Friday 2 September 2011

Sketchbook


What was I thinking, signing up for my local art shop's month-long sketchbook project? I'm terrified of sketchbooks. And not only did I have to do at least 15 drawings - the books are going to be exhibited and auctioned.

So, with a potential audience peering over my shoulder, I somehow "couldn't find anything to draw" on the first day. I just stared at the blank page and then put the book away.


Knowing I'd have to face this kind of decision every day for a month - well, I just can't handle that level of stress. So I chose a topic and started drawing.


Leaves and leafy things. Even this had it's unpleasant side, and it's a real relief to not be glaring suspiciously at leaves whenever I go out, wondering whether they'd be good to draw, too similar to one I'd already drawn...  Honestly, I can be a very tiring person sometimes. 


I'll let you know about the exhibition as soon as I know more about it. In the end I was very grateful simply to be reminded of how much I really do love to draw!

20 comments:

Mangle Prints said...

I think you've done a beautiful job, really stunning! Hope the exhibition goes well x

June (planetjune) said...

Your leaf drawings are lovely! I'd buy that sketchbook :)

Danya Ristić said...

I'm also drawn to leaves - they have such interesting shapes and patterns and textures. Your drawings look so good!

Unknown said...

These are exquisite, Jesse - love the dark, glossy hard leaf in particular... and the bougainvillea, and the helicopter seed. Lovely!

Jack Stevek said...

Very beautiful. Also love the format.

Anonymous said...

Just stunning! Wow. Inspiring too.

JaneA said...

Stunning! Your sketchbook looks amazing! I'm TRYING to keep up with my sketching. But somehow, hanging around at home makes me so lazy. Hopefully I'll start up again when we start travelling. Thanks for the inspiration!

Alisa said...

What beautiful drawings! What a breathtaking book! Maybe they could exhibit in Australia, it's not that far away! ; )

Ruby in the Dust said...

it looks amazing; I like how you made them into a concertina-fold book. it's so funny to hear that you, the amazing illustrator, are afraid of sketchbooks! :)

Carina said...

Absolutely beautiful, Jesse! :-)

Liezl said...

So beautifully done!!

Heloise said...

your drawings are absolutely beautiful - I would have folded under the pressure for sure (no pun intended) The bunny project has me suffering high levels of performance anxiety, and by the way your fabric makes lovely bunny ears :)

Jesse said...

Thank you! The concertina-book format was dictated by the art shop, but I think I might adopt it for more sketchbooks.

kiran said...

You draw so beautifully Jesse. I'm in awe. Hope to see more.

tjou-tjou said...

} pragtig jesse. dit lyk fab. ek hou baie van die 'concertina format'.

andrea said...

lovely drawings Jesse....love the different textures in each

capegooseberry said...

I really think you should put some pencil sketches in your shop, Jesse. Based on the previous comments, I'd not be the only one buying!

Deirdre said...

Lovely drawings Jezze. Makes me want to draw :)

Denise Kiggan said...

You are so good!

Rikkianne said...

This is absolutely beautiful! LOVE!!!