Tuesday, January 11, 2011

sharpen up

image Chardin
I must admit that I cannot draw until I sharpen up my pencil. There is something totally wrong about trying to execute any proper line or note without a sharpened tool.

In high school, I took lessons from an art teacher who taught us how to sharpen with a sanding block. First we had to use an exacto-knife to sharpen and then rub the pencil on the block to create a sharp point.

The dustings from the block may be saved to use for shading with a blending stump.
Did you ever stop to think about your passion and how the simplest of tools can drive you to feed your passion to join a sharp-set of sharp-shooters.
style-maniac
What sort of tool has helped you to sharpen up on your creative passion?
Nothing like a new supply of pencils to help me to create and sharpen up.

17 comments:

Formerly known as Frau said...

You so spoke to me this morning! Great post!

Jessica Thor-Miller said...

Ah, I'm not conventionally creative in that I explore my creativity via writing, food, decor, gardening - whatever strikes my fancy on any given day. But I am inspired by what I see online, in books and just simply out and about, so my answer would be: my eyes!

MT

Karena said...

Patricia this is the perfect tip for me...I will have to think of one for you!!

Also, I have a Great New Giveaway from Blydesign! Come and enter!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Unknown said...

Ah...great fodder for the mind. I think being an organized space with happy touches (fresh flowers, fragrant candles, good tunes in the background) can put me in a productive state of mind.

And, having my exercise done is the icing on the cake. In fact....I'm off to yoga!

xo E

Party Resources said...

Patricia -

I can't find an email address for you on your blog. Would you be willing to be a part of the 9 in the New Year Series i am doing on my blog? Zip me an email kate@party-resources.com

Hope all is well!

xx

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Thanks for leaving your lovely comment on my blog this morning. I am so happy to find yours.

Ages ago, I taught first grade, and a very sharp pencil was one of my tools of the trade, too. Now I prefer mechancial pencils and thin sharpies.

Fondly,
Glenda

quintessence said...

My mother was an artist and used to sharpen her pencils this way. Since my mind is my tool, keeping it sharp by reading and learning something new every day is my mantra.

Carrie Waller Watercolors said...

Such an inspirational post. Such true words:)

Rashon Carraway said...

Im like you. When I would write letters I could not write with a dull pencil. In so much so I would use a mechanical pencil .7mm because I needed a sharp point. I even use fine point pens. It just makes me feel so much better.

Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Gretchen O. said...

I was just trying to sketch with a dull pencil...maybe I should try sharpening it! I have been trying to sketch my ideas a bit more...

kayce hughes said...

I do love my electric pencil sharpener....is that cheating?

Kwana said...

Beautiful post Patricia.

Unknown said...

I'll sharpen up... great post and got me thinking!
Come over for tea these days, will ya?
xoxo

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

I love love love that statement... so true... I just quit my job two weeks ago to pursue a career in photography... this really speaks to me now!!! thank you! :D
xxx

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

Rebecca said...

My eye, my ears, and my mind are the tools I use most often.

My drawing skills are next to none but seeing what you and others create with a pencil and paints is pure joy.

Mar gar et said...

It's the new "Desiderata."

My mom used to sharpen her pencils on the sidewalk....

24 Corners said...

Fresh new paper and a brand new Sharpie! I teach all my students to draw with a Sharpie...no erasing allowed then, and if they draw a line they don't like or didn't mean to, they have to turn it into something that compliments the image...it makes for some very interesting pictures!