My website just got a fresh fall update: new organization, new work, and a new section—sketchbook. I intend to update this space monthly with sketches, project sneak peaks, and musings on work and life as an illustrator and artist.
When describing my work, a phrase that often comes to mind is: I draw what I see, and see what I draw. This idea illustrates my love for drawing both observationally (people, places, objects, life moments) and conceptually (utillizing creativity and visual problem solving).
There is no greater way to illustrate this idea than with a favorite drawing exercise of mine: Blob Drawings. The idea is similar to the notion of looking up to the clouds, and imagining what you see. I find blobs everywhere—in nature and man-made objects, lurking in shadows, in pain and despair. If there is a shape, I can challenge myself to turn it into something new. While many of my blob drawings work as warm-ups for my day, some spark story ideas, or become fully executed pieces.
Three fallen leaves found on a local hiking path
Fallen leaves are great sources for blob drawings. These three caught my eye on a recent neighborhood walk. While it’s great to draw what you first see, I try to challenge myself and make multiple drawings from each shape, rotating them as well for fresh perspective.
36 drawings made from three fallen leaves
Visual brainstorming, yielding me a trove of ideas to discard or develop. Blob drawings force me to create and find joy in even the darkest of places or times—and I hope they inspire you to do the same.