Art is the Adventure

The Art

Shells, spirals, foliage and arcs. Things that make me smile!

This drawing was a departure from my recent, more whimsical work—a much-needed change. Indeed, change is as good as a rest. Not just a rest, but the change brings a different kind of energy to my drawing and to myself.

I’ve found it very difficult to settle to do art for more than half an hour or so for a few days. I’ve felt a bit ‘bored’ with the whimsical things. Perhaps jaded is a better description. I’d become frustrated with watercolours, with colours, with my hand lettering.

So, it’s time to take that break from the whimsy and spend some time with pen and paper and some abstract twiddles.

One thing I’ve taken from the whimsical drawings is the use of 01 and 005 fineliner pens to draw with. These are much finer than I’d usually work with. However, they were a delight to use! I like the more delicate lines that result.

I’ve not quite finished this drawing, however. I’ve decided to add some crosshatching to the background. Not solid black, but very fine crosshatching. It’s going to take a while to finish that though.

My Mood

I’m out of sorts today. In fact, I have been for a few days. I’ve been sleeping a lot more than usual. I think I know what’s the matter, and it’s something only I can do something about, even though I don’t know how to do anything about it…yet.

The change in art style, a return to something that is kind of familiar yet a little different, is comforting and a solace for me. It’s like visiting with old friends. It’s giving me a break from the whimsical work that has pushed me towards discomfort with it. So, it’s time to rest in some comfort. As I do so, I will gather my wits and strength to continue the exploration of whimsical people when I’m good and ready to do so.

There is nothing wrong in retreating from discomfort, unease, and that which results in becoming jaded and ‘bored’. In fact, it is essential to find the pleasure once again, to delight in a familiar style of art and remind myself how I need to feel with any creative endeavours.

The areas of discomfort allow progress and new things to be learned. However, it’s a fine line between discomfort being a positive thing, and discomfort becoming a ‘boredom’ that is a sign that the discomfort and dissatisfaction with the work being produced is just too much and counterproductive.

I’ve worked that out, kind of. All I need to do is remember this lesson in the future. That may be difficult, as I tend to focus so much on something new that I find it hard to set it aside for a while. The hyperfocus can be strong! However, I will return to the whimsical art, when I’m ready to. When I’ve refreshed my creative soul and my mood lifts too.

It’s good that I have art styles to fall back on that always bring my contentment and relaxation. Remembering this is the hard part!