"Slow/Fast" is a process that layers two different drawing techniques to produce quick and expressive illustrations.
As Danny Gregory describes on his blog, where I learned of the "Slow/Fast" process, the idea is to create an opportunity to see "how it feels to love making art." Note that you'll need paper that can handle a light watercolor wash (mixed media or light watercolor paper). Here's how "Slow/Fast" works:
- Select an object to draw - it could be a bike, a coffee cup, whatever - that interests you. Drawing as a group, everyone draws the same thing.
- 1-minute gesture sketch in color - use a fat brush and a single color of watercolor paint to make a quick sketch of your subject's general shape.
- 5-minute detailed pen sketch - use a black ink pen or marker to create a detailed sketch that depicts how closely you observed the subject. Make this drawing right on top of the colored paint sketch.
Extension:
Create a gallery by drawing 3-10 rectangular or square frames on one page (like snapshots in an album). Fill each frame with a separate illustration created using the "Slow/Fast" process. Ideas for the gallery: draw several objects that are the same color, similar shapes, or all in the same room. A theme makes for a fun page to look at later.
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Two weeks ago, I gave a seminar to the University of Wyoming Zoology & Physiology Department.
 Entitled Drawn to Science: Exploring the Historical and Contemporary Synergies between Drawing, Creativity, and Science, my talk roved through history, technologies that have influenced art and science, and looked at research and examples of how art and science
can do much more than make data look pretty.
Click here to view the talk! It's about an hour long, including the Q&A following my presentation.
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- Talking animals can confuse children's understanding of why/how animals do things. (Ganea et al 2014)
- Children don't differentiate between fact and fiction unless guided to do so. Books presented by adults are viewed as equally authoritative, and fantasy books can lead to children developing faulty explanations for themselves. (Owens 2003; behind a paywall - contact author for reprint)
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My sister gave me
One Drawing a Day
for Christmas, and
it's great fun!
The premise is simple: the book provides daily prompts to get the reader to expand beyond familiar drawing habits. You can see at left how my sketches have turned out so far.
For example, the first assignment was to draw miscellaneous objects using one fluid line - not picking up the end of the pen. I teach a technique like this in my workshops, so it's fun to be reminded to do it myself.
Another assignment was to experiment with a pen or marker that can produce a variety of line widths.
The next one requires a bit of prep. I need to cut a pen-length stick, whittle the point down, and then draw by dipping it into a pot of ink. We did this numerous times during junior high and high school art classes, but I haven't worked with an open bottle of ink in ages. So, I'm actually really looking forward to getting re-acquainted with this approach.
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Winter's not quite over.
Which means, there's still plenty of time to take advantage of my 'Wintry Wonders' collection.
This collection features a whole bunch of quirky-yet-elegant illustrations that span the difference between sketch and drawing. The colors are perfect for late-winter and the birds may help you welcome spring.
Collection contains 6 cards, one each of a fox, chickadee, Clark's nutcracker, juniper, pine cones, and a candle.
Details: ($15/set+s&h); 6 cards/set; bulk discounts for orders of 24+ cards. Cards & envelopes printed in the USA on sustainably sourced paper.
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Upcoming Events
1. Drawn to Biodiversity nature sketching workshop:
hosted by the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute
Saturday, March 5
8:00am - 5:00 p.m.
UW Berry Center
Laramie, WY
2. Drawn to Science: Using analog technology (art!) to teach and learn science:
Hosted by University of Wyoming Elbogen Center for Teaching and Learning + the Outreach School;
Wednesday, March 30
12:00-1:30 p.m.
Laramie WY
Looking for some training?
If you'd like to schedule a public workshop, artist residency, or professional development training, let me know!
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News
Writing Projects
Now Online!
Summer Workshops
in Montana
I'm in the process of organizing a couple of workshops in Montana for this summer.
Hopefully, I'll soon be able to announce dates for a session in Helena and another in Great Falls. There's also a possibility of a joint workshop/art show in Missoula.
If you or someone you know is in any of those areas and might want to participate, let me know!
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"Too much importance cannot be given to drawing, as it is not only an excellent device for securing close observation, but it is also a rapid method of making valuable notes."
