A Little Perspective: Why Life Drawing classes will change your Creative Practice
Happy happy august! How are you all doing? I’m coming to you from a coffee shop overlooking Manchester Cathedral, where I had my stall last week at Craft and Flea Market. If I met any of you on that day, let me just say a big thank you to YOU! It really does mean the world to meet such kind and supportive customers <3
As I sip my vanilla chai, the rustle of leaves outside the window, it almost feels like the edge of autumn is right around the corner…or that may just be wishful thinking! Even so, I’ve made more of an effort recently to get out of the house to work, especially during Summertime, despite my brain reeling off a hundred reasons why it’s easier for me to stay in my nice, warm, comfortable home. Why go out when you have everything you need right here?! But with a little breathing space, new ideas can come from a little perspective, and by allowing ourselves to open up to these sparks of inspiration, they really can do wonders for rejuvenating our creative practice.
And new perspectives is what we’re talking about today! If you follow me on The Gram, you may have seen that I recently got back into life drawing with a friend from uni, and it’s done wonders for unlocking my creativity. We’ve been going to Bee Creative Studio in Manchester, and they do an amazing job at finding a variety of models, and offer timed sessions which really allows you to build momentum with your drawing.
I was a little rusty the first time but I found my rhythm by the end!
I love his little face on this one!
The sessions last around 2 hours, complete with bar and long instrumental sequences from Tchaikovsky and Bach to accompany you while you draw. Match made in heaven if you ask me! We usually begin with1 minute poses, then move onto 5 and 10 minutes, ending the session with 20 minutes. This really helps you build up your line work and get familiar with the model - not to mention you can get all your bad stuff out of the way first! Another thing I like about Bee Creative is that it’s not a tutored session. It doesn’t matter if you get the perspective skewed or that you’d rather draw figuratively than true to life, and to be surrounded by a group of like-minded artists is really refreshing when you’re used to working by yourself.
The best part, I’ve come to realise, is that I get into a real FLOW while I’m there. Flow that comes from not worrying about how true to life my drawing is. Flow that becomes almost meditative. Flow that comes from play, ease, and tapping into the sheer enjoyment of why I started making art in the first place. Gaining perspective can be a great reminder to get out of your comfort zone more often, sign up to a class, find a new environment to work, and start approaching your art from a different mind.
And it doesn’t have to be a life drawing class. Why not take yourself out to a local cafe or park and draw the life that passes you by. Organise a Zoom Call with friends and have themed drawing nights. Or maybe for you, timed drawings are the way forward. 1 minute drawings can be really challenging when you’re used to perfecting and sharing every little thing you make. Ban yourself from pencils and rubbers and make the marks count! And if any of you have your own practices for gaining perspective, or are part of a life drawing group too, I’d love to know!
Summer bits and bobs…
*I'm reading Letters from Tove this month. It’s such a joy of a book, I’m almost disappointed in myself that it’s taken me this long to read Tove Jansson’s work, but I guess there’s no better time to start! This one is the perfect read for Summer.
*I’ve been challenging myself with pattern design at the moment, and I’m loving how my illustrations can be used on so many things like interiors, homeware and more! This one is a recent favourite.
*Last week my friend and I had a meal at Rosa’s and it was delish! I can’t say I’m an expert when it comes to Thai food, but the food was great and that’s a win for me!
*I attended a freelance workshop from Small Fry Collective in July which really helped boost my ideas when it comes to the direction of my practice. It’s always beneficial to be looking for ways to learn and expand, and I love trying new things. You can still access the recording from them here.
Aaand that’s all for now my sweet buttercups. Thanks for being here!
Have fun this summer, and spread a little kindness where you can 🌻
Catherine