Why be a Sketching Scavenger?

Nancy Moskovitz commented on my post yesterday:

"Hi Jo, Your scavenger art posts are very interesting. Was this a plot to get everyone sketching from life every day? Could you speak a bit to what, if anything you have learned from doing this? Thanks, Nancy"


I will post about this, probably more than required.

First a little history:

The Scavenger Hunts were started in July 2006 as the monthly project in the Artwork From Life forum on wetcanvas.com.

Jamie Williams Grossman posted the first challenge, to sketch 26 different items. The first person to finish would post the second list, and so on with no time limit. It quickly became apparent that some people sketch quickly and/or would dedicate more time to the project and finish first every time. It was decided to sign up to host and make the lists and to run the lists for 9 days. This would keep the 'start day' changing so sometimes the weekend only artists could start at the beginning of a Hunt. It would make for variety in subjects and give artists around the world a chance to be "first to start or finish". The rules evolved into sketching 26 items in no particular order in the nine days, sketching from life, not photos, and post your sketches. The idea was to have something different to sketch for practice and not have to think about what to sketch.

I posted first on Hunt #3 and have been a faithful participant.

Each artist has a different reason for sketching and participating. I am not an avid sketch artist. For me it is like homework. I feel that sketching and drawing helps my painting, which is my favorite. I have sketched very little and Sue Modrak , my Michigan art buddy, encourages me and gives me a new sketchbook every time we get together. I found that landscapes were my subject of choice. They are easy, due to the fact that no one knows if it is accurate unless they are there with you when you sketch.

1. Why did I start the Scavenger Hunts?

When I found the Hunts, I thought this is a great thing for me. I would be sketching almost daily and would have a variety of subjects picked for me, including some that I would never pick on my own.

2. Did I have a goal?

I wanted to learn to be more accurate and sketch quickly. I thought this would improve my painting, especially plein air, to "see" correctly and put down a firm stroke the first time.

3. What sort of plan did I have in mind?

• I planned to sketch with a pen, preventing me from erasing and correcting.
• I would sketch as many items as possible and try to sketch the ones I considered hardest.
• I would sketch every Hunt.
• I would post all my Hunt sketches and comment on the other artists' sketches.

4. What have I accomplished?

• I sketch regularly, not daily.
• I post my sketches and comment.
• My sketching is more accurate and faster ... when I concentrate and work at it.
• My confidence in sketching has improved and I think that is partly because of the support of the other artists on the Hunts.

5. Surprises encountered?

Sketches from 2001 -- same old style and landscapes. :)

• My style hasn't changed. I thought I might change my style after seeing the other beautiful drawings, by leaning toward one of the artists' work that I like. It appears that sketching is like painting, you have a style. I can copy something, but when I am just sketching, my style comes back, which is probably a good thing.
• I sometimes just sketch for no reason. Is it becoming a habit??
• I have never been able to keep a diary or journal, but I have been able to blog regularly and it is often to post sketches.
• Even though I sketch more often and better, I tend to be lazy and will not pay attention and do lousy perspective or inaccurate drawing.
• I don't know if it has helped my painting ... hopefully it has.

6. Why am I pulling back from the Hunts?

I spend way too much time on wetcanvas.com and other blogs. I need to put this time toward my web page and blog. I do my computer work late in the evening and should limit my hours.

I hope to paint more and surf less. I do find that being around other artists, even in the virtual world, is inspiring so I will continue read and comment on blogs. I will limit my time on wetcanvas.com but not abandon it as it is a very wonderful community of world wide artists. I have made some friends and have learned a great deal there.

In conclusion I think the Scavenger Hunts have helped me to become a regular sketch artist. It has been good to be part of a group, which by the way, changes often. Jeanne Grant and I have been the more regular participants. Others come and go. Most drop in occasionally to comment or add a new sketch. The Hunts are used to inspire and get out of a slump. I have learned about different tools of the trade, tried new media and techniques in the challenges. These are all positive things. Time well spent.

Hopefully I will continue to sketch and paint more as well. Stay tuned to find out!