So here we have a progress shot of my latest drawing, I have been working on this sporadically, typically in short bursts for quite sometime. I thought I’d share a little about my working methods and some of the prizes and pitfalls I encounter along the way. My work (technique wise), for sometime has centred around the very small, the micro, maybe a microcosm of sorts, and I have to maintain extreme concentration to allow myself to work so intricately. I am always looking and exploring new ways of making more exhaustive and detailed drawings whilst ensuring my drawings genuinely follow on from what I consider my art to be about. I always use a magnifying glass to help squeeze colour into tight spaces and further control line quality. It has started to become a dormant obsession which is brought instantly to life as soon as I sit down and put pen to paper. I describe it as dormant because it is always there but only truly activates once the ink begins to flow on the paper.
Due to the exacting parameters I have chosen to work within often the first half an hour or so are the most painful of each sitting. Nerves and a steady hand – are two essentials whilst working on such a small scale, if I find I cannot settle or my hand doesn’t stop to shake I cannot continue if the drawing is at an advanced stage as I would be risking a slip which inevitably would detract from the finished work. I do not wish to have this kind of serendipity present itself within my work at this stage of my life. This doesn’t happen often but it is a very real danger, if I can push through this initial period I tend to settle into a focussed state – but it is always a constant effort to remain seated and working. The thing that always pulls me through is an approximate idea of what I am looking for and watching periodically as it emerges (slowly) before my very eyes. This I find extremely rewarding and especially after taking a break and coming back to look at my work once my eyes have freshened. I always try to leave the table without looking at what I have done to intensify this reward to myself and so as not to form any opinion with a stale eye. I like to work in my dining room which is always very well lit during the day with windows to my left and to my front, I like routine where this is concerned as I know that I am comfortable sitting in this position and can produce (what I would consider) the bet results I am capable of producing, I do sometimes sit in front of the TV with a sketchbook but it is always just doodling as opposed to any finished work. As a left hander I always cover my drawings with a sheet of paper where my arm is extending across the drawing to avoid and unwanted effects coming by way of an arm or hand rubbing against the drawing’s surface – could just be a greasy mark but also guards against anything else falling accidentally onto the surface. I consider this good studio practice and like to maintain a studio discipline which also includes absolutely no liquids or food on the same table on which I am drawing upon, if I want to drink I will leave the table and always wash and thoroughly dry my hands after eating. I put a lot of value into these drawings and want to treat them with a respect that should be afforded to an object of artwork. A respect I show to every piece of artwork I encounter. A respect that everyone should show. I would like to know more about the chemistry of inks reacting with papers, lightfast inks how to maximise the staying power and life of my colours, I am careful and work conscientiously (to the best of my ability) to ensure I am offering a quality object. I make periodic updates mostly to Instagram which details progress of my current work (@stu01621). thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Please feel free to contact me: [email protected] https://www.artfinder.com/stuart-belton twitter: @stu01621 https://www.saatchiart.com/blbwickaolcom
