drawanyway.com

Linzie Hunter, whose innovative Spam Art I mentioned in a previous post has contacted me to say that her images are now available to buy as prints - so if you are looking for that elusive Christmas present for your colleague, boss or friendly neighbourhood spammer, your prayers may have been answered. They’re available here. I’d like Your Small Breasts and No Girls Laugh at Me, if Santa is reading.

While I’m conveying messages I might also mention that I have been sent another book in the same series as the Art Doodle Book. Beautiful Doodles provides over 100 pictures for you to complete. From drawing the contents of an empty fridge to designing a statue for an empty plinth, each page presents you with an irresistable idea that will have you itching to draw. It’d be great for boring telephone conversations or dull commutes. In a way, I like it even more than the Art Doodle Book, because it gives you a fun and safe place to try out your drawing without having to adhere to any particular style. If I had more time, I’d love to jump in and fill it up myself, but I guess it’s more for the children and teenagers of this world, who have endless time, and creativity just waiting to burst out - so I’ll be giving my copy to a young friend for Christmas. I’ve seen it in the bookshops, but I’m sure you can also order it direct from the publisher as before :

Call 01903 828503 with your credit card details or send a cheque made payable to Littlehampton Book Services to LBS Mail Order Dept, PO BOX 4264, Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom, BN13 3TG.

Finally, today’s art tip fits right in with current environmental concerns, as it helps save paper and looks good. This weekend I have been clearing out an old cupboard (as my personal blog’s readers will testify: the artwork might go on here, but the dodgy personal photos from my shady past go on there). I found an old portfolio full of life-drawings, including a large page from which the image above is just a small excerpt.

My tip is this: draw each pose in a different colour, all on top of one another. First, it gives a very interesting finished effect. The spaces between the pictures become as interesting as the figures themselves, and start suggesting subjects of their own. Second, it prevents you getting too precious about your work - you are drawing simply to improve, not to exhibit. And third, you only have to face the fear of the blank page once, at the beginning of the class.

If you’re going to try this out, I suggest using neutral and earth tones - that way, no one of them dominates too much.