Drawing Whatever Comes …

/ still a dreamer

I’ve gotten stuck. Stuck in fear. Stuck in `How do I do this?’ Stuck in `Where do I start?’

The issue is this. I have a children’s book. I’ve worked on the story a long time, and recently edited it, dummied it, re-edited it, and now it’s ready to start illustrating. Any number of people have said to me – `You’re an author, an artist, a graphic designer … what’s keeping you from self-publishing?’ Good point.

Each time I sit down to start sketching, I become frustrated. I can see it, but have not been able to make the connection between what’s in my head and the page.

Then I realized I don’t know how I want my illustrations to look. I don’t know how I draw anymore, other than the pen and ink line drawings, which I love. What will my artwork look like in 2023? And then the answer came.

Just draw whatever comes. Whatever I feel like. Get back to playing with different media, and let go of the self-criticism. Above, two sketches – watercolor and ink, then below, Derwent watercolor pencils and ink. I’ve named it “Little Red 2023”. Who knows why Little Red Riding Hood?

Does it matter? I think not.

14 thoughts on “Drawing Whatever Comes …”

  1. I love your illustrations, Jeanne! It’s hard to feel blocked, but it sure looks like your choices to “create anyway” were the right ones! Sending love and light. And, of course, my praise and recommendation for Rick Rubin’s book, The Creative Act. XO

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    • Thanks, Andrea. The `Do something, anything’ approach is better than staring at the wall or wasting time in meaningless ways. And much more fun, because I am not sitting in judgment of myself. I’m glad you like the art … I have more coming soon.
      As always, I hope this finds you well. :-)

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