What is your drawings all about?

It can be challenging to make sense of an intuitive drawing, because it is made in connection with your feelings and inner space.
(see my blogpost, let your feelings be your guide).

I like to sit for a while when a drawing is done, looking at the drawing. I just look, and at the same time feeling my body, feeling sensations, emotions. Very often I only have to wait a couple of minutes before some words begin to pop up. I write them down. And immediately I start to formulate a title. For me it's important to do this mindwork right after the drawing is done, while I'am still in the process. The drawing is a visual of my inner state, right at that moment. If I put on a title days or weeks after, it tend to be not so accurate.

When you have done around 10-20 drawings with titles, you can look at all the titles, and see if you can formulate a little text on base of that. In that way you will slowly get a pattern, of what you are working around. Every time you have a pile of drawings. Could be every month if you make a drawing a day, and it's not unrealistic. (You can be quite depended on your daily drawing time.:-) Try to formulate a little text. It's very rewarding to explain your drawings in words, actually that process can also generate new ideas.

In the beginning, my drawings didn't have a title. I wanted the viewer to make their own interpretations. But one day I had a talk with another artist about the issue, and I suddenly realized that my work was totally unapproachable to the viewer.

I actually had a lot of thoughts about what I tried to express. Immediately I started to write about my process. I guess I was ashamed of discussing my work, because it was so personal. All my drawings is about feelings and thoughts that I rarely speak of, and are barely aware of. Complex mixtures of all kinds of contradictory sensations that is hard to explain in words.

And I realized that I didn't have to write a novel, but just to give a few words to help the viewer, and myself sharing my inner world. Sometimes I even incorporate the title into the drawing, like I have done in this drawing.

***Marie J.Engelsvold “Try to flow with life”, Acrylic tusch on paper. 42 x 29,7 cm./11,8 x 16,5 inches. 2014***

I hope to inspire you to create in an authentic way, getting in contact with feelings which might have been buried inside, letting it out on paper to have it released and integrated...and at the same time making some fantastic and unique artworks.

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Want to find your own visual language ?

What is a visual language? You know, when you look at an artwork, and immidiately recognizing the artist? That is because it's an artwork, with a strong personal signature.

The visual language is the way you compose your artwork, the use of colors and shapes. How hard you press the pencil against the paper. Do you like a lot of details? or do you prefer big simpel shapes? All the elements in your drawings, are like the letters in an alphabet. When you have found your visual alphabet, there are endless possibilities on how to combine the elements, so don't think that you have to draw the same all the time. The way you combine the elements (letters in your visual alphabet) is the language. Actually one of the signs that you have found your own language, is that it allows you to dig deeper. Because your are narrowing down the spand of options, according to choice. And the deeper you go, the more you go into details, the more you will be open to the possibilities in the process. Another important thing to be aware of, if you want to attain your own unique signature, is to connect with your feelings. To create artwork which have a true voice. To create out of a need, to express something which is important to you. In my blog "Drawings from within," this will be my main focus. At the same time it will ressonate with all parts of you, and have a truly unique and authentic quality. You only find your visual language through praxis, create everyday or as often as possible, and you will slowly find your own unique expression.

**Marie J.Engelsvold. “Transformation of system” Acrylic tusch and papercuts on paper. 29,7 x 21 cm. 2015**

How to start?

1: Find your tools. Which kind of tools do you like??

I prefer acrylic markers (molotow) as my main tool, but like to combine them with more or less anything else:-), pencils, papercuts, watercoulour, textiles, yarn.....When I talk about drawings, I’am very broad in my definition, it could be anything on paper, actually.
Get your hands on a lot of different tools, and try them out. Or look at drawings you like, which tools are used? Maybee you want to combine different kinds of tools.? Like pencil togheter with crayons, or watercolor in combination with chalks?? Goache, color pencils and pen?? Or maybee just a pen in red??
As a start I will suggest you draw on relatively thick paper, like 220 gram. In that way you can keep on working, whitout everything falls into pieces.

Find a space

What I love most about drawing is how easy it is to find the time and space.

First of all you don’t need a big space, a studio or a lot of free time. You can begin to draw eventhough you have a full time job. In the beginning you can use a sketchbook, of quality paper.

The best option is to find a time in the day or evening, where you can be alone, somewhere with a table and a good workchair. If that’s not possible – you can use your transport time plugging some relaxing music in your ears to create a private space.
Another option is to go out in nature, a park, by the sea, your garden …or another outdoor place you like, and where you can sit by your self.

Use at least ½ an hour, 1 hour is better….or if possible longer spand of time. It’s not nice to have to look at your watch all the time, which gives a lot of tension and stress.

Spend some time to relax before you start, feel your body, take a deep breeth. And just think about having a joyful relaxing time for yourself. Look at this as a kind of meditation, where you are creating at the same time.

Try to find some time for drawing every day, it will make you more committed, and you will amaze yourself with your own progress, making it evenmore worthfull and fulfilling.

So why not start today?:-)

Express your feelings

This whole summer all my drawings was about reconnecting with my inner space, to find comfort and strength. It has been a challenging time, and it helped me a lot to draw. To draw is for me the most easy and immediate way to express myself, I don't need to be in a specific place, or have a lot of materials.

I was in a cottage by the sea with my family. I didn't have a place to go to be alone, so I installed myself at the dining table, with some relaxing music in my ears. In that simpel way, I created a little space for myself, and almost every day I created a new drawing. I love to use music as a way to stay focused in the process, and it is a great way to create your own private space, wherever you are. So instead of saying "No, I can't create now, I don't have the space, I can't be alone, and my family needs me". I just allowed myself the time and space, and everybody was happy.

Marie J.Engelsvold: "Inner lamp" 29,7 x 21 cm. acrylic markers (molotow), and pencil on paper.

How to draw, when you are in the midst of personal challenges?

So if you have a busy time, or challenges in your life, it can be quite healing to express yourself through creating. Eventhough your are totally miserable, your whole life is collapsing, and you don't think you have the time and space to create....now is the time! Express your feelings, get them out on the paper. Use the paper as a place where you don't have to hide, a place for confession. Feel all the sensations in your body, and, feel how they flow out in your arms through your fingers and through your drawing tool. Don't try to control it, just let it flow.

This article get it right to the point "The Courage to Be Yourself: E.E. Cummings on Art, Life, and Being Unafraid to Feel"

Actually the drawing process can be a way to heal and accept your current situation. Do some drawings every day and see how the drawings progresses togheter with your own feelings. When you look at the drawings afterwards, they might struck you as some of the most powerful creations you have ever made. They might not be beautiful or aestethic in the traditional way, but thats not what you are looking for either....? They might be quite messy, and rough but wonderful, unique and charismatic. Try it!

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Can drawing be a kind of meditation?

To draw is for me a kind of meditation, it’s a way to stay in deeper contact with my inner space. I don’t plan anything, I just start. Sometimes it can be kind of scary, the white paper, and the sense of loosing control. But I know the feeling, and know that the scary feeling will turn into a fantastic feeling of joy and freedom. I just have to keep on drawing, and something unknown an magical will happen.

When I meditate, I come into another state of mind, and it's the same for me when I'am in the creative flow. I totally forget time and place, and I'am deeply focused in the present moment, feeling at peace and excited at the same time.

The energy of the creative process:

I also experience that the work I create when I'am in the flow, are more unique and have a special feeling connected to it. These works tends to make me excited, mirroring the same feelings I had when I created it. Eventhough I was kind of miserable before I started to draw, the whole process of creating often lifts my energy. I don't know if it's true, but maybe it doesn't matter as much how an artwork looks like, but as important the energy that is attached to it.? The energy of the creative process. For me it makes sense, because when I do some drawings or other artworks while I'am totally disconnected from the process, they will never have the same attraction. They might look bright and have a beautiful design, but they will not ressonate with my feelings.

Very often the drawings made in the meditated state, is the drawings that I can’t really make sense of, when they are done. My rational mind can't make sense of them, but it doesn't matter because they makes me smile:-)

This summer I made a whole little collection of drawings. Here are two of them. Have a look:-)

Marie J.Engelsvold. "Dancing chair" 29,7 x 21 cm.Acrylic markers on paper. 2017

Marie J.Engelsvold. "Release" 29,7 x 21 cm. Acrylic markers on paper. 2017

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me