I’ve been coloring patterns since I was a child. Recently I found an old sketchbook with a series of patterns colored with pencils. They seemed washed out to me, especially in comparison to the paintings I’ve been doing recently.
After scanning in a bunch of the sketches, I started playing digitally. Like other sketches I’ve done that combine sketches with digital painting, there are textures and effects that can’t be achieved separately.
I love the way layers can be created on the computer that interact in a variety of ways. I can create intense color and a richness that’s hard to get from pencils. It still physically feels like coloring, at least in that it captures most of the meditative quality.
Still doing art everyday
I’ve continued to create art everyday, although posting has been difficult. My 41,260 image database has been having major problems. I’ve been rebuilding and reinstalling, which takes days with files so huge. I’ve noticed how tempting it was to use if for an excuse rather than just continuing to look for alternatives and work arounds. The problem is still not solved, so I’ll have more opportunities to make choices. I intend for the art making to win out!
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9 Comments
I have a book from when I was in about 6th grade. It’s full of random patterns that I colored in with markers and pencils. Your post reminded me of how relaxing it was to create those patterns.
I still do that sometimes with my kids.
It’s fun to start a pattern and see where it ends up. I’ve noticed that I usually enjoy the process as much or more than the finished piece.
A big turning point for me was when I realized the creative process was far more important to me than the products I created. It’s always been my favorite part. Allowing myself to have that be truly OK, has been a process in itself though.
Last night I listened to an interview on NPR. Linda Barry talked about her new book about doodling. I was a compulsive doodler through school (and work.) Maybe all creative people are … all I know is that I learned and heard better when my hands are busy. I was often in trouble in school – but I can still remember the meditative pleasure of drawing those rhythmic patterns. Very inspiring image and description today.
I did elaborate doodles on the edges of all my papers in high school, and still need to doodle and draw to focus my attention. I’ll have to look up the NPR piece.
Last night I listened to an interview on NPR. Linda Barry talked about her new book about doodling. I was a compulsive doodler through school (and work.) Maybe all creative people are … all I know is that I learned and heard better when my hands are busy. I was often in trouble in school – but I can still remember the meditative pleasure of drawing those rhythmic patterns. Very inspiring image and description today.
I did elaborate doodles on the edges of all my papers in high school, and still need to doodle and draw to focus my attention. I’ll have to look up the NPR piece.
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