#35 - Sketch Now, Think Later
Last week, I spoke about creative procrastination, the arrival of our boxes from Chicago and some tiny people drawings. With this issue, I share the new podcast episode, recent press coverage, and my latest ink commissions.
SneakyArt in the Media
After going viral on Reddit, I was contacted by a couple of local news outlets about my nefarious plans in Vancouver. Naturally, the conversation also went into how I became a Sneaky Artist and what this whole thing is all about.
Both articles begin with the most lovely lines. In the first, Cameron Thomson writes,
“Without you ever knowing, your likeness could be living inside the sketchbook of Vancouver’s new sneaky artist.”
Read the piece on Vancouver Is Awesome.
For the second interview I chatted on the phone with Shelley Moore, who writes,
“He’s quiet, he’s low-key, and he’s armed with nothing but a sketch pad, a fountain pen, and an artistic eye.”
Read the full interview here on CTV Vancouver.
Podcast Ep 13 - Sketch Now, Think Later with Mike Daikubara
I speak with industrial designer Mike Daikubara about how the principles of design intersect with his passion for urban-sketching. In design it is said, form follows function. But how does that translate to art? We discuss this interplay in both directions. How does Mike’s education affect his urban-sketching? How does a regular sketching practice inform his work as an industrial designer?
The author Joan Didion described the practice of writing as a way of thinking - “I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means.”
Consider that if writing is the way to find out what you think, perhaps drawing is the way to learn what you find beautiful. In our conversation, we talk about how sometimes you begin a sketch without knowing precisely why you want to draw it, or what is its main attraction. But the act of drawing reveals the beauty of the scene. Having done it, you then know why you were inspired to do it.
There is no other way then. If you want to know, you have to draw. You have to keep faith - in your instincts, in your subconscious, in your curiosity. This idea is reflected in Mike’s abiding philosophy - “Sketch Now, Think Later”. If you’re looking for a way to bring sketching into your daily life, listen to our conversation for tips and inspiration. If you like Mike’s ideas, check out his fascinating book on urban sketching to help you get started.
Listen to the conversation on your choice of streaming service, or click the link below.
Urban-Sketching Workshop
If urban sketching makes you curious, or if you’re looking for a way to bring drawing into your life, you can also sign up for my urban sketching workshop (for beginners). It is a two-session Zoom-based workshop for which you can read the details below.
The idea is to help you, if you want to become a better artist, or a better observer of your world, and help you engage your time in a positive, therapeutic hobby.
#OneWeek100People
This week is the annual #OneWeek100People challenge. Artists around the world participate using the hashtag on Instagram and Twitter. Some draw from observation, but the challenge is open to people drawing from photo references as well. I think it’s great, because if you can push yourself to finish the hundred, you will definitely see a noticeable improvement after the week is over.
I did the Day 1 portraits late in the afternoon this Monday. I was at the David Lam Park by the water, looking at people take their walks, enjoy the sun, do various people things.
Day 2 was after a day’s break. In between I had the most intense podcast recording sessions of my life so far. Two deep and substantive conversations with artists I really admire. I can’t wait to share them with you soon.
For Day 2’s sketches, I went to a Blenz Cafe in the morning. There were some interesting people outside, some with coffee in the patio, others waiting at the light. Numbers 22 and 23 are a couple of homeless people who were waking up at the intersection. Number 24 asked me the time when I walked in, he was obviously waiting for somebody. I hope they met, because he was still hanging around the patio, on his fourth or fifth cigarette, when I left. Number 25 was feeding birds. Number 33 was homeless too, resting on a bench after putting down his rucksack. Number 41 was an older gentleman who fished in his pocket for loose change, not using a card for his transaction. You don’t see that much anymore.
SneakyArt
The wife was vaccinated this week. She got a text message on Friday evening, and was able to sign up for the very next morning. I had to wait outside the hospital, so I used the time to draw this ambulance.
The next day, in the late afternoon, we went for a walk by the sea-wall. At one point, I sat down to draw. I was just about done with my drawing when it started to drizzle. I held up my sketchbook to take a pic, and a raindrop fell exactly on top of an inked raindrop on my page.
Imagine that, a raindrop from hundreds of meters above me, evaporated from soil possibly hundreds of kilometers away from me, will now forever live on my page and this drawing. Isn’t that beautiful?
It rains so often in Vancouver that whenever it does, the locals will look at each other, shrug their shoulders, laugh, and exclaim - “Raincouver!”
So it goes.
Commissions
I haven’t spent much time in the city at all, but I’m pleased to note I already have fun commissions to do. Besides upcoming work for a couple of small businesses - an architectural firm and a local brewery - I just completed two commissions for private individuals that I’m very pleased with.
It is a special feeling when people ask you to draw their family. That my drawing will hang in their homes, and be a part of their lives for years to come, is a big deal. I take the responsibility very seriously!
In addition to the ink originals, both receive high-res digital scans and a timelapse video of the drawing process.
Here’s the one for Tyler -
Next week, I’ll share the remaining figures from my #OneWeek100People challenge, some more commissioned work, and stories I am trying to find in this new city.
Thanks for reading, and for giving me your time and attention. Enjoy the podcast episode and, if you like it, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a big difference.
"Imagine that, a raindrop from hundreds of meters above me, evaporated from soil possibly hundreds of kilometers away from me, will now forever live on my page and this drawing. Isn’t that beautiful?" - beautiful!