Make Time for You and Art

with 46 Comments

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The above is a quick sketch of a dog inside a bag at a tea shop. I did not include the man who owns both because he is soon to leave. Since I have done it on a normal paper I cannot color it with watercolor so I photographed it instead and rendered the colors digitally. Then I added some snowflakes because that idea has been in my head for a while. I love how the dog fits inside the bag but I hope he is comfortable.

I have been bringing a typical pad paper (without lines) wherever I go since it’s light. While I am waiting for someone, eating with a friend I would pull out my pad and start to sketch what I see using a typical pen.

The experience is rewarding because sketching on-location trains my eye to observe the things that people take for granted like how the shadow and light falls into places, how there is a rusty color on one side of the tissue holder or how the creases on the waiter’s uniform makes a unique design and the list goes on. Moreover, I feel a certain kind of solitude while sketching. It’s like the world has stopped while I am trying to capture a portion of it with my hand. I will have to continue to squeeze in some drawings wherever I go and whenever possible to further improve myself.

In my previous post I have written about living life and my struggle to make time for some drawings. I have been “listening” to your suggestions on how to make time for creative pursuit. I really appreciate what this community has done providing me with your wonderful experiences and being determined to make time for art. Thank you so much for the inspiration! I am sharing this with Paint Party Friday.

Do not fail, as you go on, to draw something every day, for no matter how little it is,
it will be well worth while, and it will do you a world of good.~Cennino Cennini

PS* I got the above quote from a newsletter called ArtFull (a dose of art and inspiration) by Dana Barbieri. Seriously you guys should go and subscribe to her beautiful newsletter. It is a wonderful inspiration that can keep us going in our art endeavors! Go click her name above. Thanks much Dana!

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46 Responses

  1. Rosie
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    Interesting process. Cool dog!

  2. EVA
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    What a charming puppy and painting! That is a great idea. I agree it definitely helps to make you more observant.

    Looking forward to seeing more!

  3. Scarlet Designs
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    This is lovely and you are right, it is so important to draw every day. I love how you have enhanced the drawing on the computer. A great idea! Happy PPF

  4. NatashaMay
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    That is such a good excercise! And a wonderful sketch. Great job!

  5. Annette G
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    Loving your observations, so cute. Happy PPF, Annette x

  6. carlarey
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    Oh, this is such a great sketch. Love it.

  7. geckostone
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    I love how you said it was like the world stops for a moment so you can capture it! What a perfect way teach us to live “in the moment”. I always forget, but it sounds like sketching might be the ticket to practicing that! Love your little dog in the bag! Deb

  8. Sheri Cook
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    LOVE the pup’s expression…Cute! Happy PPF!

  9. Lisa WrightStuff
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    I should do more of these on the spot sketches, but for some reason they always scare me – that inner critic! I should just let go and get on with it! The little dog turned out just cute. How funny that he’s in the bag!

  10. Kristin Dudish
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    This is a great and inspiring post :)
    Such a fun drawing – I agree that it is important to sketch as much as you can!

  11. Carol
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    Thanks for all the info and love the dog ~ the essence is wonderful! ~Thanks, namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey) Happy PPF ^_^

  12. CAROL SAMSEL
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    Sweet puppy! Reminds me of my sister and her dog. She takes her everywhere in her purse. I’ve started taking a small sketch pad to work with me and I draw on my lunch hour and break. It relaxes me and keeps the creative juices flowing.
    Have a great weekend!

  13. pointypix
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    what a cute drawing and of my favourite subject as well! i think it is wonderful that you carry a sketchbook with you. i am too self conscious to draw in public but it is a fear i would love to overcome as you are so right about how it helps to improve your observational skills.

  14. Pop Art Minis
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    Wonderful sketch and like the sketchpad to go too! You never know what magic you might see! :) Happy PPF! POP ART MINIS

  15. Melisa
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    Aw, what a cute subject for your sketch! That’s a great idea to color it digitally. It looks wonderful.

  16. iamrushmore
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    that is the cutest darn puppy. how cool that you colored it digitally – I’ve never tried that.
    I really enjoyed reading your post and about the feeling of drawing on location.

  17. gloria
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    Love your sketch. Doggie looks great and happy as can be. Happy PPF!

  18. Elisa Choi
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    Yes he looks expectant.. thanks so much gloria!

  19. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much! I love digital arts simply because it is easier to edit when you made mistakes. You should try that sometime. :)

  20. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks a lot Melissa! :)

  21. Elisa Choi
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    I agree! Thanks so much!

  22. Elisa Choi
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    Yes I had those initial fears too… but it helps if you do it often.. it not only improves your skills in drawings, it will also make you braver. :)

  23. Elisa Choi
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    What a wonderful way to be creative Carol:) Dogs inside purse is just cute but i hope they’re comfortable enough…:)

  24. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks a lot Carol! and you’re welcome!

  25. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Kristin! I am trying to do just that! :)

  26. Elisa Choi
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    Lisa, you should definitely try it! It’s scary at first but when you try to just concentrate on what you want to achieve then the fear will gradually disappear. Thanks a lot!

  27. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Sheri.

  28. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Deb! Sketching everyday indeed trains us to be better illustrator! I should definitely remind myself of that too:)

  29. Elisa Choi
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    Thank you!

  30. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Annette!:)

  31. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks a lot Natasha!:)

  32. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks a lot! I am trying to practice both mediums though.. another in watercolor which I have to practice more.:)

  33. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Eva! I enjoyed the process. Will definitely post more. :)

  34. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks a lot!

  35. dana
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    great post – great advise – will check out the newsletter. I love the sketch!
    cheers, dana

  36. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks a lot Dana! Glad it has helped somehow. Have a nice day!:)

  37. Mary C. Nasser
    |

    Wonderful and lovely sketch!!

    I want to thank you, too, for joining my art blog hop and posting the button on your site!

    I am your newest blog followr! :)

    All the best,
    Mary

  38. Jen
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    So glad you are finding time to create! Sometimes it can get tough to fit it all in… but, it is so worth it. :) That is a lovely painting!! Such a cute puppy.

  39. Carrie Martinez
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    Very cute! Its true, PPF is so inspiring :)

  40. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much! I love PPF community!

  41. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Jen! Finding time for our dreams is always worth it!

  42. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks so much Mary for the Art Blog Hop! Definitely a great way to connect with the other artist. Have a great day!

  43. Christelle Ann Cui
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    cute dog. :) snowflakes remind me of the upcoming Christmas season. card idea!!! *wink*

  44. Elisa Choi
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    I know right! I haven’t planned anything yet.. but it’s a great idea! ;)

  45. Winnie
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    cute indeed :) i like the idea that you used photoshop to color an original art drawn on paper. nice lis :)

  46. Elisa Choi
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    Thanks Winnie. It’s a traditional way in art.. and often times it’s easier too.. :)

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