Looking back at a sketch I'd done a few years ago I have to wonder what this was all about. I hadn't finished this sketch when I put it away for the day ... week, month, ok, truth be known it's been 3 years since I've picked it up. And now when I attempted to add some finishing touches I'm pretty lost. I had neglected to make some important notes, such as:
- Time of day. Was it morning, afternoon or evening? I should have written this information in a margin.
- What direction was the sun coming from? A small arrow in one corner of the paper would have helped with this. How could the sailboat be in that much shade?
- What was the temperature when I started this sketch? It appears to be a hot sunny day by the color of the sand and shadows of the trees in the sand, but, I really don't remember. Another small note in the margin would have helped.
- Where was this? It looks familiar to me, yet I can't remember the name of this cove.
As you can tell, I'm not in the habit of taking notes when I sketch, but, I think if I would write some improtant facts down on my sketches it would in turn help me 'see' those important details in my paintings.
Do you have any suggestion's as to what else I should note when sketching? Do you take notes when you sketch? Are your sketches an important part of your paintings?
Excellent points, Nancy! I often come across things unfinished and with little supporting details missing one can only make guesses.
ReplyDeleteI don't have anything to add to your list -