Monster Rambles 02

How to deal with Sketchbook Empty pages plus Witchfinders and Clones

Oof! Finally shook off the virus I’ve had and got back into some sort of routine!

My notebook is full of ideas for new projects, but as usual I just need to calm the Crippen’s down and concentrate on what’s in front of me! I have had a 3d model project I wanted to finish but have popped it on the back burner until the weather here in the UK gets better. My garage is freezing!!!

Not many sketch cards done as I’m waiting for some red marker to be delivered.

So, onto sketching. My advice to anyone is keep the little sketchbook with you at all times. Nothing special, just a cheap one. I have A6 ones that I go from an art shop in Leeds for 99 pence each. Perfect. The size is not as off putting as blank page on a new a5 or a4 sketchbook they terrify me. I use those size to finalise and improve drawings. I use these small ones as visual jotters and notebooks that may turn into something else. Also, they are a great way to practice with different pens. Talking of pens, remember, just grab any old pen and pencil. However, if you really want to test yourself, just a pen.

Artist powerhouse Bill Sienkiewicz swore by just sketching with a pen. He said it forces him to be more exact with his drawing. If you do it wrong in pen, you can’t rub it out!!! As you can see from mine, I’m sticking to one type of pen at the moment, The Artline calligraphy pen, 4.0 Its sort of a disposable Parallel Pilot pen I do a quick shape in pencil and then dive in with the pen! Or sometimes just go hell for leather with the pen.

Let whatever comes into your mind flow out. Don’t worry about how it looks, we are not looking for perfection, just a flow of ideas. I always find the best sketch is about the third one, once my brain has switched off, the coffee has kicked in and it knows I going to draw and not empty the bin yet.

Keep things loose, just play with the pen and paper. I never have an idea when I open these little books, but they make me revisit stuff when I start. I’ll remember a book or a movie. Theta may spark an idea. I once used a sketch book just to draw pictures from the Denis Gifford book of horror as I could not get any inspiration.

Also, they may turn out awful. That’s ok, you are getting out of the system Some of my sketches are dreadful, because I’m tired or just not in the mood. But I always try and draw something at the start and the end of the day. Make a brew, get the pens out, give it 10 minutes (once you start, it’ll probably be more like 20!!)

I tend to adorn mine in stickers from the stupid amount that I have in a drawer collecting dust. gives them a bit of personality. I also started numbering them (although I have misplaced the first one!)

Barron Storey, underground illustrator par excellence used to post his Journals online and they are a thing of beauty

https://barronstorey.blogspot.com/

So, grab yourself a small sketch book, or even just make one! DIY all the way! Don’t be precious, get making stuff!!

Remember the rules for drawing monsters, the weird and the wonderful!

1. They are not real, so draw them any damn way you want.

2. Forget stuff like anatomy. Who cares.

3. Use any tool and as many as you like as long as it makes an unholy mess.

4. Most importantly, have some bloody great fun!

I watched Mickey 17 this week and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A great Sci Fi movie from a brilliant director Bong Joon Hoo. As far the other side of the spectrum, I re watched classic British horror Witchfinder General. My son had no idea who Vincent Price was, so I had to do a bit of explaining. It’s still a great movie and a pretty bleak ending.

Ok, time to sign off! Thank you for subscribing. The Library of Doom review will be up on Sunday. I’m keeping all the posts here free, but if you do wish to support me, check out the KOFI site. I have art up for sale as well! You can also get some of my art books digitally for free or pay what you like over on GUMROAD.

Keep safe, keep well and don’t forget draw more monsters, watch good movies, go for a walk outside, read more books.