The Sunday Spread: December 3, 2023

Dec 3

Hi there. How are you?

Welcome back to the Sunday Spread. Each week I give you a glimpse into my sketchbook and drawing practice. Posted most Sundays.

And just like that, December and the holidays are here! I was on the ball this year and finished up my Christmas shopping this weekend and spent yesterday evening wrapping presents. I know gift wrapping is a chore for many, but I really enjoy it!

Blue Abstract ballpoint drawing held in front of a Christmas tree

Last Week’s Drawing is Complete

It took me 2 weeks of off and on couch drawing to finish this spread. (See how it looked last week here.)

I like the play of the negative space that the rainbows create against the dense “braided” forms. The rainbow shapes create some places for your eye to stop and rest, which is important in a composition.

12/1: A Patterned Palette Cleanser

After working on that the previous drawing for almost 2 weeks, I was feeling the need to work with some speed. I went back to my pattern journal and whipped out this spread in about an hour. I’m still fond of the lines and the curves and enjoy the juxtaposition between the two. Notice how open spiral shapes create the same sort of resting spot that the rainbows did in my other sketch.

Blue fiberglass chair in weeds in front of a brown cabin

Is There a Creative Shift Coming?

I’m having a love/hate relationship with ballpoint drawing lately. I really like the process of laying down ballpoint ink on paper, but I’m annoyed with how time consuming it is. I’ve been getting bored with my drawings half way through, even in a small format.

When I’ve felt this way in the past, it usually means a shift is coming. I’m not sure which direction I’ll be headed, but I do feel a change in the air.

I miss making original works and have even been thinking about chairs again. When I came across this vignette on a trip this fall, it screamed to be drawn. Will I actually draw it? Not sure yet. Stay tuned.