Studies have shown, that sketching increases the creative flow from an abstract thought to a physical representation of the thought.
Sketching is an exercise that provides connectivity in transforming what is envisioned in the mind onto paper. With the mind, we have the ability to visualize an object from all sides. Placing that visualization on flat paper increases skill in depth and perspective.
This first sketch is an abstract sketch using a shell shape and playing with water drops. This sketch exercise was to assist me in developing the technique of working with shadows to create texture and depth.
Utilizing free hand and template shapes, I formulated this design in my mind of a shell on a beach with rain drops falling into the shell. As the shell began to fill up and overflow, water drops gently spilledout.
Adding the texture of sand and a few grass blades provided a foundation for the shell to rest in it's unatural position. As with all my exercises, I allot myself a specific time limit to push my skill of solving problems quickly.
This second sketch was an exercise in developing the look of shine and light reflection. Line art was also explored in this exercise playing with weight.
Using a combination of freehand and shape templates I played with creating unique shapes from different templates. I then worked with developing the look of high gloss plastic with showing the reflection of light shining from the surface.
Next I began to play with line wight to create visual interest, while continuing with working with shadow and light.
The third sketch exercise was to play with natural elements and create a unique and interesting design. The look of leaves growing from an eye allowed me to work on the human physical characteristics and nature.
Beginning with the eye, I worked on the techniques of light reflecting off the pupil and the details found in the iris. Shadow work was used to create dimension.
For the leaves, I worked with line and shadow work to provide dimension and the look of folds in the leaves. Line weight was explored to create texture.
Exercise sketch four was the exploration of creating texture with line. Line weight and shape was utilized to develop textures within a design.
When I began this exercise I wanted to push myself to come up with texture made with line inside of a line design. After doing the initial line containers I explored dimension with an open box and shading.
Forcing myself to work quickly, I began working on the texture while timing myself to see how many textures I could create in a minute.
This exercise was a continuation from several previous exercises of creating texture with line and working with natural elements. In this design I combined the two to sketch a leaf with abstract textures.
Starting with a leaf design, I laid out the vein sections and began working with lines to create texture within those section. Shading was achieved through small line strokes of various weight.
Playing with line weight I was able to bring out dimension. Fine grass strokes provided depth.
Exercise six was a continuation of line work and integrating perspective and dimension. With this exercise I wanted to work with small spaces. It's easy on a computer to zoom in when wanting to see the details in a small space, Sketching on paper does not allow that, and you are forced to work within the confines of your eyesight.
I began by laying out the complex interwoven design and determining which layers would fall over and beneath. Next I began to take one line path and develop the texture all through to the end.
Once layering was chosen, the fine details of working in small spaces began. Many times, I wished I had the ability to zoom in as I do on my computer. Perseverance was the key.
Sketch exercise 07 was an extension of the shell exercise and water drops. Wanting to continue my exercise on the shell, but in a more abstract design I developed this piece.
Using the same techniques as before, I quickly sketched out the shell. I then began to incorporate more abstract shapes into the design.
Finally I worked on the drops of water to give the illusion of the shell overflowing. The final touch was creating an abstract background for the design.
Exercise eight was an extension of the line and perspective exercise. In this exercise I wanted to continue to explore layering and line art.
As I did previously, the first step was to lightly lay out the design and determine the layering pattern. Next I began working on the dimension of each layer and creating perspecting.
Finally, I used shading to enhance the look of depth and dimension. This cause me to think about the effects of light on an object, where the shadows would fall and where the highlights would be seen.
Line work within the natural element while creating an abstract piece was the methodology behind this exercise. The use of line to create pattern was heavily explored.
Beginning with lightly laying out the design I was then able to work on the background and then work up. Creating pattern inside of shapes was a time consuming process.
To establish depth and dimension, line weight was use. The final touches was to go through and strengthen certain lines to assist in bringing visual interest to the piece.
Exercise 10 was an extension of working with physical and natural elements. In this exercise I continued to work on sketching the human eye and incorporated an environmental theme.
First I began sketching the eye. This allowed a foundation for the final design. Various line work created the fine details of hair and the details of the iris.
Next I began working on the earth as the pupil. Finally I engaged in creating the natural elements of branches and leaves being the symbolism of tears.
