For many artists, the scariest part of sketching in public is strangers peering over their shoulders to sneak a peek at the art. It made me uncomfortable when I first started, so I’d plop myself in dark corners to make myself inconspicuous. Despite my best efforts to be invisible, curious folks still found and interrupted me!
One of these three things usually happens:
They say something nice about what I’m drawing.
They take a sneaky peek and keep moving.
Occasionally they’ll ask to see more of my work.
While it’s not my favorite, I’ve shifted my thinking about curious onlookers. Instead of viewing them as as “personal space invaders,” I’ve started to welcome human interactions as part of the experience.
It’s natural to feel self conscious, like you’re on display. You may even worry that folks will see your work and think it’s bad. They’ll likely think it’s great, but you’re not doing it for them. It’s for you!
Think about all the art you’ve on social media, where you’re actively trying to reach people. If a stranger sees your work in real life, then moves on with their day, it’s not a big deal. It’s not much different from someone scrolling past on Instagram, right?
If you’re still uncomfortable with the idea strangers taking a glance, that’s valid and okay! Zoom drawing sessions are a space for creative explorations without pressure to speak or show your work. We’ve got one more this month and I can’t wait!
Prompt:
Go out and draw!
If you’re already comfy practicing in public, try sitting somewhere new.
If drawing on location isn’t accessible to you, join a live session on Zoom!
In the video:
I paint the zine pictured above at the park, complete with an interruption from a stranger who teaches me a fun new way to interact with the goats!
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