Creative Christmas - Sketching House Rabbits...

Sketching Odie using sepia Artline calligraphy pen 3.0
in a Goldline 8" x 8" harback sketchbook.

Apologies for my blog being quiet for so long... and I wish any readers a belated Merry Christmas! It seems to me that artists fall into one of two camps at this time of year. They are either rushed off their feet and spend every moment racing to fulfil commission commitments and seasonal greeting card orders, or, go very quiet and seem to fall off the creative planet as Christmas preparations (meal planning and family logistics) take over. This year I have definitely been in the latter mode... with a new kitchen thrown into the mix - which is almost finished. I must add that I have had a lovely Christmas and once the final shopping trip was done, and presents all wrapped, it has been great to spend time with family.

However, with my daughter visiting for the festive period I have finally managed to get my artist mojo back as she arrived with, not only her (new) husband, but her two house rabbits as well!

The two house rabbits - Odie on the left and Thor on the right.

I had two sketching sessions when Charley and I let the rabbits have the freedom of the conservatory to stretch their legs and for me to practise drawing live animals as they moved around (often at speed).

Thor investigating the sketchbook...

A brief moment when both rabbits are occupied and relatively still...
it didn't last long!

Pencil sketches of Thor.

A few brief lines then Odie was off, scampering around the conservatory!

Another day and another attempt - using pen this time.

Odie drawn in sepia Artline calligraphy pen 0.3,
and Thor drawn with Edding profipen 0.7

I tried working directly with watercolour using a water filled brushpen... hmmm, very dodgy results and page too wet to turn over and keep going. Decided to return to a more user friendly pencil.

Can't imagine why I thought it would be a good idea to try watercolour...
(once the page dried added a few pencil lines before moving on).

Ah, back to pencil and as Odie calms down a bit and nibbles fitfully on some
cabbage a more satisfying sketch emerges.

Close up detail of sketch capturing the character of Odie...

Thor still lively and only manage quick lines
as pencil dances across the page to try and keep up.

Some rear shots...

Lines showing more confidence in execution...

Final page of rabbit sketches - "such fun"!

The series of photos and the video clips highlight how tricky it is trying to make sketches from moving animals! My approach is to keep expectations low - focus on observing the animal, how does it move, what shapes does it make, what are the eyes, ears, nose like. What are the legs and feet like - how does this affect movement? All these fragments of lines, combined with hard questioning and looking, help to build up an understanding of the animal... page after page of simple elements are testament to the challenge of drawing a living creature and I am satisfied that I have learnt more about the animal, and drawing, during the process than from a single static photograph, especially if it is one that I haven't taken myself. However should I go on to create a more finished piece of work from a photo of Odie or Thor it will be with this first-hand knowledge backing up my intuition.

If you have the opportunity to work from live animals, grasp it, enjoy the challenge and accept the limitations imposed upon the results.

It just remains for me to wish you a Happy New Year and see you in 2015!