I’m back. I know it’s been a while (I feel like I say that all the time!). I didn’t mean to be gone so long but life has been life-ing as it usually does. However I never stopped drawing. It just takes me longer to do it with so much going on in my life. I also skipped posting a drawing. Instead I posted it to Instagram, which I regret. Nothing bad happened. It just didn’t give me the same fulfillment I get when I post here, so I won’t be doing that again. It’s also one of my favorite pieces I’ve done so far so it sucks I didn’t give it the post it deserved.
Not much to report on the supplies side. I’m still sticking to my brand of choice (Golden SoFlat). I now have 9 colors in my collection! I will keep adding a new color each month until I’ve established the collection I desire. As for other supplies, I’m still largely satisfied with what I use but I have decided to try some different fineliner pens when my Uni Pin’s run out. Either I’m doing something wrong but they seem to run out pretty quickly, despite the fact I don’t use them heavily. For example I’m averaging one drawing a month and they’re not large at all (usually half of a 9×12) and yet some of my pens will be dry to the bone. I always keep the pens capped and properly stored and I’m the only person who uses them. Again, maybe I’m doing something wrong, but my next set of pens will be Sakura Pigmas.
But enough about that. I wanted to share some big news. I have officially entered my first art contest! The contest is through Blick Art Materials, a national art store where I typically buy my paint. It is a pen and ink challenge. You simply submit an original pen and ink artwork for a chance to win a prize pack of art supplies. Ironically I had just finished sketching a new drawing when the contest hit my inbox. I decided immediately to pivot from my original plan to paint it and instead turn it into a pen and ink drawing.
I was excited to create a black and white drawing after focusing on color for so long. After all, my first love was always black and white and I’m still struggling with color to this day. But by the time I finished the piece I realized I had changed without even knowing it. Turns out I don’t like black and white anymore. I love color! I struggle with it. I sometimes resent it. But I do love it. I love how my work turns out when it’s in color, far more than when it’s in black and white and I’m more accepting of my mistakes. I especially like it when I use shading. I’m still weak with shading but the little I get right just makes the drawing pop.
I don’t know if my drawing will win the competition. I don’t even care. Honestly I’m just impressed that I actually entered. It was such a big step for me! But I’m still happy with my journey so far with art. The fire is still burning strong.
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