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Drawing challenge, where am I?

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Pascal (peacockpens.com)

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My drawing challenge of drawing 1000 faces or portraits is still going on, so it’s about time to give you an update.

I’m not doing this challenge just to reach my goal of 1000 drawings, but it’s an incentive to encourage me to draw on a daily basis. It is always said that by practicing one gets better, not perfect. So in the learning process, which I am undergoing now, I have to be critical to myself that not everything works out well and that mistakes are made. Making mistakes is an essential part.

The learning process actually consists of looking for mistakes and how they were made. Once I know the reason, I can correct and check again to see if the results improve. Now, this process is difficult and takes its time. This process to improve quality reminds me of the quality circle from Deming that I was once taught: plan – do – check and act. So I think this process applies not only to companies but also to anyone who wants any kind of improvement. So also for me as far as sketches are concerned.

In the last series of drawings, I tried to draw portraits that I think are easy to recognize. Until now, I was actually happy that the portrait looked like a human being. This is a step further. And I have to admit when I ask acquaintances and friends that more than eighty percent recognize the person on the basis of my portrait. Of course, I’m certainly not there yet. But it’s a step forward.

The Loomis method has always been my basis, but I had moved away from it in the sense that I no longer drew the basics, but immediately started drawing with details. Now, through a youtube video I learned that we need to approach a drawing as a sculpture. We start with a lump of clay that is gradually brought into shape. In other words, before drawing I really have to draw a basic sketch, preferably in pencil first. In loose sketching, the use of a pencil is strongly discouraged, but in this case it is a necessity.

Now it is clear that if there is to be a real resemblance to the person, then there has to be more precise drawing and that proportion has to be right. In terms of timing, this means that I now spend half an hour on one portrait, so converted to drawing three, I quickly spend two hours each day, research included. The impact of this is huge, so I really have to plan my time.

Throughout this post I have placed some pictures of my drawings. I don’t hide the bad or not so good ones, I also want to show you that the learning process is not perfect and that I try to get better step by step.

Are you also working on a challenge to learn something or to get better at something? Feel free to tell me what your findings are, tips and tricks are more than welcome.

10 responses to “Drawing challenge, where am I?”

  1. graysummers Avatar
    graysummers

    Your self honesty is fantastic because it shows how you appreciate the process of learning. The art of pencil/pen/watercolour are good to watch as you upload these new achievements in the way you are. Consistently showing us how you are working the art forms out. The dedication is admirable too. That said, here? They look great. There is a natural style involved and it looks like you ‘flow’. Not frightened to wield the pen in earnest. I would love to have time to try this out but, as you say at the end about learning one’s own challenge….music for myself takes presidencies on a daily basis. Much to admire in your results here Pascal. Thanks for the knowledge and additional details of ‘how this drawing portraits technique works’ too. Nice for readers to follow through with their own enquiries. All the best.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Pascal (peacockpens.com) Avatar
      Pascal (peacockpens.com)

      Thank you Gray for your nice comment, It’s much appreciated. Being honest is something I hold dear. The unfortunate thing is that a lot of rubbish and false information is spread via the internet and that many people get started here. I am very satisfied with the followers of my blog. The comments are always warm and encouraging and it has given me a push to keep going for it. I’m just an average guy and try to show through my blog that not everything in life is simple, but with a certain dedication and perseverance one can achieve a lot, as long as you keep having fun with it. I notice from your passion for music that you are also dedicated and that you try to find your way in this fantastic music world, which is certainly an art where feelings perhaps take the upper hand even more. I love playing the piano, not that I’m very good at it. I’ve already rehearsed some simple classical pieces. The resulting emotion is sometimes difficult to grasp, fascinating. Thank you Gray for your ever-encouraging comment. Best regards.

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      1. graysummers Avatar
        graysummers

        Thank you for your encouraging words. Your art? When I think back on my pottery days it began with plasticine. I made some of the Hobbit characters when ‘babysitting’ for my friend’s son. He had an unopened pack and he had read The Hobbit book which I had given him. So……I Gandalf, Frodo, and then followed up with Legolas from Lord of the Rings. Plasticine reminded me of clay. Quite shocked at what I achieved I asked if I could show them to a potter I knew. He gave me a bag of clay and ‘boom’……new career. The first pottery excursions were okay, but very, very naive. As the years went by the improvement was remarkable. Exhibitions, craft shows, shops were where I sold my work. For about 12 years. What I suppose I’m saying is that we may not know what lay ahead. But with passion to learn, as you show in your own drawing and watercolour, you simply get better and better. But witnessing as myself and others’ do, we can see the skills you have are already inherent. So it will be fascinating to witness where it goes. All the best too Pascal.

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      2. Pascal (peacockpens.com) Avatar
        Pascal (peacockpens.com)

        You hit the nail on the head. Maybe it’s a weird way of thinking of myself, but I’ve noticed as I’m getting older that I’m specifically looking for those things that I’ll probably be able to practice for the rest of my life. Fortunately, I am young at heart and I try to follow the youth 🙂 Best regards.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. graysummers Avatar
        graysummers

        When you feel affinity with certain things they do tend to find longevity. A piano, guitar or a fountain pen. They can all be easily used to express yourself in so many ways. Onwards and upwards Pascal. Cheers.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Bientje Avatar
    Bientje

    Heel mooi

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Pascal (peacockpens.com) Avatar
      Pascal (peacockpens.com)

      Bedankt liefje ❤

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  3. Laura @ Inky Imaginings Avatar
    Laura @ Inky Imaginings

    Your drawings are so good, and I admire your dedication to improving and learning.
    Personally I’m just trying to work on improving my fiction writing, but I always struggle to keep up with consistent practice.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Pascal (peacockpens.com) Avatar
      Pascal (peacockpens.com)

      Thank you for your kind comment. Learning new things and becoming good at it is a long commitment. Good and bad results follow each other and it is always a search for energy to get the curve up. As you say, regular practice is a struggle. Try to find variety and draw strength from the points in which you have improved. That’s why I started this challenge to encourage me to practice on a daily basis. Good luck Laura.

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  4. Wrap up February ’24 – Peacock pens

    […] challenge 1000 portraits/facesIn my previous post, I gave you an update how I’m holding on to my goal. My experience so far is that I do indeed […]

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