Throughout this long period of Lockdown we’ve been lucky to be able to work from home and homeschool.
When we were only allowed out to exercise, I really missed being able to stop and draw. I used to love drawing people in streets, supermarkets and cafes.
Homeschooling meant that instead of having whole mornings in my studio, I was only picking up my sketchbook for the odd half hour, which felt frustrating. Eventually I worked out more of a balance, but it took time.
I began to draw everyday objects, my garden, my family and the views from my windows, and realised that there was so much I could learn from what was around me.
I also did a lovely online illustration course by The Good Ship Illustration (more about that later!) which helped me to experiment with how and what I draw.
When we could spend a bit more time outside, I found I was drawing in a different way – really looking at my surroundings. By limiting myself to only 2 or 3 materials when I’m out and about, I don’t feel overwhelmed by trying to get everything in.
Has anyone else used sketchbooks more, or in a different way, during Lockdown? Or even started drawing for the first time?
Martha Lightfoot - Illustrator 
So happy to see you pop up in my reader, Martha, and to learn you’ve adapted your art practice to the times. I follow another artist, Sue Clancy, and she’s been determinedly prolific which I marvel at because I’ve found my brain is foggy with worry at times and reluctant to do the work of observing that leads to writing. I try to ride the waves and not stress about the down time. Here’s Sue’s link in case you’re interested: https://sueclancy.com/
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Hi Susanne, thank you – and lovely to see you pop up in my comments too! I’ll have a look at Sue’s website. I can hear the Worry Fog could get in the way of observing and writing….I’ve just been reading your latest about the lo-o-o-ng cycle ride, which sounds wonderful (love your husband’s comments in the midst of the natural markers!) Looking forward to catching up on more posts, I’ve been offline for a while! xx
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