The Zen of Seeing/Drawing

I'm looking back at my earlier drawing experiences.

Above, a simple drawing from the 80's.

From the 70's, drawings from old sketchbooks. 

I had not intended at the time to show them to anyone.

 I was in a state of wonder,

observing & drawing what was in front of me, 

learning revolutionary ideas that enhanced my pleasure.

My cats provided endless opportunities for focusing on

changing forms & wondrous poses,for enjoying their "catness".

(The brown spots are from aged non-archival glue.)

I've been sketching less lately, but making a lot of notes 

in my Art Learning Journal. From books, museum visits, workshops.

 Early on, Frederick Franck was the influence that changed my life. I learned that I could savor the experience
verses be conscious of what the drawing looked like. His philosophy & methods were perhaps different than a lot of approaches to sketching & drawing, the "How To's". He stated that his drawing process was not about "sketching" to record an image, it was a deep, sensitive, spiritual, Zen experience, an empathetic response, a focused state of being in love. I suspect some Urban Sketchers integrate some of this approach. My best experiences happen when I'm free of thinking too much...But technical learning, such as perspective and proportion, also enhance my experience of drawing/seeing.

Paul Hogarth's Creative Pencil Drawing (1964) was another strong influence on my drawing, back in the late 60's, early'70's. I loved his loose "interpretations" of his reactions to nature & to man-made phenomenon. 

So: I'm reminded: 

If I'm drawing with only the end goal to show my work, or to sell my work, I can lose the "Relaxed Fluency" that Hogarth talked about, & the wonder of seeing that Franck spoke of. 

Not everyone who shows & sells loses this fluency, & the best art retains the influence of the heart & soul.

Conclusion: Studying various approaches to any discipline 

makes that discipline richer.