On a visit to the library with my daughter today, I got to wondering why I had never thought of people-sketching there before. Later I returned alone, tucked myself as inconspicuously as I could into a corner and put pen to paper.
For the figures in their surroundings I didn’t go in with pencil first: though pen-only isn’t my usual thing, when it comes to capturing live and fidgety subjects, I figure it’s the only way to learn to trust my own mark-making instincts. I then dug out my pencil for the travel mug and books. (If you’ve ever tried drawing a random heap of books in correct perspective, you will know what a heebiejeebie-inducing exercise it is.) What struck me was that it is much easier to draw people in a library, where they are poring over books or shelves or staring at computer screens, than when fully caffeinated and chatting animatedly in a coffee shop! The library environment also means that one’s personal space is respected to a certain degree, so I found this a less nervy experience than I’d expected.
The brown paper was pasted in as a fix for a mistake and subsequently excised chunk of page. While screwups in sketching are to be expected and forgiven (blokey on the laptop with his short-arse legs, for instance), sometimes I commit a real ugh and it just has to be obliterated. In this case, it’s enabled me to include some text, and I like what it’s done for the journal entry as a whole.
rachelhoward
Jan 26, 2009 @ 15:38:00
Nice job! Very brave to get straight in with the ink, but you’ve done brilliantly with it. I wish I could make such decisive marks! Books are excellent as well – really solid.
Margaret Ann
Jan 26, 2009 @ 19:37:00
OOOOH MY! These sketches are delightful…very nicely captured. I love the notations on the brown paper…very nice EJ!
Lynn
Jan 26, 2009 @ 22:52:00
I had to laugh along with you, as I have on many occasions tried to draw that random stack of books. Honestly, why is it sooo hard? Great job on the people!
Katy
Jan 27, 2009 @ 17:31:00
As usual, great page! When I get up the nerve to begin attempting people, I will keep the library in mind. Thanks!
Eygló Daða
Jan 28, 2009 @ 20:24:00
I really like the background detail – the librarian?
andrea joseph's sketchblog
Feb 20, 2009 @ 11:52:00
Gosh, this is good. Love the guy on the right. Actually I love the whole thing. Right down to the quote.