Inspirations.

As previously stated in my notes, I like the looseness and fluidity of my drawings. If I was to pinpoint my main inspirations behind my style it would have to be both gesture and figure drawing. Each mark made upon the paper has an authenticity and a richness to it and although a drawing may not be accurate in its entirety (proportions and form) there is a believability to it. I think that is why I enjoy the fluidity of my drawings, to not concentrate on making them anatomically correct but to capture the essence of what I am drawing without limitations/ parameters and causes/ concerns.

Animators such as Bill Plympton have had a massive influence over the way I draw whether it be from life or by merely drawing characters. I feel he has pushed the boundaries of what it means to animate in a loose and fluid style, maintaining a charm to his animation. However what really attracts me to his artwork is his use of a scribbly technique, specifically when used to shade characters and backgrounds. They add a deeper dimension to the character design.

I think the reason why I draw inspiration from Plympton’s drawings is due to the fact there is a freedom to each drawing and more importantly there is an appreciation for any, if at all, mistakes which add a valued layer upon which strengthens the drawings. I like to think of my style in some ways as a hybrid of animators/ artists for whom I deeply respect and admire. Afterall, I believe our styles as artists are drawn from the work we are exposed to within our lives and what we resonate with.

Upon reflection maybe my reasoning as to why I resonate with the style of drawing is due to there being some form of freedom to which I appreciate. I have noticed both prior to this course and during this module that when I try to really focus on a figure, regardless of what that figure may be, I tend to overthink the process and in doing so the drawing becomes rigid and stiff. I consider myself an intuitive drawer and in order to feel some form of satisfaction, no matter how small, with a drawing I need to believe in the stroke of the drawing. The less time I give myself to think about it the stronger the drawing is, the more it emphasises there is a movement, an emotion and/ or action.

Inspirations:

Harvard Referencing images:

Plympton, B. (2020) Gag cartoon from my Scribble Junkies blog 9/11/20. Available at:https://www.instagram.com/p/CFSqe96DOLD/ (Accessed: 14 October 2022)

Plympton, B. (2018) Trump caricature #8, Haywire. You can get the originals on our Kickstarter for#TrumpBites. Available at:https://www.instagram.com/p/BlGwAzkhglY/ (Accessed: 14 October 2022)

Matessi, M D. (2008) Force Character Design From Life Drawing. Oxford: Focal Press., p. 8.

Matessi, M D. (2008) Force Character Design From Life Drawing. Oxford: Focal Press., p. 13.