Monday 20 September 2010

Drawing Out a Character


It's a long time since I last posted a sketchbook page. This is from a pocket book, showing a primary character (more ghosts, I'm afraid) from something speculative I'm working on for 10+. They're humorous short stories, so my more cartoony style is for once quite appropriate. Looks a bit peaky, doesn't he, my gentleman ghost? But then I doubt death does anyone any favours.

Click for closer look.

I've noticed on my travels around the internet that a lot of writers draw their characters, regardless of whether or not they have any expectation or intention of illustrating a text. I find this fascinating and always enjoy seeing such pictures. It doesn't matter if they're little more than biro sketches on the back of an envelope -- you never know what might emerge from the act of sketching that can be folded back in to enrich a character with some unexpected detail. Even if it is a hole in the head!

Do you do this? I'd love to know, and all links to posted sketches are welcome.
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6 comments:

  1. Terry Stonecrop20 September 2010 at 23:04

    For a person who started off in art, I don't do that. For a blogfest, I chose a photo of someone who looked like my character, but that's not the same thing.

    The "unexpected detail." I like it:) Thanks! I'll have to give it a try.

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  2. Simon Kewin21 September 2010 at 21:09

    Exquisite sketches. You know, it's never occurred to me to draw my characters at all but I can see the sense in it. That gentleman ghost of yours is full of character. Such a great name too!

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  3. Thomas Taylor21 September 2010 at 22:58

    Thanks, Terry. If you post a sketch let me know.

    Simon, I forgot that you have read some of this. Thanks for lending your name!

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  4. N. R. Williams22 September 2010 at 02:38

    I don't sketch out my characters, but I do plan to eventually do some serious art to go along with my writing.
    Everyone is invited to a Viking Blog BBQ...directions are in a post on my site.
    Nancy
    N. R. Williams, fantasy author

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  5. Glynis Peters 25 September 2010 at 13:36

    If you want a giggle at my attempts, check out my new blog. It is for my children's book. I have played with paint to get the characters out of my head.

    http://nissipeters.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-chewy.html

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  6. Thomas Taylor25 September 2010 at 17:31

    Thanks, Glynis. Chewy looks great in that vibrant sketch! Thanks for posting the link (I didn't giggle once:-)

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