sketches

[libellum]

When I drew Fergus and liriselei in Oxford the other weekend, it was because I was very drunk, and because I was very drunk I gave the sketches to them without looking at them again. I regretted this later: I do draw quite a lot, but on the backs of envelopes or lecture notes, or on my skin, or I give them away, and so I have remarkably little to show for

Comments

[yiskah]

God, you're talented. It's often so cringeworthy when people share their sketches, but with you...no.

[libellum]

well, the last three are cringeworthy, but they were also five years ago, so I feel justified. It's interesting watching myself improve - and it's bizarre that this particular sketchbook has lasted quite so long, which is why I wanted to post the beginning and the end.

Thankyou for the compliment. It's really really good to hear. I take it that the Sudan plan, as well as other things, mean that you're no longer interested in commissioning me? You said you wanted a nude - I have no ideas for composition but in terms of style I'm thinking something dark with scratchy metallic bits and an abstract background with maybe fields of red and gold, but, um, that could just be influenced by the decor of your lounge. I'll be putting out a request for work over the summer when I have time to actually do it, but this seemed a good opportunity to ask :)

[libellum]

they were also five years ago

three years ago. Get it right, girl!

[oakwonder]

No, the last three are not nearly as good as the rest: merely someone with an artistic bent trying out things artistic and conventional (i.e. they're more "artistic" than the others). But all the more recent ones --! What a natural gift you have. These perfectly capture scenes and characters, and are simple, direct, unpretentious, precise. It is utterly disgusting that you do this and write, act, make music...! I dread to think what you'll achieve when you really get into your stride.

[libellum]

It's strange that what you describe as "precise" I describe as "static". My sketches frustrate me because they always seem so two dimensional unless I rush them, in which case they're scribbly and dynamic but also completely inaccurate. I think my favourite of all the above drawings is the one of Chris reading. It's the only one that seems at all natural.

Oh, and I can't write or act, I just do anyway out of sheer bloody-minded self-indulgence :)

[libellum]

ps. thankyou :) I always glow when I get compliments from you and re-read them lots to try and preserve the feeling, but I never seem to be able to compose an elegant reply.