When not to draw realistically
As I dashed helter-skelter down the steep hill on my bike, on the way to pick up my daughter from nursery, a sound attracted my attention above my own screeching brakes. I risked veering into a car by looking upwards, trying to locate the source of the sound - that of scores of birds cheeping.
There was nothing to see: they were all firmly ensconced within a dark and leafy tree, but that didn’t stop me thinking I’d like to try to draw it. But how? If I drew only what I saw, the main thing that attracted my attention - the sound - is lost. In fact, all you’d see would be a tree.
Instead, I want to draw the concept. If art is about communicating my perception to the viewer, this is just as permissable as a photo-realistic picture. If it transmits some of what that moment was like for me, it’s a success.
For now, it’s just a doodle, but hopefully I’ll have time to make it into a proper picture soon, and add more detailed birds, their beaks more fully open, and perhaps some indication of the noise they are making.
How would you draw sound? Have you ever tried?
Posted: October 5th, 2007 under Inspiration, Technique.
Comments: 3
3 Comments
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I think as soon as you bring something into an image that’s known for making noise you’re semiotically half way there.
I think the temptation is to turn things cartooney and add words to your drawings.. for instance the above having lots of “cheaps” would obviously be the instant solution to getting your message across but would maybe (excuse the pun) “cheapen” your idea!
That said I’ve used words in the past (some teenage pics to follow) :
And here’s another picture which I aptly titled “the sound of crackin’ bones” Oh to be a goth again.
Semiotically, eh! Love it. I get a much better view of your pics in my moderation interface. Must sort those scroll bars one day..