Hayao Miyazaki

Here he is, in the pen-and-ink, my hero, Hayao Miyazaki.


(writer/director of 'Spirited Away', 'Princess Mononoke', 'Nausicaa')

Caricatures

Here are a couple [Radiohead] caricatures:

1) Thom Yorke


2) Jonny Greenwood

Museum Visits

Here are a couple of quick sketches from a couple recent museum visits.
Top: The National Gallery - from various paintings
Middle: The Tate Modern - quick sketch of Giacometti sculptures
Bottom: Tate Modern - sculpture and painting

Trip to the V&A

Yesterday I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. Usually I go to museums with the intention of looking and meandering first, then drawing - if time or company permits. But usually I draw. This visit was a little different. This time, I went to the V&A with the sole intention of drawing. Nothing else.

So yesterday, I went, I drew, I left. No funny business. I had work to do, so I couldn't stay long. But I went anyway. And this is what I drew.

let the pencil do the thinking.

Start with the eyes on a character and work your way out from there. No erasing, no going back, make it up as you go. This is a type of drawing I like to do from time to time. It's the type of drawing that tattooed so many of my school notebooks and planners. But recently, I've been deliberately doodling like this in predetermined places - like notebooks! But it's a fun technique to use. By not glancing at a subject and focusing intently on the drawing, I can get to an almost meditative-like state that allows me to "let the pencil do the thinking". You can arrive at some pretty incredible places if you take on this perspective when you draw. I also feel that it is something you can channel into the real world. In an empathic manner, put your entire self into someone else and walk in their shoes/sandals/boots. Drawing can be wonderfully therapeutic.

"Who will put flowers on a flower's grave?" -- Tom Waits

Drawing No. 2

Here's the 2nd drawing for the project. I am currently trying to explore a mixture of caricature and life drawing. This was the first step.

आईटी अल स्टार्ट्स विथ अ स्पार्क

"It all starts with a spark" - the first drawing as part of the project.

The Next Step

Hi all --

It's been months and months, I know. But I'm back. In fact, I've just started this little "art project" thing that involves small artistic explorations here and there all over London. I will be posting these creative burps on here as a way of documenting my progress. So stay tuned.

Many strange things will occur.

-NWS