I started this exercise with a range of conventional tools; a range of pencils from 2H to 6B. In addition, paint brushes and black Indian ink. I worked with the range of words to prompt different mark qualities including soft, sharp, heavy, bold, flowing, fast, slow, light, agitated. Initially I used the pencils, through the different ranges to understand their own qualities.
I was quite reserved to begin with, and having used these pencils before, thought I had a fair understanding of their qualities. What I reflected on is despite this, I still use a really limited selection in practice. The familiarity of what I know, I stick to. With this exercise and as my confidence developed, I feel more confident using a wider range now. I feel this will broaden the impact and effects I can obtain in my future work. I enjoyed using the words to develop a different approach, taking away the familiarity.
The second activity, I used a paintbrush with Indian Ink. I had not used this combination before on plain white paper. The ink went on with ease. I found it more difficult to control or predict the finish I would get. I used some of the words again to draw inspiration into developing my practice.
As a second activity, I used two of the pencils to use different application pressure in a continuous scribble formation. This activity was surprising in how ‘therapeutic’ the activity was. It was very absorbing. The impact of the quality of each pencil was provided an expected outcome.
I enjoyed using a wider range of conventional tools to start to develop my art practice and confidence. In addition, using the words prompted different thoughts to using different approaches. I feel continuing to do exercises such as these will help at the beginning of art sessions, to help to develop the freedom of creativity and have some quiet thoughtful time.
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