I want to share my impression of what it means when I say observational drawing.
Many
times people can get the idea that observational drawing means to
literally observe every nook and cranny of the object or model.
Wrinkles, cracks, knuckles, follicles, pours, nose hairs or whatever can
be seen is put into the artwork.
I
think there can be a place for such detailed type of artwork but when I
teach the idea of observational drawing I teach the study of story
telling through drawing. That’s the most important part of it all. If
the drawing conveys story and meaning it’s that much more valuable as a
piece of art.
We
need to connect with the meaning of our drawings. If there's no story
or meaning to the drawing that was supposed to be from observation then
theres less interest by the viewer. it becomes lines smudges and medium
on paper rather than impressions of moments captured that evoke an
emotion or reaction.
That’s
my goal in observational drawing. To capture a story or a meaning that
makes you think or inspires you to feel something. One thing I
definitely do not do is force anyone into a particular style by forcing
details into their art that don’t tell the story.
the key is what are we observing? the Story or literal detail that can add up to no meaning?
Don’t let style define substance.
These one and a half second sketches were of my wife in P90x mode. I tried to convey the energy in the effort and I thank her for letting me show these. Frankly I should have joined her. I could stand to loose a few pounds haha.
