Sketches on Scraps

I believe that some of the most important work that an artist can do is informal sketching on scraps of paper. When I am working on little pieces of found paper, I find that I am more likely to take bigger risks that would not normally happen in a finished painting. As artists, we often treat our work as being too precious which causes us to freeze up. Perfectionism is such a battle! So, in order to combat this need for everything to be perfect, I love doing loose messy sketches.

Sketching in this way, helps to grow our skills and flex our drawing muscles. But all too often, we get so focused on the end product of a beautiful painting that we forget that it's just as important to strengthen our drawing abilities. Loosening up doesn't just happen without practice! In this course, I hope to share some of my favorite exercises for loosening up and share my favorite ways to sketch and draw.

One of the other benefits of working informally on paper, is the fact that you can test out your composition ideas before trying them out in larger paintings. You will not get better at composition unless you learn how to create a composition that contains balance and movement. I will share all of my favorite ways to develop my composition through sketching.

The most beautiful part about this whole practice though, is that if you don't like the end sketch or drawing, no big deal. Just toss it in the trash and start again. There is no pressure! Sometimes I know that I do my very best work because of this. When you don't need it to be a masterpiece, you can experiment and play on a deeper level. But if you do end up creating a sketch that you really love, I will share what to do with it to mount it on a board and make it a finished piece.

Included in this course:

• 10 Start to finish sketches
• Composition tips for your work
• Drawing exercises to loosen up
• Messy brushstroke techniques
• Exploring linework expression
• Ways to make your drawings into a finished piece at the end

Materials and Supplies:

• Found papers (vintage ephemera such as letters, envelopes, wallpaper, ledger paper, vintage book paper)
• Favorite mixed media paper *optional
• Acrylic paint in your favorite colors
• Tracing paper
• Gel pens
• Pencil
• Acrylic ink
• Pastels
• Clear gesso
• Acrylic markers
• Small paintbrushes
• Old Paintbrushes
• Neocolor II
• Derwent Inktense pencils
• Inspiration photos of flowers
• Wood panels for mounting
• Matte gel medium
• Gelato's or Stabilo Woody's
• Spray fixative

Note: Please do not feel the need to go out and buy all of the supplies on this list. This class will be just as awesome if you choose to use your favorite drawing and mark making supplies and whatever found paper you can find.