Drawing Challenge!
I had been thinking that I should do some quick sketches with my left hand (non-dominant) to loosen up a bit and as a drawing exercise. I wasn’t going to post the results, but then today, I read an interesting entry by artist, Jafabrit who posted a self portrait that she had drawn while her eyes were closed. I thought, great, why not post my results. So…I started with my dog, Zuzu, a shepard mix who lounges most of the day.
Followed by a self portrait. I didn’t actually do this with my eyes closed, but I stood in front of a mirror and sketched while not looking at the paper or my pen.
Then, I followed up with a longer sketch of myself while looking in the mirror, but, drawing with my left hand and allowing myself to look at my sketch book as I worked.
What I found interesting about the first 2 sketches is that I recognize the first image as a dog and the second as a woman, but not necessarily as my dog or myself. I do, however, recognize myself in the third sketch. It’s not polished or does not even show me in the best light, but that’s what I liked about the exercise. I couldn’t control my hand and mark making like I would have if I had done a sketch with my dominant writing hand, yet, it still is recognizable as me. I should really add a quick sketch done with my right hand to see the difference. I wonder if I would try to capture a better likeness over which I had no control with the other methods.
So here’s a challenge for anyone else who wants to play along…check out Jafabrit’s blog and try it yourself. Also, Sue has some pretty nice figure drawings as well. It’s enlightening! Jessica just joined in too!
November 13th, 2006 at 9:18 pm
Oh this is wonderful, I am having fun with this, I like the second self portrait.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
I like the dog and the second self portrait also. there is something about the looseness of left hand drawing that appeals, don’t you think?
November 14th, 2006 at 12:14 am
Perefct impression of a flaked-out dog. (My cat’s name is Zulu but I call her Zuzu.) I’m enjoying your blog. If I don’t get around to blogrollong you in the next week or so kick me in the shins to remind me.
November 14th, 2006 at 3:32 am
Cyn I’m impressed these are very well done considering that you used your left hand. I can’t even write ledgible with my left hand at all so I’m off to see J.B.’s blog now and I’m going to try this experiment tomorrow night after work. Cool!
November 14th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
I can’t even draw stick people with my dominate hand….now this saddens me.
November 14th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Thanks for suggesting this exercise Jafabrit! So much fun…I should always draw with my left hand!
Hi Sue! I have to confess that I can’t post my self portrait that I did with my right hand, it’s HORRIBLE! Too controlled.
Hello Andrea! Originally my dog was named Zozo (after a Led Zeppelin song/album). But, it was much to masculine for a feminine Shepard/Terrier mix!
I can’t wait to see what you post Lyn!!! It’s really fun, I should do it every day!
Mike, I’m sure you can draw a stick figure, but I do believe that your creativity lies with your gift of story telling!