Back to the Drawing Board
This time of the year, probably because of the short days and long nights, I turn back to a lot of my crafty, creative pursuits. Not that I ever give them up entirely—that would be very hard on my mental health! Another reason is that things like the “30 Day Sketchbook Challenge” start up in January after the holiday busy-ness and give me an opportunity to start the year off the way I would like to be year-round.
I have zero illusions that I will ever be a true artist with my drawing and painting, but I believe anyone can learn and improve, and anyone can benefit from a creative outlet. Drawing and painting exercise parts of your brain that can become a bit atrophied ordinarily, and they can tap into parts of your mind that you did not even know were there. I am a firm believer that when it comes to your brain, just like your body, if you don’t use it, you lose it.
A couple of years ago, I bought an online course in nature journaling from the Cornell Institute of Ornithology. I finally started working through the course about a month ago, and I am getting so much out of it. One key point the instructor makes is that sketching what you see instead of pulling out your phone and snapping a picture forces you to pay much closer attention to the details. One of the early exercises was to sketch from a picture of a bird perched on a branch. Of course the first thing I noticed was the shape of the bird and the branch along with the bright yellow of the bird. But then I looked closer and noticed the black wing bars, the russet streaks in the bird’s breast, the particular proportions of the bird’s body, head, tail, and the shape of the beak. I have often heard that drawing or sketching trains you to see, and I believe that is true. So although I will never be able to draw and paint as well as Audubon, Peterson, or Sibley, at least I can learn to observe as acutely as they did and do.
Another part of the journaling course I really liked is that it started off showing a variety of people and their sketch journals. It is helpful to know there is no wrong or right way to do it, but that everyone has their own style and purposes. It, of course, helps to see that there are greatly varying levels of natural talent and skill, but the journals still serve their purpose for each person.
Another of my sketch journal books points out that regular sketching helps to develop mindfulness and being more present in the moment. I am sure all of us could use a dose of mindfulness and presence, especially in this busy time of the year. Just a little while ago I walked through the kitchen on my way to start my next task and was shocked to see 1:09 on the stove clock. I really thought it was about 10:30 in the morning!! No wonder the hours and the days seem to slip away faster and faster! With that said, I think I will sign off, pick up my sketchbook and pencil, and go draw a chicken or a leaf or a sleeping dog right quick! I hope you find a little time for mindfulness and presence in the moment, too. SpringCreekArtsGuild@ gmail.com