How to Make Quick Watercolour Sketch PART1

Thank you for many positive comments on my quickies. So, this week, I'll whisper you about my tips.

(Uni lecturer at a seminar, A4. )
Before our chat, who is this young man? I'll tell you later.A young man met Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, whom he revered, and whose advice he never forgot;
"Draw lines, young man, and still more lines, both from life and from memory, and you will become a good artist."

Here, Sadami's Tips for Quickies of Moving People, Basic Drawing Skills.

1) Catch pattern of movement.
Not so hard to draw people moving around. Why?
Often we repeat movements. Take examples of sports, walk, run, dance etc that have a pattern of movement. So, have a close look of moving people. Pick up a most favorite moment = most impressive movement = make a drama.
2) Rely on your eyes.I've hardly used photos for references. (*I might be wrong,) in my view, there's always a gap between a real movement and a photo. Or, I should say, our eyes often feel more comfortable with a moment captured by human eyes, rather than mechanically meticulous movements caught by a camera. Crutches will never be our real own legs, even though photo use is helpful after learning croquies.

3) Trust in your eyes and be brave.
Often people tell me no idea how to draw or stick figure only. But we, all, know and can do tell which drawing is correct or not. It means all of us have good eyes and the potential to master drawings! No erasure. Simplified, few, but confident lines are preferable. So, a stick figure is wonderful. All what it needs is muscles!(=Knowing anatomy is useful.)

4) It's never right until it's right.If I do not feel comfortable with a drawing, something is against the eyes' sending information.
Keep patience and try it again and again until you feel happy with a drawing....it could take...years(I did!). Many masters made same or similar drawings tens of thousands times. Trained eyes tell hands to follow visual information. Trained hands respond well.

But have fun and never be tough on yourself. Please love your work. Celebrate small achievements. Step by step, one goes far.

Now, the answer.
The young man in the quotation was Edgar Degas. His work on ballet is well known, which beautifully catches movements and moments.
We say, "He who listens most speaks best."
I say, "She who watches most draws best."
This is an old cliche, but true : everyone begins with copying someone else. And find her own methods and original style.

And one more, a very important thing.
We do not need to make a masterpiece every time. Let's make messes "all the time." Yeah~~~!

Next Monday, I will tell you more about my way, how to do watercolor and process.
Friends, happy painting!! Thanks for your interest and support.

How to Make Quick Watercolour Sketch PART1