DARWIN . . . ScRiBbLe . . .

This is a very loose and quick sketch that I did last night while watching some T.V. with my wife. It was fun because I decided to do the entire sketch all in scribbles. I kept my hand and grip loose . . . . I just moved my hand around rarely lifting it off the surface. Sometimes when I sketch and watch T.V. at the same time I get into a sort of "trance", I'm not sure where the "time" has gone or what I was doing? The sketch seems to just "draw itself!"

I wanted to take this time to just say how important I feel it is as artists to draw and sketch every day. it doesn't matter what kind of artist you are or hope to be, becoming a better artist takes work, time and energy. You need to draw and sketch on a daily basis, "it won't happen on its own".

Friends of mine that have become successful in the "art" or "illustration" world don't waste time playing video games or socializing, they spend most of their time working on jobs and when they're not doing that they're sketching in sketch books, or working on new techniques on their painting, trying out new palettes and so forth . . . "it won't happen on it's own".

Somethings to try if you're wanting to improve your work as an artist.

1. Give yourself assignments. For example I must do at least one or two sketches a day, and at least one or two finished drawings or paintings a month.

2. Draw or paint from life. I believe it's important to get out of your house and experience the world and draw, paint, loosen up a bit . . . it's therapeutic! For me, I try to get out at least once a week and sketch in a cafe or restaurant, "smell" the Chicago air, and "hear" the sounds of the city. I also love to get out and do oil sketches, or plein air.

Remember, "it won't happen on it's own".