You may have noticed I don’t do a lot of sketches of people. The reason is they’re hard. We don’t like hard, we like our comfort zone… This tells me I need to practice what I don’t like to get the most out of myself. I keep a sketch pad with me that I practice with and I put no pressure on myself, just practice. Let me tell you, there are some goooofy lookin’ people in that pad I have done wrong… If I really don’t like it, I wad it up and practice my wastepaper basketball skills. Win-win. This guy came in from out of the pouring rain and sat down right in front of me and never moved! Perfect! He just sipped his coffee and played on his IBM think pad that looked like it had some stories of its own.
BY's Art 
Great illustration! He seemed to be the perfect subject.
I love this, there is such a story behind it. He looks like someone who would have a fascinating story to tell.
That is a really cool illustration Brad. The detail in his clothes, his beard, the stitching in his toque. Excellent .
Thank you Joanna!
Yes Brad to people, I have been forcing myself to sketch them, and it does get better, I think the problem is that I know what they should look like and landscapes have a lot more range of accuracy. Thanks for this one I love it.
Thank you!
I was happy to share this on my twitter stream. Working outside our comfort zone can create some really bad goofs while practicing the art. Thanks for posting your sketch story.
Thanks!
Anytime. Your work encourages me to do more daily sketches, try adding ink, use gestures, and paint the stories in my life. Thanks for all of that.
Brad, Have you been looking into my brain? That post could have been by me … it’s uncomfortable to leave the CF, but if you don’t, your skill set may reduce to an absolute minimum and possibly one day even fade away … afraid yet?!
Exactly! No pain no gain. ha!
This is really well done, and I love the feel of the piece. I step out of comfort zone once in awhile, but when it comes to sketching people I have taken a step back. I started making people that are more odd, alien. I will once again go back to more realistic later, after some of the alien has worn its way through my system.
Thanks!!
If this is what you produce when you think you’re not good at it, I can’t wait to see what you do when you feel you’ve improved!
Ha! Thank you, I think we are our own worst critics…you’re very kind!
Do you think he “felt” your eyes on him? When sketching people in situ, sometimes my subject will turn or move away and I wonder if he feels me analyzing him! I’m always careful to be a safe distance away because it makes me feel a little guilty to be invading his space. But, I still do it! I guess part of the fun is not getting discovered. And, yes, people are SUPER tough.
I think you might be on to something! Obviously we don’t want to stare, but quick glances in between long drawing. Trust me, I’ve waded up many papers and worked on my paper wad tossing skills. ha!
My feelings exactly about sketching moving beings! However, this one turned out great!
Thanks!
Very nice story !
Turned out great! You do well out of your comfort zone, especially when inspiration walks in.
Thanks! It’s funny how that sometimes works out. Ha
I like your story and sketch of the old character.
Thank you!!
I love it – and I guess you (lucky dog) got to sit there for hours too – watching and BEAUTIFULLY sketching!
Thanks Jodi!! And yes, I’ve learned the skill of stopping and relaxing. Thank you!
Very nice! And I know the feeling about comfort zone… Good way to go 😉