Activating Your 5 Senses
Sketching the Madison skyline. It was a cold and breezy morning. The trees to my right were beautifully gleaming with the sunlight (they will be my future drawing next visit). A hiker emerged from the path and stopped and asked if we were painting. We then had a discussion about photography and plein air painting. He showed us his beautiful photography of Madison and gave us suggestions on where we should go sketch next before telling us we had already picked the best place to draw the city. He then quickly vanished back into the woods with his camera in hand. This memory happened three weeks ago but I’m able to remember the moment.
In the age of smartphones with built-in cameras, we are taking more photos than ever before. When I recently checked my phone, it showed a staggering 68,152 photos and 4,319 videos! Back in the days of film, I was much more careful about each click, knowing I’d have to pay to develop the photos. My family captured the typical holidays and special occasions, but rarely photographed the everyday moments in between. I spent my childhood leafing through these photo albums, trying my best to recall the stories behind each image. I remember a trip to Washington, D.C., where the kids went on their own adventure while the adults attended conference meetings. My brother and I were given a camera and took pictures of every statue we encountered. When the photos were developed, my mom asked why we had photographed so many statues. For us, it was important to document our experience—besides, what else would we take pictures of?
Today, we snap pictures of our food that our parents might question. When I think about all of these photos, I remember the moment and maybe how beautiful the plate looked as the server set it down. But do I remember the song playing in the restaurant, the hum of conversations, birds chirping outside, children laughing, the savory aromas drifting from the kitchen, the wailing baby, or the sudden rainstorm that sent diners rushing for cover? Not really. A quick camera snap rarely captures these details, yet I find myself trying to document every second of our family’s life before moving on to the next event.
There’s something magical about urban sketching. All five senses come alive, and you remember everything happening in that moment. You recall the train rocking back and forth as you try to draw a straight line. You notice the music or the conversations swirling around you. You become aware of the temperature as you sit or stand in one place long enough to truly notice. My favorite part is remembering the strangers or friends who stop to talk while I’m sketching; I can actually recall those conversations. Sometimes a curious child will peek over, offering sweet, encouraging comments. Often, you find yourself in buildings, cafes, and restaurants, sketching the environment and vibe. This is when you get to enjoy the tastes of their delights as you sketch. Part of the ritual is jotting notes beside the sketch, further reinforcing the memories and moments. This depth of experience just doesn’t happen with a quick photo.
How wonderful it is to point to your sketch later, share your journey with others, and have a whole story to accompany it?