October has come and gone, and with it, so has the Inktober challenge!
This was my first year participating in it, and I am so happy that I did! The challenge was one of those instagram movements that I stumbled across after waaaaaaay too much frequent scrolling and searching. (So apologies to the kiddo!) I almost didn't participate, because even though it had been on my mind as a half-hearted intention earlier in the year, I really didn't know how I was going to squeeze in more time to draw. I mean, with a toddler running around the house all day long, and refusing to sit still in the stroller during walks (a.k.a goodbye urban sketch crawls for mom/ stroller rides for baby) ...ANYWAYS, I just didn't know.
But then, the posts started to filter into my feed (thanks to too much scrolling again!) and I decided to give it a go.
Turns, out, it was one of the best ideas I've had this season
I found the time to sketch (really, to doodle) in the evenings while my husband and I are watching tv. Being a former bookworm, I actually really enjoyed developing this habit, because it kept my mind occupied during some of the more intense/ scary bits on the screen. (I am a complete wimp!) Committing to sketch everyday also loosened up my imagination. Before this, I had been stuck in a rut of only practicing observational sketches- which is completely important, vital, and necessary to my technical growth as an artist. But, I also was really bored with sketching, and frustrated, because I still don't know how to translate all the amazing and intricate details I see outside in nature onto the page accurately. There are problems with proportion, perspective, light sources... you name it! Drawing from my imagination counter-intuitively helped me to work out what I already understood about light and space, and show me areas where I need improvement. I also loved thinking about textures, and seeing which I could depict well or not; thinking more about the impression that light, atmosphere and shadow leaves on our memories and senses. And the fact that it was up to interpretation- for both me and the viewer. If I didn't like the way a drawing was going, I had the freedom to change it into something completely different. Which is why there are so many darkened bits all over the pages!
I like to think that in addition to artistic growth, there was also a bit of character development going on too.
Posting everyday, regardless of how I felt of last night's drawing, forced me to stop caring about how many likes I received on each photo. Or stressing about the time of day it was posted. I've got a very long way to go in the social media battle, but reminding myself that my self-worth is not dependent on little bits of fluctuating numbers on a screen has helped to allow me to post more freely (or more strategically?) and not worry so much about the outcome.
It actually led to getting featured by Urban Sketchers (a favorite group of mine!)
I've thought about making some prints to sell & giveaway, but I'm just not certain about it...
Because I am not partial to ripping out sketchbook pages, I'm not too keen on giving away these original drawings. However, I do have some exciting sketch ideas that I would love to try out- most likely after the holidays are over. It's mainly personal and more experimental works, but there is a lot that needs to take place before anything can start.
If prints would be something that you people would be interested in obtaining for the holiday season, or as email list giveaways, please let me know!
And if things ever get underway (mainly supplies that need to be bought and prepped), AND if these potential projects look promising, I may just share... who know ;-)
Well, those are a few of my reflections on Inktober this October. I am most certainly looking forward to October 2018's Inktober challenge! Thanks so much for reading, and please don't hesitate to comment, email, or message your thoughts.
-Katy Becker