12 Artists.
20 Minutes. A few markers, a
pencil, piece of charcoal and a few
pieces of Conte.
Why on earth would any Artist go into Battle
with just that!!
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| Wendy in the Heat of Battle |
We’ll definitely if I had a choice I would have taken
more materials with me. And for sure
arranged for more time. But for this Art
Battle - a Sketch Off - that was it.
Why did I do it? . . . The event was put on by our local Art Associations at the Surrey Art Center and I like to support them. But for many this might be over the top as support. I felt I would go ahead because it was bonus for me as well.
Confidence
Confidence?! I am sure you could have thought of a 100 other things that I could
have done to build my confidence as an artist.
But I just felt it was time. It
really made me step out of my box and announce “I Am An Artist”. It was an important step for me and one I
felt I wanted to try. I have seen
several of my artist friends go into an Art Battle and I felt I could do that
too.
 |
| Fiona Tang's work from Heat 1 |
Practice
No, this was not my first Battle. I have tried two others. Each time I participate I have learned valuable
skills: how to think on your feet; how to shut out distraction; how to relax under pressure. And each time I have entered, I have felt a
bit more confident and able to do more.
Competing in a Community Battle, no matter how small gives that
practice. Who knows, some day you might
have a chance to go in a BIG One. And
you will be ready.
 |
| PJ Patten, another contestant, hard at work |
Exposure
Art Battles are another way to get yourself out there. They generally do lots of advertisement ahead
of time promoting the event and the artists.
They certainly support and promote you while you compete and afterwards
usually promote your art from the event.
Ok, I know, it is not your best work.
But don’t worry. Everyone,
including yourself, will cut you some slack.
They don’t expect it to look like a studio piece you have laboured over
for days. It is just neat to see you up
there, creating something, with unfamiliar materials in such a short time.
 |
| Tom Godin, 2nd Place, this was one of his drawings |
Challenge
Ok. This is really a challenge. And one you may not want to take on. I wanted to try. I first tried in my studio to see if I could
in fact, draw anything in 20 minutes that was decent. I was surprised. I didn’t realize I could. So then, I thought, why not. Really, there is nothing to lose.
 |
| My drawing for the 1st Heat |
 |
| Heron by the Shore - Ink & Graphite Sold |
Fun
I
know, you think I have a warped sense of Fun.
But really, it is pretty neat to be in the limelight. Spotlights are on you. People come up and tell you how wonderful you
are. (Believe me, that Feels
Awesome). Everyone makes you feel so
wonderful. As you’re busy drawing, they
are praising your work. It is a moment
of being a star. What could be more fun
then that.
 |
| Working on my picture for the Championship Round - Bald Eagle with his Salmon |
But to go into Battle you need to not only think
of the Why’s but the What’s. . .
What are you going to Paint/Draw????.......
Now that is a quandary. Believe me, I had discussions with myself and
others for ideas. In the end, I felt I
had to be true to myself. I needed to
draw wildlife. I want to be known as a
wildlife artist so it follows, that is what I needed to draw. This is also follows in the Why of It. If I am doing it for exposure, than I want
viewers to see what I am known for.
 |
| Bald Eagle with his Salmon - Ink & Graphite - My drawing for the Championship Round (Thanks CJ for this picture) |
 |
| What would you DRAW?? Here is some of the other Entries. (I do apologize I do not have all the artists names. I thought I had them all but . . . ) |
As to preparation, there is lots you can do there. See my post for my last Battle, Art Battle Here I Come to see how I prepared. I hope it gives you some ideas. The other side of practicing has a big personal benefit for you. Practicing to draw your subject, in my case practicing my Heron was great. I really got to know my subject better and I know next summer when I am painting at the beach, it will be easier to capture that heron on my paper. Check out my post Do you know Your Subject, this is a 3 part series I did on the benefits of working in series.
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| Yes, I WON - First Place. As you can tell, I was and still am THRILLED!! (Thanks CJ for capturing this moment) |
A Special Thanks to Melissa Burgher and Joanne Dennis for all their work in putting this event together. Also a Special Thanks to CJ, one of my awesome supporters, she took some awesome pictures and shared them with me. She even took a short video which I will share on Instagram. And Super Special Thanks to my daughter, Cathy, who came and took LOTS of pictures of the whole Event.
Have you been in an Art Battle? Have any advice? Suggestions? How did you decide what to draw?
Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?
Join me in November and December to Make Christmas Cards using Doodles and Candles. See info below ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Get Ready for Christmas!! with a Fun Way to Improve your Drawing Skills
 |
| This year's theme is Candles, Holly and Poinsettias - Samples of things you can do with them |
Christmas Card Classes
Saturday, Nov 16, 10-12pm. Art by Wendy's Studio, North Surrey
Wednesday, Dec 4, 1-3pm. Gardenworks at Mandeville, South Burnaby
Treat your Friends to a Special Christmas Greeting
All supplies Incld $40 Contact Wendy
Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225
Drawing lessons in graphite, carbon, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils.
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey.
My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt
Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.
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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy
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