Noodling is a word I use to describe when I’m messing around. A bit like play. Maybe there’s some idea, or starting point, that sits me down with a pencil in hand, but often there isn’t. Most of the time, when I sit down to draw for fun, I truly have no idea where the marks I’m making will go.
But, I also know that without a little noodling, I’ll never make a pasta. It’s become one of the most important parts of my art practice.
Does no really mean no?
When you feel like drawing flowers, but someone will pay you to draw monkeys, what comes first?
You can catch the flu from another human, but can you also catch their mood?
If I can’t draw a circle how can I draw the sun?
You may be able to find a tool or technique to make a process or drawing more efficient. A digital camera show the photographer the result of their work quicker than a film camera, but it doesn’t make the photo better or the photographer more competent. One still needs to understand tone, colour and composition… Continue reading No shortcuts
