koukla carolyn

I’ve never participated in any of the SketchCrawls before even though I’ve wanted to since the first one back in 2004. I always either had something else going on or was depressed/stressed or just a procrastinator. Right now I’m in unfamiliar territory in terms of where I live and who I know so I thought doing it solo would be the best the first time around. Since the weather is bad today, I decided to go to the mall, which ended up working out just fine. My goal was to stay for four hours and I was successful in that regard, but I did not get as much drawing done as I would have liked. 

Dirty Cop and Naughty Nurse, graphite and PITT pen in 9×12 sketchbook, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

My first stop was to Starbucks to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte and the straight to Frederick’s of Hollywood. I have to say that I enjoy public sketching—I like the attention and the stares and the compliments from complete strangers. But the attention I got from doing this was a bit too much. This was the only time that someone has winked at me while I was drawing. I also had a variety of male onlookers, from around age 16 to age 60. I did want to color the whole thing but had to stop because it was just too creepy. It was fun to watch random people get embarrassed by just walking in front of the store though.

Hollister Mannequin, graphite in 9×12 sketchbook, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

After Frederick’s I sat in front of Hollister and drew this mannequin. I was attracted to the strong lightsource and the folds in the garments, but this was very difficult. First of all, the teenybopper clientele made me want to gag and they kept bumping into the mannequin, ruining the folds in the sweater. Also, the same clientele had a penchant for loitering in front of the subject, which was annoying. On a postive note, two teenage girls asked me if I was an artist and said they liked the drawing. Then an old lady and her middle aged daughter sat down next to me and looked on admiringly.

Starbucks Cup, graphite in 9×12 sketchbook, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

By the time I finished the second sketch, I was hungry and had to have something to eat. I was also tired out and feeling pretty cross in general. I drew my Starbucks cup in the food court and spent quite a bit of time on the logo, even though I still didn’t get it right. By that time I had a cramp in my arm and had to go home.

I have learned some lessons for my next sketchcrawl. First of all, I need to lighten my load. I brought way more supplies with me than I actually used. I think next time I’m just going to bring my pencils, eraser, sharpener and sketchbook. Also, if I have a chance to visit the location first I think it would be a good idea to scout out possible subjects beforehand. I wasted a lot of time wandering around from place to place wondering what I should draw next. I would also bring my own seating, like one of those little pop up stools. This would allow me to really get a good angle and enjoy the process more. Another thing I think I should focus more on is quantity rather than quality. I found myself too caught up in the details which just made me fatigued and sick of it too soon. All in all, I think this was great practice and really exhilarating. The biggest realization I made is that my skills at drawing the human figure are severly deficient. I must find a life drawing class and practice religiously!

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Three Pears, Graphite in 9×12 sketchbook, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

Three Pears, Tombow Brush Pens in 9×12 sketchbook, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

I’m usually not the type to participate in online challenges, mostly because I procrastinate and never finish them on time. But I did decide to participate in the October Virtual Sketch Date. I did it first in graphite yesterday evening and then did the marker version tonight. They are different as you can see, and I was a lot more careful in the pencil version. I like the colored version for the looseness though. I don’t think I was particularly accurate to the reference image in either case however, as I didn’t spend the time necessary to really go after accuracy. I can’t wait to see what other people come up with. I already saw S G Chipman’s and was blown away, but then again, when does he not blow me away?

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The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
                           Psalm 138:8

Arrangement of Leaves, watercolor on 5×7 greeting card, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

I have done more painting and sketching this week than I have since July. I basically forced myself to draw after work this week, even though I would rather sit and watch tv. Another reason why I think I was more productive is that I have changed my schedule at work, now leaving an hour earlier. You see, I am a morning person and find it extremely difficult to draw at night. Now I am not quite so tired when I get home and it is a bit easier to get out the sketchbook.

I did read something on Nina Johansson’s blog which I liked. She is now doing weeklong spreads, so as to spread the sketching over multiple days. The whole idea is that even if you are really busy, you probably have time to add to a sketch little by little over the week. And at the end of the week, you still have something to show for yourself. I think I will try this out as well and will start tomorrow.

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She stood back to look at what she’d done. From this angle, at this remove, it pleased her, but Maxine knew all too well that the eye of the beholder was a fickle thing when the beholder was also the maker. Five minutes from now, from another angle, it would look like shit.

                             -From The Great Man by Kate Christensen, p 117

Silk Flower sketch, graphite in kraft paper sketchbook, Carolyn Pappas, 2008

These days, just doing a simple pencil sketch on Sunday afternoon is getting to be a struggle. My productivity hasn’t been so low since I decided to take art seriously again three years ago. I guess part of it is because there haven’t been this many demands on my time since I graduated from college. I guess I hadn’t realized how chores really eat up my time, or how easy it is to use housework as an excuse not to make art.

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