CASE STUDY
Q Why do you think daily drawing is important?
A Curiosity – and I just really enjoy it. Even when I’m not physically drawing, I’m thinking about what to draw next.
Q Where did the idea for your 365 days project come from? And what did you learn along the way?
A For years I had used a sketchbook for most of my ideas and imagery. Then I had years of not using them so often, and would go straight to the studio to do ‘something proper’ or more finished. I had been thinking about the freshness and immediacy of my sketchbook and missed that expression and freedom in my studio work. An artist friend was feeling in a similar, slightly stuck place, so we came up with an agreement to have a goal of daily drawings. The way to keep track and be accountable to each other (like a training buddy) was to use Instagram and tag each other. A year seemed like a worthwhile commitment.
Q How has the experience influenced your work since?
A The experience has reminded me about the importance of just starting something and the discipline to show up with your materials and some paper. On days when I was really tired, or not free until late in the evening, I would still have to start something and, more often than not, I would end up becoming involved and really interested in what was happening. It’s not about having the luxury of time to make a grand plan or overthink, you just have to do something every day.
I have drawn horses for as long as I can remember and if I fancy it I can simply head outside and sketch them. During the sketchbook year I also did several landscapes and seascapes using charcoal, or gouache – this was interesting as I had never thought of myself as being particularly a ‘landscape’ artist. But I guess, no matter what the subject matter is, it’s about what you love or feel an emotional connection with. That could be your dog, or just looking at a certain tree or hill.
Q Do you draw instinctively or do you like to plan?
A A bit of both, definitely. In my sketchbook, I do allow myself to go off piste and play and this is often to amuse myself. With my studio work, I do make a plan but it still gets pulled away by my imagination, as soon as you make that first mark, you are in a conversation about how to continue. It is often instinctive, and sometimes I have to take a step back and leave it for a few days to see what I need to do next. Some images reveal themselves quickly and others are much more paced.
Q What part does/did social media play in your daily sketchbooking?
A The decision to use Instagram for daily posts was, initially, a way to prove that the daily ‘task’ has been done. However, this quickly took on a different dimension, as the followers grew and the encouragement, likes, etc boosted the momentum and
encouraged me to keep going. I then felt I also needed to show up for them and keep putting in the effort, as I really appreciated their lovely feedback. Instagram helped a lot!
At the same time as doing the daily sketchbook, I had started another project painting tiny landscapes on miniature Khadi sheets. After the sketchbook year finished, I continued to paint these tiny paintings and began to post the tiny landscapes for sale on Instagram. I then posted tiny horses too, and many have found new homes, which is very exciting – both of these collections are a direct result of doing the sketchbook challenge.
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Get in touch at info@kerryphippenart.com