How I Use Sketching Over the Holidays
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and holidays
Happy Thanksgiving from Sketchy Traveler, a mostly free, mostly biweekly newsletter on finding flow, ease and joy in life and work. Paid subscribers make this newsletter possible and keep it free for those peeking out their inboxes. Scroll past the fold for the latest creative adventures, tips, and tricks.
I am in Portland, Oregon celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. It has been a busy year, and I wanted to thank all of you for subscribing and following along this year. I am always honored when people subscribe to the newsletter and want to learn about drawing and living a creative life with me. For the start of the holiday season take a moment to share some ways to use drawing over the holidays.
Capture Memories
One benefit of drawing a scene is that we need to take some time to capture it and this gives our mind time to absorb the sights and sounds around us. As this happens these memories are associated with the drawing in our mind and looking at the drawing can help to bring back these rich details of a moment. As you are drawing, take time to notice the sounds, smells and feelings you are experiencing as you draw can help to elevate this experience.
Start a Conversation
People are usually quite impressed by drawing, and it can make a great activity to share at parties and gatherings on the holidays. Ask to draw your aunt’s dog or sketch your cousin. This helps to pass the time as you wait for the bird to cook and also gives you something to talk to the person about. Plus, over the holidays you are often with a friendly audience since it is family and friends, so you don’t need to feel pressure to produce something perfect.
Escape from the Party
Artists are often more introverted and could use some along time. Drawing provides the perfect reason to step out for a moment and take a break. Take a walk down to the local park, coffee shop or the landmark you have not drawn yet. There is a statue of Paul Bunyan in Portland I have always meant to draw for example. Getting some you time over the holidays is just as important as seeing the extended family.
How are you using your sketchbook this holiday season?
What now?
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See you soon at your neighborhood or digital watering hole😊
