The Details are Sketchy

Dave Sim, the creator, writer, and artistic talent behind Cerebus, the Aardvark, once remarked that (paraphrased), "if you sketched on every sheet of paper and stacked them about 6 feet high, you’ld just begin to learn how to draw." I would have to agree.

Sketching is the lifeblood of the artist. Based on the simple premise that the more one does something, the better he or she becomes, sketching is a way to not only loosen up before you begin your actual work, but becomes a visual journal of impressions, thoughts, ideas, and images that you may want to return to for a finished composition.

Rest assured: if you don’t write it down or draw a sketch of it (however rough), it will be crowded out by newer ideas or life itself. One thing you can do to help is to carry a little sketchbook with on your journeys "out and about." You never know when that next idea for a painting or drawing will pop into your head. Just as a small voice recorder is essential for a writer, toting a sketchbook is as paramount for the artist. It doesn’t have to be big. I have a small 3.5x5 inch, hardcover sketchbook that I take along in my car. That way, if I arrive early to an appointment or meeting, I can sit and do a rough sketch of any ideas that I’ve had as I drive along on waiting for the hour of my meeting.

Excellent places to sketch are: parks, zoos, airports, malls, train stations, skydiving, etc. As a side note, sketching is another great oppurtunity to build interest in your services as an illustrator. People will want to see what you are doing, and after an initial conversation, you can close with a business card!

Learn to sketch quickly and confidently. Conceptual artist and painter John Howe, in his book, Fantasy Art Workshop, suggests holding the pencil in a different manner than which you hold the pencil when you write. This precipitates the laying down of new types of strokes and helps to strengthen the bond between eye and hand coordination.
Another way to sharpen your skills is to sketch with a tool that you don’t normally use. For example, if you normally use graphite, try a ball-point pen for a change, or switch to a magic marker. Try sketching in a different style or choose a different subject matter. Draw objects or people that you see around you. Develop a visual shorthand to quickly capture the essence of moving objects.

The main point is to experiment. Have fun. Record ideas. But do so everyday! Five, ten, or fifteen minutes daily is better than an hour every week. It keeps you up to date, keeps you improving, and keeps your skills honed.

Below are three sketches:

1). A fairly loose rendering for an oil painting. Although generic at this point, I could go in later and add specific types of flowers and such. Also, I think I would change the Greco-Roman architecture to something a little more organic.


2). Another oil painting sketch. Most of this would be in blues and greys, with the focus of the piece coming from the bright pink blossom that she is smelling.


3). A simple figure sketch of a supporting character from an original manga story.


Remember: sketch often and have fun!

Cya.