After looking at my previous post, I kind of realized I went on a tear - and thought, perhaps we should start at the basic basics...
The reason I propose this, is if we can consider the very core of what it is we as artists are doing - it can become freeing in our approach to creating.
Sometimes we get all caught up in techniques or "How To Draw Like Someone Else" or the tools, or the x, y or z - but forget what the essential thing is that we are doing. How to's don't necessarily teach us how to "Think" or "Explore". (Do note I'm not saying these things are bad).
So, what is art?
ART IS: Putting marks, shapes and forms on an output device* until the form(s) created is/are to your satisfaction. Use OBSERVATION and CAREFUL THOUGHT to place these things.
That's it? Yup. That's it. And if the shapes aren't to your satisfaction...then keep working at it. Notice, I don't tell you what tools to use. I don't tell you how to use them. Use whatever is available and create. Go.
There is a little more to it, and the idea can be expanded on a little (actually a lot) - but then it turns into a giant diatribe - and I would have nothing left for my next post.
It's a start...let's begin here.
(*Output device = paper, board, canvas, wall, house, car, digital space, t-shirt etc.)
Comments
What I have been discovering is there are lots of ways of presenting information. This has been made clear by coming across a lot of Graphic Novels where the artist for all intents and purposes does not truly know how to "draw". At least not in the "traditional" sense. However, for some reason they are considered "professional" enough to produce work that gets into a bookstore - Why?
The reason is - they can portray clear ideas, and they can portray their images/characters consistently. (There are some that truly don't deserve the shelfspace - but that's another story - and to me is a fault of the publisher more than the artist - especially if the artist isn't ready to be cast out into the big bad world.)
So when beginning - always keep it simple and clear. And as you learn, add new ways of "Showing" information.
Hmm...'...until the form(s) created is/are to your satisfaction'. This is kind of innovative, rather than 'Looks like a pro-grade style you admire' you are trying simply to make something pleasing to oneself. Your definition would certainly encourage people to develop their own styles. Sometimes I'm pleased with a work without being fully satisfied, but I guess that's splitting hairs. I wouldn't want someone endlessly overworking just one piece in the search of 'perfection'. Anyway, great alternative way to look at one's drawings! May it free me, and many artists from the bondage of always comparing ones works with people God gave more talent to, and help us do what we can with what we are given, and be content and grateful!(I always think of the Parable of the Talents in terms of artistic abilities. God gives some more than others, and it's all right! When I first read the story a long time ago I thought God was unfair to give more to some than others. Then I realized, some people really can't handle, don't really want the stresses and trials of having too much responsibility. And being a great artist -is- a responsibility isn't it? One only needs to look at all the astonishing and technically amazing anime/manga porn there is to realize that there are great temptations involved with being a pro. 'Take the easy way out, make the cash. When you're rich, then you can afford those ethics that are starving you today...' Yikes, I could not handle that, I really could not!