“Sketch Appeal is helping to remind me why I love art so much.”
(RESULT!!)
It seems Sara has become something of a sketch addict since coming to her first Sketch Appeal event back in summer! It’s been incredible to see her style and confidence develop over the past few months - not to mention see her spectacular collection of dangly earrings!! Sara plays a huge and valued part in the Sketchy Bitches community and we can’t imagine a session without her! Though at this rate, she’ll be soon be running her own…
Hey Sara! So tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background?
I last studied art at college (not Art College!) and although I love being creative, I decided to take make the ‘smart’ decision at University and do Biology. I hated it and the lack of creativity, eventually dropping out. A decade later and I wanted to get back into art and be social about it. Sketch Appeal is helping to remind me why I love art so much.
Which Sketch Appeal events have you been to this year and what (if anything!) did you get out of them?
Since I have found it, I have gone to every Sketch Appeal I can, loving the premise, the atmosphere and the people. I love art but felt no real drive to do it and whenever I went to any art classes I never really enjoyed the atmosphere or that it was a fixed timetable. Sketch Appeal has one off events that are fun and relaxing to go to, no pressure and you get to share art work, receiving portraits from other Sketchy Bitches.
·How would you describe the experience to others?
It is a brilliant experience to practise your artistic skills on real people and get gifted with portraits from the people you have met. The abilities can range from super talented to people that haven’t picked up a pencil since school so there is no pressure. This is not a teaching class, but it encourages you to get creative and try different things, from art styles to equipment.
Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative events?
The challenges that are set are always going to be something that I will take a part of. Sketch Appeal has encouraged me to do more art by drawing myself, something I would never have done before. I now take a picture of myself, usually wearing something from a maker I love such as jewellery or a scarf, and then draw that picture, helping me focus on art and myself in a positive light.
·How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?
Art is something you can get lost in and forget the negatives. It leaves you with a sense of satisfaction on having completed something, even if you can be frustrated that maybe it isn’t perfect.
Favourite materials to draw with?
Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen, I am converted to felt tip pens since coming to Sketch Appeal and these are the best, just so easy to use, blend and are beautiful colours.
Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta:
You already to know her, but I love @catherinedoart, her work is wonderful and her art during British Bake Off is amazing, worth a follow.
Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend (e.g. neon life drawing classes!)
Wild Life Drawing, you get the opportunity to draw and interact with animals you never could normally, such as wolf cubs, miniature piglets and baby owls. Very different subjects from Sketchy Bitches!
All I want for Christmas is… Good mental health. Maybe some more earrings.
Favourite Christmas song: The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End). Anything with energy that hasn’t already been played a million times in the lead up to Christmas.
Sara’s favourite sketch of 2019
I love this self-portrait because of the colours and detail. I have been challenged by depicting flesh but I am really happy about what I did for this picture. I used Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pens and a fine black pen for details. This picture took 2 hours.