This is about experimenting with making different marks eg stipple, crosshatch, dry brush.
It is a bright sunny morning on 4th April and I have a collection of graded pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal , small brush, indian ink, an old toothbrush, sponges, pens, felt tips etc.
I have selected a textured surfaced A4 paper and initial start to focus on drawing a household object however as the lines appear on the surface I just concentrate on making marks and become totally absorbed in the process.
Initially the lines are straight, vertical. So I move the paper around as I work to relax the process and do more waves, curls and springs. I test the tension of the paper and pencil, pressing and shading, then try lighter marks with sharpened points, cross hatching and even small dots.
In some areas I simply followed the grain of the paper. Gradually I realise there is no right or wrong approach to this, so I made further graded marks, dip the brush in the Indian ink and let myself be led by the drawing implements, twisting the pencils on their sides, allowing the charcoal to smudge, and not concerning with the outcome.
I try mark making with my left hand and note how the space between the lines becomes relevant as the page gradually fills with the pen and pencil marks.
I return to read the coursework about the basis of a good tool box. As I check down the list of recommendations I am pleased to be able to tick off most of the items. My ” tool box” is a mobile studio of paper bags, shoe boxes. bottles and containers that I have acquired over time. I am always fastidious in keeping my “tool box” well sorted. It takes time to unpack, clean after use and tidy away afterwards. This almost seems like a work of art in itself !
Adelaide Art 