Sketches

A SKETCH A DAY

Art

As mentioned in my last post, this year I’m committed to sketching more. This means sketching as a means of learning and inspiration, not as a practice for finished pieces.

To help myself commit to this resolution, I’ve been challenging myself to complete a sketch a day. Whether it’s a 5-minute study or a more complete work, I’m determined to pick up a pencil (or pen, or brush) once a day and visually jot down my thoughts.

If you follow my Instagram account, you’ll see that I’m doing alright in my self-inflicted challenge.

Drawing quick studies of my dog…

…drawing inspiration from what’s on TV…

…and replicating what can be found in the books in my library.

I’m even throwing in some of my favorite characters!

And while I may not be sketching every single day, I’m certainly doing more than I was. And that’s what it’s all about, right?

I challenge you to challenge yourself!

Whether it’s drawing, writing, or crafting, I challenge you to make more time for yourself and the things that you love.

Outlandish Apparel

Art, Pop Culture

The second season of Starz’ “Outlander” has yet to disappoint. Faithful to Diana Gabaldon’s “Dragonfly in Amber,” the show’s second season has been full of action, drama and absolutely fantastic costuming. (I think most of us are familiar with the red dress.) eae3924265bbc6273bc7a536511743bf

Although the series is associated with Scotland, the French setting has provided for some phenomenal visual feats. I find the set to be authentic and captivating, but more than anything else this season, I have been enraptured by the costuming.

When I was younger, I possessed a far-away fantasy of one day becoming a fashion designer. I was never serious about this pursuit, but always enjoyed drawing clothes.

Fashion drawing 2

Fashion Sketches, 2011

Although my interest began in high school, I was further inspired in undergrad when I was exposed to fiber art. I instantly fell in love with the medium, having found a way to utilize fabric and other fibrous materials artistically without becoming a designer.

fashion drawing 1

Fashion Sketches, 2011

It was during my surface design course, and later weaving pursuit, that I didn’t spend a lot of time drawing clothing but instead, sewing, weaving and embroidering art. I even painted a series of odd costumes, with the painted clothing constructed of materials other than fabric fabric.

Therefore, it has been quite a while since I have tried my hand at fashion-drawing. Inspired by “Outlander,” I decided to tackle the clothing of an era I had yet to try: Eighteenth Century, France.

While the drawing featured below is not based on a costume from the show, the era and country were obviously direct inspiration.

If I were to compare the drawing to any of the pieces worn thus far, I would say it is most similar to the dress worn by Claire’s new friend, Louise de La Tour. (I do just love the ruffle-esque bows, don’t you?)outlander-louise-de-rohan-season-2-official-picture-outlander-2014-tv-series-39420032-1948-2598

As the season proceeds, I can only hope that we continue to witness fabulous historic costuming. Realistically though, I happen to think we will be returning to Scotland sooner rather than later. Dinna fash though, no spoilers here!