Quick Visual Prompt
September 11, 2008 by Heather Goldsmith
Filed under Arts & Crafts
For the life of me I can’t recall where I got this idea from. I’m sure one of my lovely readers will know, as I’d like to give credit to the creator of this visual journal prompt or idea. Divide your page up into eight, six or four squares and sketch little snapshots of whatever is in your immediate area right now.
In the photo I’ve shared one of these pages I did some years ago. I used only my black fine tipped pen. I’m sure you can come up with some amazing stuff, much better than I did. I like how this exercise forces you to simply fill the boxes. Your art doesn’t need to be brilliant, but the immediacy of the images are a great reminder of what was happening in your day. I still recall how I was feeling the moment I sketched these little boxes in my journal.
I hope you use this visual prompt in your visual journal. Please leave any comments in the section below.
Heather
Image is my own
I haven’t done many of these, but when I do, it’s fun because they let me focus on details around me without feeling like I have to draw the whole scene. Not sure if this is the same place you got it, but I read about it in Dory Kanter’s book “Art Escapes”.
Hi Jennifer,
Ah, I think you’re right. Thanks for that. I’m sure that’s where I read the idea, too. It is a great little idea. I love it for the same reasons. Thanks again.
What a fun idea. However, it wouldn’t be quick for me. LOL. I really need to do more sketching. I am very out of practice.
Hi Eileen,
Lol, I think the idea was also to do each square within a certain time, too. I might need to go look at the book again and see exactly what it says. Thanks for your comment, though. I’ve always found it fun.
Thank you. Lovely, simple, evocative, do-able. Thanks!!!!