Filed under: Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects
We're proud to host the second stop of artist Jill Bliss' virtual book tour. Get a sneak peek at her new, interactive journal and check out what other blogs are hosting her next!
Jill Bliss at home and her lovely new book. Photos: Chronicle Books.
****
DRAWING IS SEEING
Seeing and drawing are intertwined. Every person who can see has the capability to draw-it's just a matter of having a positive attitude, developing your seeing and drawing habits, and practicing on a regular basis. In order to draw effectively, you need to accurately understand and record what you observe, to re-learn what you actually see in front of you, rather
than perceiving the shorthand object your brain has learned to see after years of education. While these learned "seeing shortcuts" allow all of us a common ground to communicate, the secret of drawing is to be aware of this phenomenon and learn to look beyond it. For example, we all have a basic idea of what a flower looks like-a circle with four or five U-shaped petals around it. But if you take the time to look closely at a few specific flowers, the reality of the astounding variety of flower shapes becomes apparent. We all see differently-visually and emotionally-based on our unique life experiences.
This journal will help you learn to "re-see" the world as you did when you were a child.
DRAWING IS TRANSLATING
Drawing is translating what you see into marks on a page to show others your unique way of seeing the world around you. Just like when you learned verbal language, you'll need to learn your own distinct visual vocabulary by trying out several different ones until you find one that works for you. Each of us has an exceptional, individual way of experiencing and translating the repeating patterns within the objects we encounter.
DRAWING IS CALMING
Drawing is about slowing down; it's a form of deep looking, a form of meditation. Like journaling, photography, and other art forms, drawing is something you can do every day as a way to explore your surroundings and your response to them. Doing something mindfully on a daily basis allows you to get out of your everyday routine, relax, and recharge. There are no boring subjects to draw! Keep an open mind and you will find something interesting to draw in everything you encounter.
DRAWING FLOWERS, LEAVES, AND BRANCHES
All organic forms, such as flowers, plants, trees, and rocks, are pretty forgiving for drawers of all skill levels. No one experiencing your drawing will know exactly what the flower or leaf you're depicting actually looked like, so you don't have to worry about faithful reproduction. This gives you license to explore, embellish, or simplify. Flowers and leaves especially are a great place to begin your drawing practice because most consist of easy repeating forms. Once you learn how to see and draw one petal or leaf, you have the elemental knowledge to draw them all. And once you have that basic form down, it's easy to experiment with variations to give your drawing visual interest. Begin by mentally breaking down the entire plant into its different parts and shapes: flower, leaf, and stem. Multiply and repeat, and soon you have a whole plant!
Want more? Watch as Bliss guides you through the book in this fun video. And check in with her on every step of the blog tour:
Drawing Nature Blog Tour
April 18 AOL ShelterPop
April 19 Creature Comforts
April 20 Mint Design Blog
April 21 UPPERCASE
April 22 Pikaland
April 25 The Little House in the City
April 27 Wit and Delight