What better way to improve drawing skills than to practice every day! I committed to the Every Day in May (Facebook, Flickr) challenge and have been really enjoying the practice, discipline and creativity the daily cues inspire. The first cue was: “Draw something bubbly.”
I had a sink full of dirty dishes awaiting me…a perfect excuse for bubbles. I got a little carried away and didn’t realize I’d drawn the cutting board on the counter floating in space instead. Oops. Under the pasted on list of sketching cues is a failed drawing of my cat that I wanted to hide and do over (below).
Next up was “Draw a Favorite Sound.” I cheated a bit since my cats weren’t actually purring when I sketched this. Fiona was annoyed at having her nap disturbed and Busby wouldn’t even turn around, too busy looking out the window. I sketched this one in pencil first because after the failed drawing I pasted over above, I needed a bit of success to boost my confidence.
I did some warm-up sketches of the cats in ink first, trying to learn more about their basic shapes. It’s amazing how little I really see and know a subject until I draw it. I see my cats constantly but drawing them is almost like seeing them for the first time.
Jana Bouc, Artist 
9 replies on “Every Day in May, Days 1-2: A Favorite Sound (Purrr) & Bubbles”
Thanks for posting this on FB… I missed it on Flickr! I gots some catching up to do!!
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I do believe this post of yours has caused me to be excited about drawing again. I laid off while my back was out for a couple of weeks and just did get back into the swing of things, so here goes! I am going to play catch up and do two to three a day until I am in right step. This looks to be very fun. Thanks so much, Jana, for sharing this.. love your kitties, too. Blessings always, C-Marie
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I’m so happy to know that my sketches contributed in any small way to getting you excited about drawing. My back has been out for a couple of weeks too, but I can draw standing. Sitting is too painful. I’m glad you’re joining in! Jana
Sketchblog: JanasJournal.com Website: JanaBouc.com UrbanSketchers-BayArea,blogspot.com
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I drew my cat Casper over and over again until it became so easy to draw his face. He is gone now and I have a new kitten and I have to start all over again.
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Thanks Wendy, I think that’s the only way I’ll get competent and drawing my cats is to do it over and over. Even just a few times made a big difference. Your new kitty is adorable!!! What a sweetie! Jana
Sketchblog: JanasJournal.com Website: JanaBouc.com UrbanSketchers-BayArea,blogspot.com
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Fabulous 1st two EDiMs!!!!
I started at #3 so may go back, or not. My puppy and puppy’s effect on my life is influencing a lot of my EDiMs so far…. maybe more cats from you? (btw you can see mine in an album on my facebook page)
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I love your dog sketches and glad you’re participating too. And your sketches help remind me how much time and energy it takes to raise a puppy….that helps talk me down from my constant urge to get one. Since there are only pit bulls and chihuahuas available around here, and they’re not the right dogs for me, it’s easier to resist. But I know one of these days the right dog is going to enter my life and resistance will be futile. Jana
Sketchblog: JanasJournal.com Website: JanaBouc.com UrbanSketchers-BayArea,blogspot.com
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I love how you are sharing your boo-boo’s and what you do to get yourself back on track with your art. I adore your warmup sketches as much as the final kitties!
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Thanks Regina. The last couple sketches (not yet posted) have lots of boo boos and since drawn with ink, they show. Thanks for making me feel more comfortable about posting them, warts and all. Jana
Sketchblog: JanasJournal.com Website: JanaBouc.com UrbanSketchers-BayArea,blogspot.com
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