This is really great. I find more and more that what holds me back from drawing from memory and allowing myself to enjoy the discovery process is simply panic / anxiety (which seems so ridiculous when I say it out loud…. It’s just paper—but it’s somehow also my whole soul on that ONE sheet of paper :).) But the more I draw—the more I really put myself in this game—the more I’m able to push that panic aside; for me, that’s the biggest reason to engage in the process consistently. (And thanks for giving us thoughts & a place to process these things. It’s helpful to find words for the experience.)
A very wise sage once said (probably said multiple times—I hope you’re still saying it because I quote you to my own students frequently), “No baby pandas will die if you make a bad drawing.”
I think I'll jot these down in my sketchbook as a reminder for the times I don't want to draw from reference but won't exactly be satisfied with strictly mark making... your nuanced description of each practice made something otherwise nebulous (to me) feel a little more solid. Thank you!
“.That you accept the image you are capable of making rather than chasing the one you think you’re supposed to make.” -This is so very true! I intelligently know this but embracing it is the hard part for me.
I remember being so surprised when I got to the last chapter of “Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting”, where he talks about painting from memory. My reaction was “you mean I’m allowed to do that?”!
Your article today was a good reminder that yes, it is more than okay.
I think I discovered Lyda Barry thru some other tidbit you wrote. I got all her books from the library and settled on trying to make my way thru "Making Comics" . I am 53 and have been drawing and art-ing all my life and her approach has been transformative for me. For the first time in many years I have had the kind of fun I remember having as a child. It would be such a joy to take this with a group of people. I wish there was a way.
At any rate, so glad I came across you somehow, which made me come across her which brought a much needed refresh to my creative self.
This is really great. I find more and more that what holds me back from drawing from memory and allowing myself to enjoy the discovery process is simply panic / anxiety (which seems so ridiculous when I say it out loud…. It’s just paper—but it’s somehow also my whole soul on that ONE sheet of paper :).) But the more I draw—the more I really put myself in this game—the more I’m able to push that panic aside; for me, that’s the biggest reason to engage in the process consistently. (And thanks for giving us thoughts & a place to process these things. It’s helpful to find words for the experience.)
I wring my hands constantly over what I am drawing and you are right, it's just paper and a little time.
A very wise sage once said (probably said multiple times—I hope you’re still saying it because I quote you to my own students frequently), “No baby pandas will die if you make a bad drawing.”
I think I'll jot these down in my sketchbook as a reminder for the times I don't want to draw from reference but won't exactly be satisfied with strictly mark making... your nuanced description of each practice made something otherwise nebulous (to me) feel a little more solid. Thank you!
I am so glad this has struck a chord with you!
Another great article. I love that you explain different ways of drawing.
I have recently come across Lyinda Barry and am now reading some of her books. I love how she taps into herself to draw.
Lynda Barry and her writing has been a revelation to me! Thanks for commenting.
“.That you accept the image you are capable of making rather than chasing the one you think you’re supposed to make.” -This is so very true! I intelligently know this but embracing it is the hard part for me.
I remember being so surprised when I got to the last chapter of “Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting”, where he talks about painting from memory. My reaction was “you mean I’m allowed to do that?”!
Your article today was a good reminder that yes, it is more than okay.
It feels so unorthodox. Weird, huh?
Powerful & succinct. I’m a huge Lynda Barry fan and also working on improving my technical drawing skills. Thank you Chris! 💎
LYNDA
I think I discovered Lyda Barry thru some other tidbit you wrote. I got all her books from the library and settled on trying to make my way thru "Making Comics" . I am 53 and have been drawing and art-ing all my life and her approach has been transformative for me. For the first time in many years I have had the kind of fun I remember having as a child. It would be such a joy to take this with a group of people. I wish there was a way.
At any rate, so glad I came across you somehow, which made me come across her which brought a much needed refresh to my creative self.
Thank you.