eraser free drawing

Good morning folks.

I've heard some people say that

they can never draw without an eraser.

Well, i'm here to tell you that YOU CAN!

:-)

When i want to paint something in watercolor

i usually draw an outline in MICRON pens.

But the outline, as you see,

isn't just one continuous line.

I think the most important thing when drawing

is to see the empty space

as much as the object itself.

When we draw, we often spend far too much time erasing,

or we draw in the one continuous line

and then get caught up in the details,

and then realize that the shape is off,

or the object is way too small

in proportion to the page,

or the angle is wrong...

we've all been there, right?

So here's my little secret.

1. LOOK at what you're drawing. (photo or still life)

2. OBSERVE IT before you begin to draw it.Where are the shadows? Where's the light?Where's the buckle with reference to the heel?In the middle of the shoe? More at the top?(...you get it, right?)

3. SEE the space around it (the empty space) 

4. BEGIN by drawing reference points (or little lines) on the page

5. BE KIND and patient with yourself.Yup. This is an actual step, and if you don't do it,the whole thing just fucks itself up. :-)

Obviously, as you see here,

the reference points don't need to be exact

and if you realize (like i did in this case)

that the shoe is actually more narrow,

or a bit longer,

then just draw new little lines!

You'll hide the old lines with the painting.

Cut yourself some slack,

be kind to yourself

and just keep drawing.

This takes practice...

Once the left shoe was done,

i basically did the same thing on the right.

a few little details and very rough lines...

it's not important for the line itself

to be precise here,

but the shape of your object.

my trusty little watercolor set...

I usually begin with the lighter colors

and work my way to the darker colors.

A few added details with the watercolor

and there you have it.

Little shoes that belonged to the unknown child of the Titanic...

Drawing techniques can be mastered by anyone,

but you want to draw with more than just technique.

You want to draw with emotion

and intuition

and trust

and feeling.

At least i do.

And you want to have fun while you're at it!

So get to it, peeps.

Take out the micron pens, or markers, or bic pens...

and try your hand at this.

I'm cheering you on, here!!

For those who are already masters at this,

just go get yourself a glass of wine

and join the cheering section.

xoxo