Tracing is a tool for design work, if not why we create modeling software to make the work easier. If an artist or architect trace on model or image it doesn't mean he/she can not draw perspective correctly freehand. It just makes the work fast and efficient especially for some technical drawings.
“Third, data centres use water during construction and, once operational, to cool electrical components. Globally, AI-related infrastructure may soon consume six times more water than Denmark, a country of 6 million, https://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.03271. That is a problem when https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/water already lacks access to clean water and sanitation.”
When I was a kid we had to use a pencil and practise over and over until our capital O was perfectly shaped and then move on to the next letter. C. And the other letters which were shaped by the width of the O. Once our cursive script was deemed acceptable we were allowed fountain pens or dip pens.
There was a great deal of pearl clutching about the arrival of the ball point pen which was going to destroy civilisation as we know it. They were forbidden.
I notice kids these days can’t read or write in cursive so in fact the ball point pen did destroy civilisation.
One of my favorite Little Golden books was Mother Goose. Different artists illustrated it, not just one. Imagine my surprise when (as an adult) reading about Dr. Seuss decorating his children's bedroom walls to find those walls covered in the pictures from this book! He had copied them, just as I had on paper as a child.
Also, I'm always fascinated when things "come" to me (us). Example: While killing time before a flight, we stopped in to the downtown Cincinnati public library. I'd never been there before and just wanted a quick look. I was thrilled to find a huge exhibit of Little Golden Books' illustrators, their original book illustrations, bios, and books. What a thrill to see my favorites here. I had had a huge collection 1947-1957 and would stare for hours at the pictures. I still have most.
As a beginner artist I really needed this message…love your essays, they always carry such great depth and meaning! I look forward to the emails as I often forget to check all the different media🙏🫶
Thanks Danny, I used to be a Hyperreal oil painter and it still took hundreds of hours to make a medium sized painting. I had to put my brushes down to get a real job several years ago.
I wasn't doing any art.
Since discovering you on YouTube last August you inspired me to get a pen and draw anything and everything. I have. I can say from this last 8 months the drawings I have done in my home made sketchbook, made of old mail and scrap papers have been more special to me than many of my large photoreal oil paintings! Also storing them doesn't fill up my garage! Bottom line is I am hooked on small sketchbooks and the process of sitting and looking. Thanks for inspiring me!
I always have a smile on my face and a special anticipation when Friday rolls around and I know there will be an essay from Danny to enjoy.
And I always learn something from your creative sharing.
You are so knowledgeable and we who partake are privileged by your sharing.
I had to laugh at your description of middle school, I can visualize myself in that scene too,.
What I've learned in my own discoveries is that imagination is vast and offers endless possibilities and I get inspired by other artists abilities, but as an impression to spur me on to try something I may not have thought of before. Art is a most magical place to explore and I keep going, learning, and correcting my own work because I want to be pleased, satisfied, and fulfilled by my own work and efforts.
It took me awhile to say, yes I am an artist, and feel accepted with myself.
Isn't that whats most important, the inner contentment of who you are.
This essay hits me where it hurts. For years, I was afraid of that blank page staring back at me. I wasn’t good enough, I had no talent and there was no way I was as good as my sister. Fast forward, I am now illustrating my own picture books. It’s only taken me over sixty years to get there. But I keep trying, for better or worse!
This essay really touched me. It felt exactly like I’ve experienced art through my years. One is never pure enough and in line with that is good enough. It does make one wonder why there is a desire to steal the pleasure of art making away.
This week's essay reminds me of "The Art Lesson" a picture book written and illustrated by Tomi dePaola. You and many of your readers might be familiar with it. For those who aren't, I am including a link to a YouTube read-along. I think many pages will bring smiles to the face of any artist who can find 8 minutes for some quiet time to recall their inner child. Danny, thanks for checking in every Friday.
"The Art Lesson" by Tomie dePaola read aloud by Mrs. F:
Tracing is a tool for design work, if not why we create modeling software to make the work easier. If an artist or architect trace on model or image it doesn't mean he/she can not draw perspective correctly freehand. It just makes the work fast and efficient especially for some technical drawings.
"art isn’t about slavishly following rules; it’s about constantly finding new ones to break."
I love this!
And omg the water tho….
“Third, data centres use water during construction and, once operational, to cool electrical components. Globally, AI-related infrastructure may soon consume six times more water than Denmark, a country of 6 million, https://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.03271. That is a problem when https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/water already lacks access to clean water and sanitation.”
I had no idea the linked words would show up as full links in the quote. Sorry bout that.
When I was a kid we had to use a pencil and practise over and over until our capital O was perfectly shaped and then move on to the next letter. C. And the other letters which were shaped by the width of the O. Once our cursive script was deemed acceptable we were allowed fountain pens or dip pens.
There was a great deal of pearl clutching about the arrival of the ball point pen which was going to destroy civilisation as we know it. They were forbidden.
I notice kids these days can’t read or write in cursive so in fact the ball point pen did destroy civilisation.
Long before AI.
Thank you for your as always spot-on Friday post!
One of my favorite Little Golden books was Mother Goose. Different artists illustrated it, not just one. Imagine my surprise when (as an adult) reading about Dr. Seuss decorating his children's bedroom walls to find those walls covered in the pictures from this book! He had copied them, just as I had on paper as a child.
Also, I'm always fascinated when things "come" to me (us). Example: While killing time before a flight, we stopped in to the downtown Cincinnati public library. I'd never been there before and just wanted a quick look. I was thrilled to find a huge exhibit of Little Golden Books' illustrators, their original book illustrations, bios, and books. What a thrill to see my favorites here. I had had a huge collection 1947-1957 and would stare for hours at the pictures. I still have most.
I'm always thankful for your help!
As a beginner artist I really needed this message…love your essays, they always carry such great depth and meaning! I look forward to the emails as I often forget to check all the different media🙏🫶
Thanks Danny, I used to be a Hyperreal oil painter and it still took hundreds of hours to make a medium sized painting. I had to put my brushes down to get a real job several years ago.
I wasn't doing any art.
Since discovering you on YouTube last August you inspired me to get a pen and draw anything and everything. I have. I can say from this last 8 months the drawings I have done in my home made sketchbook, made of old mail and scrap papers have been more special to me than many of my large photoreal oil paintings! Also storing them doesn't fill up my garage! Bottom line is I am hooked on small sketchbooks and the process of sitting and looking. Thanks for inspiring me!
Hi Danny,
I always have a smile on my face and a special anticipation when Friday rolls around and I know there will be an essay from Danny to enjoy.
And I always learn something from your creative sharing.
You are so knowledgeable and we who partake are privileged by your sharing.
I had to laugh at your description of middle school, I can visualize myself in that scene too,.
What I've learned in my own discoveries is that imagination is vast and offers endless possibilities and I get inspired by other artists abilities, but as an impression to spur me on to try something I may not have thought of before. Art is a most magical place to explore and I keep going, learning, and correcting my own work because I want to be pleased, satisfied, and fulfilled by my own work and efforts.
It took me awhile to say, yes I am an artist, and feel accepted with myself.
Isn't that whats most important, the inner contentment of who you are.
I just sent this on to my son and granddaughter to support their eforts and encourage them on, as you have, me.
This essay hits me where it hurts. For years, I was afraid of that blank page staring back at me. I wasn’t good enough, I had no talent and there was no way I was as good as my sister. Fast forward, I am now illustrating my own picture books. It’s only taken me over sixty years to get there. But I keep trying, for better or worse!
Very on point,as always. Love your insights and articles
This essay really touched me. It felt exactly like I’ve experienced art through my years. One is never pure enough and in line with that is good enough. It does make one wonder why there is a desire to steal the pleasure of art making away.
This week's essay reminds me of "The Art Lesson" a picture book written and illustrated by Tomi dePaola. You and many of your readers might be familiar with it. For those who aren't, I am including a link to a YouTube read-along. I think many pages will bring smiles to the face of any artist who can find 8 minutes for some quiet time to recall their inner child. Danny, thanks for checking in every Friday.
"The Art Lesson" by Tomie dePaola read aloud by Mrs. F:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=tomie+di+paola+the+art+lesson&&mid=B07F069E7ADA3298F6BDB07F069E7ADA3298F6BD&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUC7X3WLnqnHgLSDOFWfbxAGw&mcid=1AFEE3B3E3CD43BE9F79686048D36EF9&FORM=VAMGZC