Working on the spot is one of the best ways to learn about your subject, as well as to understand your feelings about it. You can do a nature journal sketch, drawing what you see as carefully as you can, making notes and asking yourself questions right on your page. You can always “consult the oracle” (the Internet!), look in a field guide or check with an historical society or museum.
Sometimes I find that my sketches tell me something about myself that I need to know or deal with. That’s the miracle of creativity married to attention.
Marc Taro Holmes sketched at a re-enactment in New France. These events are wonderful places to learn about the lives of our forebearers. Strike up a conversation, ask questions or, better yet, get involved!
Barbara and Dennis Duffy are good friends and musicians who often perform at re-enactments, playing period music and dressing appropriately for the event. I always sit nearby so I can sketch with a soundtrack!
History, people, towns and nature, like these wildflowers, all appear in Vicky Williamson’s journals. She draws directly in ink, then adds watercolor later. This way, if she’s unfamiliar with the plant, she can research it further.
Nina Khashchina caught her son in the act of learning. When your kids are absorbed in homework (or TV or a video game), this may be the ideal time to draw them since they’re usually relatively still.