Cafe + Coffee

The process that I use that has allowed me to improve my drawing skills is creating from a reference in real time. I remember the first time I felt okay with doing this practice. I was sitting in the passenger seat of my friends truck, in a small town in California. We were parked out front of a cafe and there was a bunch of travellers congregating, going about their way, drinking their coffee and socialising. I was feeling a little overwhelmed from the caffeine so I quietly took to drawing. With no real source of inspiration I decided to draw the people in front of me. Although my little characters didn't reflect exact likeness, they still held the essence of the individuals. It was the first time I didn't let my mind over analyse what I was trying to capture. It really taught me observation and how to translate the spirit of what I viewed into the lines I would create. I also drew in pen and this really pushed that each line was permanent so I either had to make it intentional or let it flow without expectation. It's a beautiful practice and one I thoroughly enjoy. Anyone who is close to me has at one point been recreated into a caricature and I am grateful to have moments where I can so closely recognise the small subtleties that often go unnoticed.

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