Sketchbooks: A Manual and Recipe Book for Making Pictures
February 11 - March 11
Free
Sketchbooks: A Manual and Recipe Book for Making Pictures
Mary Dolan
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 11 | 3-5pm
Realismis theterm that best describes the drawing style I use to visually express ideas. Previously, I thought that “naturalism” was what I was going after, and that I had no interest in creating art that could idealize, comment on, or change the scene being portrayed. I thought I should be drawing exactly what was in front of me, precisely as I was seeing it. I feltthatshould be enough, but it wasn’t enough and I started to lose interest in my work.
Even though I am workingrealistically, the theme of a drawing can veer away from the reference. A change in light or a figure’s gesture can open up the story for the viewer to relate to whatever way they can. I think the way to find options for a composition begins by drawing in a sketchbook, especially drawing the same thing several times. This is actually seeing something, and then seeing it again, but differently. Recording people, places, and things in a sketchbook makesa handy reference for future work. From this information, any artist can write a poem, paint, draw, collage, or even compose music, all inspired by their own notes and drawings.
Sketching an idea in real time is fun. In a sketchbook, accidents don’t lead to failures because youhave another shot at it in the studio. Memory can also play a role and elements can be adjusted to add focus to the story.A road can turn, a tree can loose its leaves.Ideas can evolve over a few pages.
The drawings in this show all started as sketches. The two portraits were done in a single session with live models. The drapery was completed in the studio, with the assistance of a photo reference. These two drawings, even though I used a photo to complete the background, still benefited from what I learned from developing ideas from a sketch. I wanted the drapery to complement the mood of the sitters. That was the focus and the reference and sketching experience helped.
Generally, allof the pieces were developed in steps, and I will not forget the steps because I have the sketchbook to guide me.