Sketchbooks
Any pipe smokers still out there?
In the nostalgic backdrop of the 1970s, my dad was inseparable from his pipe. Whirls of thick smoke swirled up filling the air with each choking pungent puff. I can still smell the smoke and sticky tar that used to line the pipe and no doubt his lungs.
Biro & ink wash on Colorplan.
Daniel Meadows at The Northern Eye Photography Festival 2023
A tad dark for drawing but popped out my sketchbook during the Q&A.
On the 50th anniversary of his ‘Free Photographic Omnibus’, documentary photographer and storyteller, Daniel Meadows spoke about his work at this year’s Northern Eye Photography Festival.
“You can’t pretend you are other than you are.”
“Documentary photography is too good to be relegated to art.”
Monoprint Street Sketching
The line produced by a monoprint is unique and I like it.
Mark making is important, the quality of a line in a sketch adds character and feeling. The line produced by a monoprint is unique and I like it.
Observational Drawing
Observational drawing, picking up on small details.
Observational drawing, picking up on small details. Hands clasped behind the back, trousers tucked into the back of shoes, quietly taking in surrounding, flat caps, creased beige clothing, solitude.
That’s a might fine cuppa.
Observing and sketching in McDonalds.
Observing and sketching in McDonalds. Yeah, yeah I know, I’m in Maccie D’s, but I didn’t order anything.
Sketch a Sketcher
It’s not often you see some one sketching in the wild.
It’s not often you see someone sketching in the wild. So when I saw this chap sitting on one of those portable camping chairs sketching away I thought I would get down a quick sketch myself.
I don’t think he was too pleased though. “You are in my way!” he called over as I doodled as discreetly as I could. I moved away to the side and grabbed a few more studies, muttering under my breath.
Closeup
Getting up close and personal with a sketchbook.
Getting in close with a camera and a 23mm wide angle lens is nerve racking. But getting this close with a sketchbook is verging on suicide!
Give it a try - if you dare!
Stand in a queue, wait in line or move in close while waiting for a bus. If you were to pull out a camera and snap away you are gonna get some serious daggers. But pull out a sketchbook and quietly scribble away with the occasional glance up at your subject and they think nothing of it.
For all they know you are writing your latest novel, jotting something down as a reminder or even adding spuds to your shopping list.
But for close up head studies it’s invigorating.
