Dougie with his faithful companion, Leah
SEE FOR YOURSELF AND SKETCH IN MUSEUMS
By Dougie Chowns
Painting is only drawing with a brush, and there is no better way to improve your painting than getting into the habit of using a sketchbook. I talked about this in my first editorial in Issue 10, a year ago. Hopefully some of you are finding that you are building a reference of sketches to go back to, ideas and concepts that is bringing your creative thinking together as well as by thoughtful observation analysing your subjects before you launch into brush on canvas or paper.
At long distance from the great art centers of the world, New Zealand students are restricted to art books, internet reference or video programmes. Sadly seen in small format even when a video presenter is shown alongside. However, if you have never actually stood in front of a Goya, Botticelli’s Primavera, a Francis Bacon or Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’ Avignon or Guernica, you are missing out.
