Let me start off this post with a cop out. I was expecting to give you my first “piece of art” sketch, but I just didn’t get around to it. I promise I will do better in the weeks ahead. There was just too much stuff happening in my life this week. But, that is one of the joys of my senior years, if something else comes up I can move my priorities around.

I did get through the first thirteen pages of the book I am using for this new project. It was mainly about what drawing tools I need to “make my drawing experiences easier and more enjoyable”. I like the idea mentioned in the book that when I draw, I am interpreting what I observe from my own perceptions. It is likely that what I perceive is different from your observations. My presently avant-garde mind will likely drift off into things a little disturbing to me and you. I think I will kinda like that freeing experience. It is time to look over the edges of my box more!

Of course, I naively thought sketching only required paper and pencil. It is more complicated than that! 🫣 The first list in the book includes:

1. Pencils
2. Pencil extender
3. Erasers
4. Angle ruler
5. Pencil box
6. Small sketchpad
7. Large sketchpad
8. Drawing board
9. Pencil sharpener

I love my tools, so I am in the process of purchasing these items. My drawing board comes from Amazon today, and that along with the other things already collected on the list above will complete this round of tools.

Pencils are not just pencils. I got a box of twelve of them ranging from 2H to 14B. The higher the number, the softer and therefore darker the lead. I’m sure the book will soon be telling me how to use all these pencils. The pencil extender is for making large arches with just the flick of a wrist.

Erasers, are not just erasers, I need different erasers for different purposes. So, I now have a white vinyl eraser, a kneaded eraser, along with an erasing shield. Erasing shields are so that I can erase a specific line without disturbing the things I want to keep.

In lieu of an angle ruler, I am going to use the standard angles that I already have. I know I will be cheating a little, but I am also going to use some of the many templates I have including circles, french curves and a couple dozen others.

At first, I thought “why do I need a drawing board?” I soon learned that it is easier to sketch if my paper is at an angle to my desktop. In my college days I took a couple of classes in mechanical drafting, and a drawing board was essential. I plan on doing my sketches freehand and with tools. (Did I already mention that I love tools!)

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My drawing studio is getting more complicated, but that kind of makes it more fun.