Technical Pen and Ink Wash · Moleskine sketchbook · 8.5" x 5.5" · 2009
Met a family from the Netherlands and a woman from Long Beach while drawing this pic. I know there are a lot of people who enjoy sketching outdoors and aren’t bothered by people coming up to them, but I find it awkward and distracting. A big part of drawing for me is that zen-like state where you zone out and you aren’t even really conscious of what you are doing. Having someone come up and ask, “what are you drawing?” just breaks that meditation.
I read somewhere that one guy puts on his headphones and ignores anyone who talks to him. I’d do that but 1] it would remind me too much of being at work (I always have my headphones on to drown out the surrounding din of people talking…to me sometimes…but c’mon, I’m trying to work! I digress…) and 2] I really enjoy soaking up the sound of the place I’m drawing. I don’t want to remember the song I’m listening to when I re-visit the picture. Sketching is a way to recall the sights, smells, sounds, etc.
Johnston Canyon is located near Banff, Alberta. The hike is beautiful and easy, but show up early. It quickly fills up with hundreds of hikers. Bus loads. Serious. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.