DRAWING

It has always been a subject of near-argument as to exactly when I began drawing with a pencil. Probably about two years of age my scribblings were admired because they really did represent something identifiable.  What I did not do was pencil or crayon on the walls. Does this make me the perfect child artist? Alll my allowance funds went toward buying paper and I was thrilled when my busineman father threw out old business letterhead or invoice paper which was plain on one side. I was totally in love with white paper which called out to have faces, arms, legs, feet, and  hands drawn on them. Soon my dresser drawers were overflowing with all my attempts at portraiture.

 This ingrained habit has continued to this day as I always carry a small drawing pad and ball-point pen with me and draw everyone around me if I'm caught in a waiting line, sitting in a bus station, train terminal or airport. Totally surrounded by people in meetings or church I quickly fill my small pads with all the different sizes, shapes, positions and ages of the people around me. The only time this appeared threatening was when I was sitting in the jury box, prior a trial, and was drawing the prisoner and attorneys during the remaining selection of the jury. The judge excused me. Is this a trick you could try in order to be excused?  At least my drawings weren't confiscated and I thought the defendant showed a god deal more character than his defending and accusing attorneys.

Using pastel sticks ( I prefer soft pastels) or charcoal falls into the category of drawing and I have at times  done quick reference sketches of a model in pastel  or charcoal sticks before repeating the process in acrylic or oil paint. My preference for drawing is as stated above -- catching quick sketches of people and the folds and vagaries of their clothing for future reference. Now I have multiple file folders of sketches to choose from and that crowd my file cabinet.

Charcoal sticks are great for outlining subject matter for composition on paper or canvas as a quick light buffing with a tissue will remove traces of it. However, for quick sketches of portraits, I prefer the colors of pastels.