Visual
One of the stranger things to have come out of this creative blogging thing has been my own increasing interest in visual creativity (horrible phrase, but you know what I mean - right?). Although I’ve always been creative, I didn’t take art in high school and I was a lot more interested in crafting, writing and film making. Partly I think this is a reaction to going in one direction for a long time, I studied English Literature, and while it’s nice to be able to read whatever I like I don’t read or write as much as I used to. I do think swinging towards more visual creative expression is also related to the blog though, having to take photos, sketch my ideas out and do some graphic design has got me more interested in doing those things without an actual purpose.
My mum’s Christmas present, which I choose, were a couple of classes at the art college. The printmaking course I booked has been delayed but yesterday I had my third life drawing class. And although there are plenty of flaws clamouring for my attention the drawing above is the first I’ve actually quite liked. This is the first time in about 8 years that I’ve done any ‘real’ drawing and it’s so very difficult, but I’m really loving the experience. I’m usually such a ridiculous multi-tasker that it’s great to focus really intensely on one thing for a few hours. Although I’ve only been to a few classes I am starting to feel like I’m making some progress, if I can come up with the discipline to actually draw in between the classes I might get even more out of it. Maybe I need to start some kind of drawing a day project? I’m a lot better at sticking to public challenges than private ones!
Last week I bought a new camera, but the dismal weather has prevented me from really playing with it much. Even so it already feels very much mine. This might be because in a lot of ways it’s a (very!) upgraded version of my film camera.
Despite being overcast, windy and drizzly today felt oddly like spring, warm enough to go out without a coat and even snatches of blue sky are worth making the most of at the moment so we went for a walk. It’s freezing and raining again already. Click the images for more on flickr.
Posted: January 23rd, 2008 under knitting.
Comments: 25
Comments
Comment from Heather
Time: January 24, 2008, 12:36 am
Ysolda - it is so pretty! I’ve just begun Snow White - yay!
Comment from Gudrun
Time: January 24, 2008, 1:05 am
Drawing as well as knitting design..you’re so talented!….love the photos…good old changeable Scottish weather!
Comment from Amber
Time: January 24, 2008, 1:05 am
I love this post. Drawing classes always seem to help someone who is creative. I hope you enjoy them.
This sweater is just beautiful. Great photos, too.
Comment from jennie
Time: January 24, 2008, 1:07 am
Oooh, Oooh! can’t wait for the pattern!
Comment from Jessicah
Time: January 24, 2008, 4:29 am
I am tossing up with the idea of leaping into dSLR-land with that very camera. Pleased to hear it works so well for you.
Comment from Elizabeth
Time: January 24, 2008, 4:34 am
Beautiful sweater, beautiful girl, beautiful setting! I’m excited for the pattern!
Comment from KK
Time: January 24, 2008, 6:54 am
Wow, is it really so warm in UK?!
Greetings from Estonia:), I just came outside, we did a small walk with doggies and we have lot of snow here in Estonia.
Sweater is beautiful!
Comment from Ming Ching
Time: January 24, 2008, 8:10 am
Its very pretty! A true pattern for a real princess!
Comment from Heidi
Time: January 24, 2008, 8:13 am
That sweater i so gorgeous! Is it really that spring-like in Scotland?! We’re in the middle of a snow storm right now. :)
Comment from Lotta
Time: January 24, 2008, 9:03 am
Delurk! :) Is looks great on you, the colour and everything. I like this one even better than the previous version.
Comment from Kirsty
Time: January 24, 2008, 11:30 am
I’m with you on the public challenges being easier than private ones!
For me that’s the major difficulty with working largely alone and un-managed. I need someone to witness my productivity (or lack thereof…). I think that’s one of the reasons blogging seems to have taken off with such vim in so many different freelancing communities. It’s a very visible, public accomplished task.
Lovely work, by the way.
Comment from Alice from france
Time: January 24, 2008, 12:09 pm
So beautiful!!!!
Comment from AnnieB
Time: January 24, 2008, 2:44 pm
I know what you mean about going in one direction so far as to almost want to do something totally different in the end. I was like this with Art Theory - I took it so far and now all I want to do is make pretty things with fabric and ribbon!!!
I used to have an OM1 and I loved it - have jumped ship over to a Nikon DSLR though - hope you enjoy your journey with the Olympus
Comment from Heather
Time: January 24, 2008, 2:49 pm
Beautiful sweater! You are really teasing us with it. I’m eagerly awaiting the pattern.
Comment from claudia
Time: January 24, 2008, 2:54 pm
That’s a lovely design.
Comment from kathryn
Time: January 24, 2008, 3:24 pm
i really enjoy the weekly challenge of illustration friday, http://www.illustrationfriday.com a new theme each week, anyone can have a go, and it’s interesting to see what everyone else does …
and yes indeed, coraline is beautiful ! can’t wait to see what’s next.
Comment from Judy
Time: January 24, 2008, 3:49 pm
Lovely drawing. I went to art school (not that I’m an expert)and I’d say you’re doing pretty darn well for your third class. Love your sweater and the lovely fabric of the dress with matching bow you are wearing with it.
Comment from Julie
Time: January 24, 2008, 4:51 pm
Love that sweater, it’s amazing. Such a great photo, too! Reminds me of Cathy from Wuthering Heights or something…..
Comment from alyssa
Time: January 24, 2008, 5:39 pm
love the drawing and the sweater you’re wearing.
I haven’t got a new camera in ages or any new camera “stuff” you’re making me want to upgrade.
Comment from projektleiterin
Time: January 25, 2008, 12:25 pm
I’ve always liked your drawing and sketches, so I think it’s great that you are taking drawing classes to enhance your skills.
Comment from fedeira
Time: January 25, 2008, 1:28 pm
Love it! This is simply gorgeous.
Thanks for being the creator you are!
Comment from Jesse
Time: January 25, 2008, 5:22 pm
Life drawing classes are one of my favourite things - at art school we had one 8-hour session a week. I completely zoned out; it’s so relaxing to have to do something that requires complete concentration, and is basically just a technical skill.
It looks like you really enjoyed drawing that hand!
Comment from Casey
Time: January 26, 2008, 5:54 pm
Your life drawing is gorgeous!! I took two semesters of drawing at my local college, and indeed constant practice does make a difference! I’ve really missed being able to just sit there, listening to quiet music and sketch for a good two hour block. Though I recently found a gallery guild nearby that offers weekly life drawing sessions. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this yet or not, but I find that drawing the minute details of the human form–the way the skin wrinkles, the shadows, hair–really raises my perception of *other* visual details!
Wishing you the best as you continue to delve into the world of visual art… :) I can’t wait to see what comes of it!
Comment from Janice
Time: January 28, 2008, 12:36 pm
well done! i can’t wait for the pattern!
Comment from Clevermonkey
Time: June 25, 2008, 2:26 pm
I must agree with many of the others… you have a great natural drawing ability. I studied drawing for years and I need a ton of practice to be natural with it.
But your drawing (and your website) are really inspiring me towards following my goal of a more creative lifestyle.
Drawing really is about learning how to see…
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