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Monday, June 24, 2013

Sketching is a Hand's Thinking

Thank you, Friends, for a big response to a last post. I'll update the process of picture book illustration from time to time. Stay tuned.  
BTW, how do you use a sketch book? Let me hear your ways. I use a sketch book for two main purposes : practice/experiment and an illustration idea storage, not for a simple record. And of course, they are all for fun! Sketching is my hand's thinking. Active thinking does not need to be perfect. 

 (I sketched a presenter on "social media" at a meeting) 
I'd quote these : 
“It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs.” Jillian Michaels
"If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." Ecclesiastes11:4  ("Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.") Perfectionism gets us nowhere. In my view, Jillian's say "fits to all" or any area in life.   


(Above, 3D understanding of the head)
Regarding a sketch book's "practice" nature, daily sketching is very much like "strength training" in athletics. If we don't do it, we'll lose muscles. Similarly, drawing skills are fundamental for any art. Without drawing skills, it's impossible to learn other techniques. No excuse. Thank goodness, I love drawing since childhood. Everyday sketching is not a pain at all. Draw, draw first, before my findings/emotions will be gone -- is my motivation.
Drawing is my hand's thinking. No, my brain thinks nothing. I "feel" something and get on work. Instinct. In experiment, I go out of my comfy zone and enjoy something new. Experience is the best teacher. Theory follows Experience. So, I try something first.  My hand remembers sketched subjects well. The more experience, the better my eyes remember subjects.
Talking of "illustration idea storage," a sketch book has a more experiment nature. Very adventurous, more wild and messy. I cannot upload too many attempted drawings with notes and glued pieces etc, etc, on pages. One day, if I could organise them, I might upload it? Of course, I make TONs of mistakes or messes! Sometimes, it hurts me. I feel sad.
But I want to fail better and challenge it again. Make sense? For me, words are empty. No magic, but practice. My hands will find answers. Hands trained by sketch books can enjoy new techniques and express more on papers. Precious fruits, learned skills will never leave an artist. Further, it will open another door to take a higher road.  

I know all my illustrations have been born from daily sketches. Friends, I'm nearly finishing up a black and white storyboard, in the middle of  travails. I'm struggling, working very hard and learning lots. Thank you very much for your big cheers. I'll foster this new born baby to be a picture book! 
Friends, you, too, Happy Painting!!!  










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42 comments:

  1. I find it so interesting look at sketchbooks, as they are very personal records and usually just done for yourself. I generally use mine on holidays or days out and find that whatever I draw means so much more than any photograph. I remember sounds, smells, atmosphere, people. Often, some numbskull looking over my shoulder too. So enjoyed looking at your pictures here. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Hi, Polly, yes, I agree, a sketch book is personal and a fun record. (in our sketch club, we do public exposure, "show & tell.") Yes, we remember sensations very well with drawings. Also, I perfectly understand uncomfortable third parties' eyes. It was a big challenge for me at the beginning. But today people respect me well and keep a distance (or just silently & politely looking at me from behind a back.)
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  2. Sadami, estoy de acuerdo contigo que el saber dibujar es principalmente un "Don" (GIFT) que llevamos dentro desde muy corta edad. Unos más otros menos. Con la practica la vamos educando y perfeccionando. Si no se practica se pierde. Es la base para todo lo que está relacionado con el arte de pintar.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Hola, Joshemari,
      Sí, resumirán el punto! Sé que seguir practicando y mejore su trabajo y mejor. Es el maravilloso ejemplo de un buen uso de un cuaderno de bocetos.
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Hi, Joshemari,
      Yes, you summarise the point! I know you keep practicing and your work gets better and better. It's the wonderful example for a good use of a sketchbook.
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Joshemari said...
      Sadami, I agree with you that the draw is mainly a "gift" (GIFT) that carry within us from a very young age. Some more some less. With practice it will educate and refine. If not practiced is lost. It is the basis for everything that is related to the art of painting.
      A hug.

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  3. Sadami, gracias por compartir sus pensamientos, las palabras de J.Michaels las copie en mi cuaderno de dibujo para recordarlas siempre, el trabajo cotidiano y no las lágrimas darán frutos jugosos, cariños

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    1. Oh, Beatriz, gracias. J.Michaels es un muy exitoso entrenador personal americano (programa conocido como The Biggest Loser). ¿Sorprendes? Su voz se ha convertido en moda. Pero es en su opinión. Como tú, recordarlo en el arte. Sí, nos dejó disfrutar de frutas jugosas, no lágrimas!
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Oh, Beatriz, thank you. J.Michaels is a very successful American personal trainer (well-known program such as The Biggest Loser). Get surprised? Her say has become trendy. But her say is spot on. Like you, I'd remember it in art. Yes, let us enjoy juicy fruits, not tears!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Beatriz said...
      Sadami, thank you for sharing your thoughts, words of J.Michaels copy them in my sketchbook to remember them always, daily work and not the tears will give juicy fruits, love

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  4. Hi Sadami: When you first asked the question, "BTW how do you use a sketchbook?" my immediate response was that I use it as a record of what I've seen. But as I think about it, I use it for far more than that. I'm a firm believer in your comment, " The more experience, the better my eyes remember subjects. " ..... I know full well the more I sketch a subject the more information is stored in my brain and the better I get at sketching that species. ... and since I'm constantly striving to to become a better sketcher it means I try to sketch at least a little every day.

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    1. Hi, Elva, I agree with you! Indeed, your uploaded sketch books/ field notes motivated me to upload this post. Your field notes are really scientific and art notes for a multi purpose! I love them all!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  5. Me alegro mucho tu entrada, un saludo.

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    1. Thank you, Jose!!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>> Jose said...
      I glad your entrance, a greeting.

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  6. That first sketch made me smile! Actually all your sketches did. I don't use my sketchbook enough! I should use it more for drawing practice.

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    1. Hi, Carol, thank you so much. Your sketch book is sooo beautiful that impresses me so much. I'm sure you'll make wonderful works in it. Enjoy drawing!!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  7. Agree Sadami. Sketching is very important which most of us ignore. These are lovely.

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    1. Thank you so much, AK! Yes, let us enjoy drawing everyday. It makes a big difference in a long term veiw.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  8. I love your sketches, particularly the presenter and the different positions of her head. I do not sketch very much, most of my 'sketching' is done with my brushes.

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    1. Hi, Judy, sounds great you've been doing sketching with brushes! Interestingly, my illo mentor suggested me to use line, when we started mentorship. (*I've been a coloure dominant, brush "main" type. But ever since her advice, I've had a great interest in lines.) Enjoy sketching!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  9. Thank you for that "push" we all needed, Sadami! I don't sketch as much as I should..I do realize that its an important practice we should do everyday, but I seem to get busy with other things....but I will take your advice, and start to sketch in my brand new sketch book! Your sketches are wonderful, especially the presenter at your meeting...

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    1. Hi, Hilda, thank u. Start sketching a simple and easy subject in a few minutes only (*otherwise, soon people give up.) Please enjoy it and have fun. In addition, the presenter was very happy to "photo" that sketch. She's the specialist and the informative meeting was on how artists would make use of social media. These days, I've been very busy with attending those sorts of meetings and conferences to educate myself.
      Kind regards, Sadami

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  10. Beautiful, Sadami!!!

    Have a nice week!!

    Best wishes.

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    1. Thank you, J.Paz!! You, too, enjoy drawing and painting!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  11. Estas en lo cierto, dibujar, dibujar y dibujar... y disfrutar haciendolo! Un abrazo

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    1. Muchas gracias, Tina! ¡ Vamos a divertirnos en dibujo juntos!
      Un abrazo, Sadami

      Thank you, Tina!! Let's have fun in drawing together!
      A hug, Sadami

      >>>Tina said...
      You are the truth, draw, draw draw... and enjoy doing it! A hug

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  12. I have a few sketchbooks. I am never anywhere without a sketchbook. In some I feel freer than others - I don't know why. I am often positively tight in my Moleskine. My most creative is when I grab a post-it note and doodle! I see your style in your sketchbook - no mistaking it. A wonderful release from your TRAVAILS, I'd bet! ;)

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    1. Hi, Dan, thank u! Yes, I know you live with sketchbooks. It was my lesson when I started sketching more than 15yrs ago, I tried to make a "good" drawing. I soon realised my high expectations and thought sketchbooks as a play ground or practice gym. Then, millions doodles have made today's Sadami.
      Today, I come across those who expect too much too soon in sketching and they throw away sketchbooks and curse at themselves or subjetcs (*so I quote those says). Sketching is an artist's backstage story, in my opinion.
      Regarding the picture book sb, I'll finish it up soon.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  13. Your sketches of people are always so expressive, I love seeing and studying them! I seldom sketch, but I think it's a great way to learn and train your eyes and hand.

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    1. Thank u and Yes, Blaga. I live with sketchbooks. It was my lesson when I started sketching more than 15yrs ago, I tried to make a "good" drawing. I realised my high expectations and thought sketchbooks as a play ground or practice gym. Then, millions doodles have made today's Sadami. (*do ye kne? I started with copy papers and kept on drawing, drawing, drawing. It has paid, yet I still feel need to sketch forever.) Today, I come across sketch beginners with high expectations and sadly, they often throw away sketchbooks and curse at themselves or subjetcs (*so I quote those says). Sketching is an artist's backstage story, in my opinion and they must be fun. Blaga, have fun in sketching like a child. Joy must come first. Then, you'll be a great drawer, no doubt.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  14. No magic, just practise.
    Incredibly wise words - yet in your practise, there I see the magic of Sadami coming into bloom. Borne from hard work and constantly trying, a wondrous artist appears.
    My sketchbook is a try out place too - where works are made fast before the mind gets absorbed in detail!

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    1. Thank u, wise and hard working Pat!! I know you've been challenging drawing and paitning daily. I see you blooming out, too. Keep up. Let us enjoy this rich art life together.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  15. Oh, So, sorry, Celeste, accidently I deleted your precious comment. Please forgive me. Here's your comment.

    >>>
    Yes, Sadami...I agree completely, that drawing and sketches are necessary. I am always so surprised by artists who don't like to draw. How can that be? To me drawings are just as wonderful as paintings...maybe sometimes even better. I drew as a child but then did not draw for years. I somehow thought that I could draw 'anytime', but then was surprised to understand I wasn't as good as drawing as I was in my head. Now I draw a lot and I am aware if I lay off it is a problem. I love all your drawings and paintings!

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    1. Dear honet Celeste, Thank you for talking about yourself. Yes, it's a very surprise how unpopular drawing is. Me, too, found necessity of drawing skills. More than 20 yrs ago, I came across an artist's sketches in an art magazine, full of livelines. It struck me completely and changed. Ever since, I've always studied even big names' drawings that inspire me so much. It's like a private lesson and freebie. Celeste you're enjoying Sargent's private lesson, aren't you? Let us enjoy drawing and enrich our art life.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  16. You're right dear Sadami. If you want to improve your drawing, there are no shortcuts. One must practise on a regular basis. Beautiful sketches. Have a nice week!!

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    1. Thank you, dear Anna! I know you know that only drawing improves drawing. You, too, have a productive week!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  17. Thanks to take the time to say Hello on my blog. Have a nice week :)

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    1. Hi, Lydie, thank u, too! I've been struggling hard for the storyboard. Your watercolour gets charming more and more. I look forward to next.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  18. There is so much good advice and inspiration in this post. I love the idea of my hands thinking! That says so perfectly what daily drawing is all about. Thanks Sadami, I feel like I want to pick up my sketchbook right now!

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    1. Thank you, Katherine. Yes, "just do it"! Draw, draw, draw, that's all and finds answers. Best wishes, Sadami

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  19. さだみさんへ

    スケッチすてきですね。
    ほんと、ご飯を食べるみたいに、自然に描いているかんじ。
    まだまだ、わたし、やるわよーって、意気込んでしまうな。
    ピアニストが毎日練習することや、ゴルファーが試合がなくても、毎日スウイングの練習することと同じんなんですよね。よーし、わたしもがんがんやりますよー。

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    1. Dear Midori, ありがとう。秘訣は肩肘はらない事です。私はカッコつけようとすると必ずしくじります。それとjoyがないとダメです。いい表現ですね。そう、その通りです。毎日ごはんと一緒です。玉石混合で、私の場合いい作品はたまに落書の中から生まれます。がんがんやって下さいネ。 Take care.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  20. Hello Sadami:) Again wonderful sketches! To be honest with you: I use sketching most of the time if I have to wait for ever what reason. You ever think about how much time we spend waiting. Sketching is a way to overcome the time I have to wait. I draw topics I wouldn't draw otherwise. Also try to draw a bit looser. So: just for fun. But so far from the level you do. Yours are fantastic! Have a nice sunday:)xx

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    1. Thank u, Renate!! This is ture. The more, the better, drawing skills become.
      I sketch like you do, while waiting, too. My mentor says, "Sadami does not waste time" (= I soon start sketching whenever waiting or any time, sitting/standing.) Renate, let us enjoy sketching more and more. And please remember each one blooms out differently. A different flower has a different beauty.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  21. Haven't been by the site for awhile...my loss. Sadami you continue to do beautiful work and inspire people around the world. I loved this piece, "Sketching is the hand's thinking". Thank you again for your site, hard work, and amazingly positive attitude. This is truly a happy corner of the internet.

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    1. Thank u, William! A blogger friend said, "You're the poster child of a positive attitude." I hope so, but sometimes it's not easy and I accept it as it is ( we're only human!) You, too, have a creative life!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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