I asked if we could pick up the Tourist Card at the consulate. Was told yes and that they are open from 9 AM to 3:30 PM M-F. Open for a half day on Saturday.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PROCESS OF SKETCHING
I had an interesting reaction to preparing for this trip. I picked up a couple of sketching books to read what other people say about the process. One book made the observation that often sketches are much better than finished art-work. The explanation was that the quick sketch was so much more "in the moment" and the finished art-work was often much more self conscious.
My work-week is filled with "words and numbers". When I'm sketching, the one thing I'm sure isn't going around in my head are "words and numbers". I know that during the act of drawing, I'm certainly thinking, but it's not something that can be expressed easily in words or sentences.
The thing that is exciting is that I suspect everyone following the Urban Sketchers blog knows exactly what I mean. Something that I can express in words - Looking forward to seeing you all in Santo Domingo.
Great news Mark, you are going to be saving a lot of time upon your arrival at the airport! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteHope other DR consulates around US could offer the Tourist cards in advance.
Thanks for sharing it!
Another way that I think about the world of “word and numbers” versus the world of sketching something you are experiencing in the moment is the functions of the left brain versus right brain. Left brain being more connected with logic and the world of words & numbers and the right brain connected more with creative endeavors like drawing from direct observation. If you don’t know about the book “Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwartds, it might be of interest.
ReplyDeleteMy personal experience is that when I’m drawing or painting, I get so deeply into my right brain that I have a difficult time finding words. Drawing is very much like going into another world. My husband knows that if for sure he wants to beat me at Scrabble, he’ll challenge me to a game if I’ve been doing lots of artwork. (Otherwise we’re pretty evenly matched).
Looking forward to meeting and drawing with you, Mark.
I agree that a decent sketch can be much more intriguing. Lately I have been trying to get quicker if possible. And sometimes you come out with a much truer sketch.
ReplyDeleteYou connect with everything around you and tone into your subject. It can be sureal at times. None the less great thoughts. It'd be nice to meet up with you in SD.