month. The title is very fine, it’s not just a drawing of a tea cup but much more. Words do make a difference in how we see things. I am looking forward to seeing more of your work soon.
Frederick