A few years ago I was suffering from a serious case of artists block. I was so uninspired and really struggling. What pulled me out of it was sketching at the Dallas Museum of Art, and in particular, the sketch shown above. On Thursday nights they had a loosely organized group you could join and sketch from the museum's collection.
Most nights were spent in the largest galleries full of contemporary works and large sculpture. But one evening they led us to the wing where they recreated the French Villa La Pausa where an amazing collection of masterpieces were originally displayed. In these tiny rooms were the most unbelievable works of art by the greatest masters. I chose this pen and ink sketch (shown below) by Van Gogh called Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night, plopped myself down in front of it, pulled out my pencils, and started to draw.
Something happened as I sat there, drawing the same lines, imagining Van Gogh himself sitting and sketching the same scene as I was. It was the breakthrough I needed.
I've had a bit of dwindling inspiration lately, so it was a nice boost when I found this sketch at the back of a drawer I was cleaning out. Maybe its time to grab the old sketchbook and head down to the museum again!
Cheers, again! Wow, two posts today... wonders never cease!
Jenny
