Many of us are so eager to start painting that we tend to gloss over the need to get the drawing right before our brush touches the paper, and then we wonder why the composition doesn’t work too well. I love drawing, and drawing and doodling are a wonderful therapeutic activity, ideal for calming one after the stresses of modern living. I take my sketching in the field very seriously, even when I may have no need for any more sketches to add to the thousands already done.
This is a sketch of the attractive old Doctor’s Bridge in Eskdale. Although not completely finished, it illustrates several vital points for landscape artists:
- By carrying out a sketch you are already arranging the composition for a subsequent painting and working out everything you need for the finished result;
- Sketching is the ideal time to assess the major tonal values in a scene- how dark? how light? do any features benefit from an adjustment of tones?
- More than anything else you are learning to observe, learning how to draw and seeing how different aspects of the scene relate to each other;
- Note the cursory manner in which the background has been rendered. If you need to work quickly this kind of treatment is useful for the less important parts of a composition.
Getting the drawing right is especially vital with watercolour painting, so do try to practice this as often as you can. It will have a great impact on your painting.
This summer has been especially hectic, culminating disastrously when I experienced a heart attack at the beginning of September. Luckily in just over an hour after ringing for an ambulance I was on the operating table witnessing the whole operation as they cleared the blockage in an artery. The NHS staff were brilliant and deserve the highest praise. Please be aware that if you get chest pain that runs down into your arms and perhaps up to your jaw you need to get help quickly – don’t delay! And don’t forget, the power of art is quite amazing. Sketching is a wonderful way to de-stress and relax you. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
That’s great advice David. I’m working my way through your ‘Watercolour Landscape Course’ book for the second time this autumn. It has taught me to pause, to observe closely and not to be afraid to reframe compositions to make them work better.
So sorry to hear of your heart problems, and glad to know you’re on the mend now.
Thanks, Pete for your kind words, and I’m glad the book is helping you. Best wishes, David
So happy you recovered so quickly David. All the very best of health to you and the family.
Thank you Neil for your kind words. Best wishes, David
Sorry to hear of your heart attack David. But great to hear you were sorted out so quickly especially as you live quite a distance from a major hospital.
Thanks, Chris for your kind words. I happened to be close to Manchester at the time and the ambulance arrived within 5 minutes, so I was lucky. The lovely surgeon turned up in baggy shorts and a tee shirt with a broad grin on his face, and I warmed to him immediately. All the NHS staff were truly brilliant. I hope you are well and enjoying painting. Kind regards, David
Gosh David, hope you are ok now, it does make you slow down a bit.
I had a stroke before last Christmas which affected my sight. It took 6 months to correct itself. One eye is still not quite correct! I am now back painting.
It does bring it home how valuable your sight is. Good luck to you both.
Dave and Liz
Thank you, Dave and Liz for your kind words, and I’m so sorry to hear about your stroke, Dave. Our eyesight is so precious and I hope your other eye recovers completely. Keep painting! Best wishes,
David
David I am in shock a your news and so relieved you had excellent care with our wonderful NHS, so this blog is very much appreciated with all its useful content. You have inspired me for many years and I love that you are continuing to do so. A huge thank you and sending you my very best wishes. Gill
Thank you for your kind words, Gill. The actual operation took place in Manchester RI, but the NHS in Hereford and Powys have also been absolute treasures with their kind help and attention, and the many nationalities of doctors and nurses have all been so caring. Kind regards, David
I am very glad that everything ended in a scare. It would be nice to publish a book only of sketches and drawings, greetings and much encouragement
Thank you, Roberto, I may well produce such a book one of these days. Kind regards, David
So pleased you are now ok David – look after yourself.
best regards Serena Dallas
Thank you, Serena, kind regards David
Sending very best wishes for your recovery David. I was very sorry to hear of your health issues. Sounds like a very positive experience of the NHS and the hospital where you were admitted. Take care. Sheila and Riki
Good to hear from you Sheila, and I hope you and Riki are well. Kind regards, David
So good to hear you are on the mend. I love your post. Great reminder to not get too impatient and just diving right into painting. The “working it all out first” is the right way to go. Thanks again.
Thanks for your kind words, Patti, and best wishes with your paintings, David
Dear David. Shocking news with the good end! I am so glad that you are back! I will keep thinking of you.
Thank you for the blog. I have been travelling a lot since we met at Nant Du in June and done over seventy different sketches and drawings, always having your ideas and advice in mind.
Take care!!! Love. Martin Kupka from Czechia
Thank you, Martin – it’s good to hear you are so active with your sketching. Best wishes, David