• 
  2009

  May 2
  8
  Joseph R Tomlinson

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  drawing in the park, my first attempt to draw in a public place… i think i could get used to it.
  tags: Micron pens
   

Comments

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  trebor61 10:02 am on May 2, 2009 | #

  Joseph – I can’t believe this is your first attempt at drawing outside as you produce such outstanding work. I used to be quite nervous about painting/drawing outside but this soon vanished. I soon discovered everyone wanted to say nice things about my efforts. If I didn’t want to be disturbed I would sit with my back to a wall or tree. Keep this up. PS Nice to see some sunny weather in Spokane after all of your snow.

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  Aaron 11:37 am on May 2, 2009 | #

  You got that clock perfectly…. I can hear the kiddie rides starting up in the distance right now.

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  roseindigo 1:53 pm on May 2, 2009 | #

  I’ve drawn and painted in public for years, and I find it to be a wonderful adventure. Like Bob says, most people want to say nice things, and everyone is curious about what you are doing. I’ve met the nicest fellow artists that way. They usually stop to see, and we end up talking shop. Often I’ve even encouraged a person who has put their art supplies aside as life got in the way, to return to drawing and painting by sharing my sketchbooks and not worrying about showing a “perfect” product. Some people are very hesitant to intrude, but if I notice they are curious I invite them over to take a look, especially children who may be inspired by what they see. Sometimes we talk for half an hour or more and most people would give anything to feel free enough to be doing what you are doing.

  So keep on doing it. You’ll get used to it and eventually you will actually enjoy your time out there more than anything you do in the studio. And also, as Bob said, if you really do want to be alone on a certain day, sit with your back up against a wall or a tree. Most people are intuitive enough to know when you don’t want to be bothered.

  I’ve had more fun and met more nice people when I draw and paint outdoors than I ever thought was possible.

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  roseindigo 1:53 pm on May 2, 2009 | #

  PS: it’s a beautiful drawing you’ve done!

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  Joseph R Tomlinson 2:24 pm on May 2, 2009 | #

  Bob, i’ve tried several times, but never put pen to paper. I usually have no problem showing complete strangers the finished products, but while working it through i’m not as confident. Bob and Roseindigo thanks for the encouragement, i will be drawing more in public. thanks Aaron! you a native to spokane?

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  trebor61 3:49 pm on May 2, 2009 | #

  Joseph, if you can survive this sort of thing then its downhill afterwards. A few years ago I sat painting, all on my own, in a remote lay-by in Skye (Scottish Western Island). After an hour a lady appeared and set up a small table, a few hundred yards away. She proceeded to spread small pieces of pottery, wooden arifacts etc on it. Later still a bus load of German tourists appeared and made straight for this lady’s “for sale” items. Then one spotted me, said something in German and everyone (about 25 folk) proceeded to form a circle around me as I tried to work with a straight face. Phrases such as “Wunderbar” or “Sehr Gut” stick in my mind. It was excruciating at the time but I just kept painting. After a while they left, probably wondering why I didn’t try to sell them anything. I now have NO PROBLEMS working outdoors – as I said, it’s all downhill now. I felt rather flattered.

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  roseindigo 2:44 pm on May 3, 2009 | #

  You might also want to try drawing outside with a small group of people, which can be fun and feel more secure than being alone. We had a sketch crawl planned today, but it’s pouring outside, so it was cancelled. However, I’m not complaining since we desperately need the rain, and there will be many other sketching opportunities.

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  Joseph R Tomlinson 4:58 pm on May 3, 2009 | #

  when i’m in a setting with other artists i’m okay, it takes a couple minutes thenn i’m off and running. it’s the public i’m the only one drawing that hinders me. i appreciate all the comments, i am working on this, unfortunately it’s been crummy weather the past couple days.

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