Life of Quigley

This past weekend Jules, the Quiglet and I entertained Cari, Billy and Wee lil’ Thumper. While Cari was looking through my sketchbook she thought it would be a good idea if I explained my process in making the subway drawings.

At first blush, I didn’t the want the process to detract from the drawings. The last thing I want to hear is” for a drawing that took x amount of minutes, that’s pretty good.”  The drawings should stand (or fall) on their own.

That being said… Here’s how I do it.

As a general rule, I don’t draw on my way to work, I dunno, I just have to get my head into my job,

The Commute:
From work to home is about 28min door to door. Basically the commute can be divided into four sections:

Walk to train
4 or 5 from Bowling Green to Nevins: 4 min
2 or 3 from Nevins to Grand Army Plaza: 3 min
Walk to home

Actually, in a number of cases. I have even less time to draw. Especially during the run from Nevins to Grand Army Plaza. A lot of times it’s more like Atlantic to GAP.

The tools:
I use a .07mm lead holder with a “b” lead. I like the soft lead, it helps when you need to throw down a line without much effort.

The leather folio was a gift from the missus when she went to Florence two years ago. Since then I’ve been through 4 sketchbooks. I’ve toyed around with different papers until I found the one with the right tooth. My weapon of choice is: Fabriano Classic Artists Journal: http://www.dickblick.com/zz103/65/ alternating white and beige.
Feel free to ask any questions.