Trusting memory and grumpy slug blobs
A review of days one to seven of my 100-day project: Making a World
Days 1-7 are gone already, it’s been good! Here are my thoughts after a week of drawing.
Have the supportive structures helped me? Yes absolutely.
The prompts have been used every day. It means there's just one less thing I have to think about and because I made the prompts and there is a guarantee they will either be an interesting challenge or something I really want to draw.
The green cut-out shapes have been great to play, inspire new shapes and prevent me from trying to draw something too realistic.
I haven't used the list of Shake It Up prompts, probably because I'm only seven days in and it's still new. There's always enthusiasm to experiment in the beginning but the list is there if I need it on a day when my brain refuses to work.
Things I really like so far
Initial sketches using my Lamy Safari fountain pen with turquoise ink. It somehow makes things less scary, less formal when putting a mark down on the page.
Using a larger format sketchbook, the Pith Oroblanco is just over A4 size. A first time using this brand and I have to say it stands up to the fair amount of water on the page as well as a nice smooth surface for the fountain pen. I might find it hard to go back to a different sketchbook after this one.
Using a different media each day keeps things interesting.
Changing approach after seeing a note by Rosalie Haizlett talking about drawing from imagination and memory first in her project. Day 4 I started with my own ideas of a Fallow deer and then tweaked it by looking at a few photos and came up with what I feel is a gorgeous shape I'd like to do more with in the future.
Shape and colour play (Day 6 - Moor). Loved it. I haven't done much of this in the past and would love to explore more, made using Neocolor II crayons.
A special mention for day 5 which turned out to be the tricky one. Who knew a Grey Seal was such a slippery customer, a grumpy slug blob with flippers. The initial outline sketches were hard, they need tone to bring them to life. So grateful for the sad looking weirdos though, they make me laugh every time I see them.
Onto days 8-14...
This is awesome! I love how you're referencing old work to find recurring themes and then using them as inspiration. Personalized prompts. I'm glad I found this towards the beginning of your journey.
Having the prompts ready is really a good idea, I'm doing an year challenge (except weekends) and having everything ready is essencial 😊 I really like all your sketches! Looks like you are having fun and that's the best, right?