Drawing on the Edge

What You'll Do:

Work on two drawings simultaneously:

• Begin each by introducing lines and/or shapes placed both in the interior of the drawing space and around the edges of it. Do this fairly automatically (no thinking, worrying or trying too hard). This automatic drawing will serve as a starting place for you to respond to.

• Look closely at your two works of art. Notice how the elements in each drawing are working together, and where the energy in the artwork is concentrated. Pay special attention to what is developing in the interior of the drawing surface and around the outside edges of the space.

• Next, continue to work on your drawing. It doesn't matter so much what you do, as long as you follow your gut instinct and do what it tells you. You might add something new, change something by making it darker or richer in color, de-emphasize something by partially erasing or veiling with paint, or take something out completely.

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• Now, look closely at your two drawings and chose one where you'll focus on the interior space and the other where you'll focus on the outside edges. Again, let your instinct guide you in making this decision.

• Continue to add new elements to the edges of one and the interior space of the other. Do this until you sense that the artwork is complete.

• Finally, compare the two drawings, and note what your emotional response is to each.

• As always, share your drawings in the community, and comment on a fellow artist's work each time you add one of your own. Let us know if this is your first contribution to our online gallery; we love to welcome new members into the group!