I must be starting to relax finally, because even though my book is still not turned in (Friday is my drop-dead deadline), I’ve spent the morning so far procrastinating like a champ. Here are things I’ve done today that have nothing to do with the book:
• Wrote a short list of ideas for 2012.
• Wandered around the studio and thought about cleaning up.
• Took a 15-minute “nap.”
• Spent 20 minutes doing the activity below, which perhaps you can try, too (you know, in your free time these next few weeks!)
• Wrote this blog post.
ACTIVITY
1. I have a large collection of art-related books and have been wanting recently to go through them one by one and spend a bit of time “transcribing” different artist’s work, and then doing a drawing inspired by it, but try to make it more my style. So this was today’s attempt:
The book was “The Innocent Eye: Children’s Art and the Modern Artist” by Jonathan Fineberg. I flipped through the book until this page of art by Joan Miro caught my eye (part of a series inspired by children’s art titled “The Childhood of Ubu”).
So I made my “copy” (above). I tried not to worry about copying it exactly, but just retaining the essence of Miro/Ubu’s drawing.
Next I did this dog very loosely based on another Miro image; I basically looked at Miro’s, then drew this one by “memory.”
Next I did this zebra from my imagination only. I stuck with the limited colors of the black brush pen, a red watercolor pencil, a yellow Sharpie, and a mechanical pencil.
Finally, again with no references, I did kind of a “half Miro-Ubu/half Carla.”
* * *
Why do this? All four drawings smack of Miro and the last thing I want to do is copy him (or anyone else). But there are elements of his work I love, and it is helpful for me to “walk in his shoes” a bit by copying his work.
But then, it’s just as important (for me) to put it away and do my own thing. This little Miro exercise will inform future drawings, I’m sure, but when it does come out, it will be with my own flavor and spin.
When in Portland recently I picked up a wonderful little book, by Ivan Brunetti, “Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice.” He writes:
“We all begin by imitating the styles of our favorite cartoonists, much like apprentices observing a master. Your own work will likely be derivative for quite some time; constant practice, however, will make your work unique.”
* * *
Okay, so now I really need to get back to work and will see you again on the other side!
xoxo
I’m so glad you procrastinated and shared the fruits of that procrastination with us!
Love all the steps along the way. xo
I have a writer friend who procrastinates writing by making art…though she only calls herself a writer and denies being an artist she has made some amazing pieces of art. She even has a presentation she does on the ‘art of procrastination’ Funny woman!
Anyway, I love the idea of imitating the style of artists we like and then making what we learn our own. It is how I started, but felt guilty doing it until I realized nearly every artist does it. Thanks for sharing this!
Procrastinating well, is an art form 🙂
You do it very well! And I love looking at your drawings. It has encouraged me to get your book out of the bookshelf(Drawing Lab) and start having some fun again 🙂
You always make me smile :0)
Oh I soooo know what you mean. Why did I come to the computer? Why is the house getting a thorough clean? Why am I not freaking out about all the things to be completed by you know when?
Same, same, same!
My 2 worst times for procrastinating are starting a project and when the project is almost finished. You’d think I’d be eager to finish up but whenever I get close to the end I start several other projects or just about anything I can do to not finish. Very annoying of me but at least I’m not the only one. 🙂
Your post is very inspiring and what a prolific procrastination!
These are fun Carla! Will try one I like Miro too.
What a inspiring outcome of your procrastinatings – I absolutely love your dog. Or is it red riding hoods wolf?
I love how the drawings morph from Miro to Miro/Carla style! Procrastination seems to be a constant battle for anyone artistic – must be something to do with the way our brains are wired!
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I always love seeing anything you draw or paint. I can hardly wait to see your new book on animals.
Great post carla. I think you are right, it is great to learn from and love our artistic mentors, and then get to the work of making it uniquely yours. Happy Holidays.