#SubwaySketch
I started sketching around late 2023/early 2024. I attended a queer figure drawing worksop and it inspired me to sketch human figures. Before then, I focused on acrylic paintings (started around late 2021).
I found sketching quite enjoyable and thought it would be cool if I draw people on the subway when I commute (it was back when I worked hybrid and had to go weekly). Two years after, I have finished five notebooks and still am drawing on the subway. I look forward to taking public transportation because of this; meanwhile, Sabrina hated subway 😂. I draw on buses too. It is harder than the subway because of the bumpy roads.
I have so much fun drawing people. I mostly draw people who are on their phone or sleeping so they don’t notice me drawing them. My stares can be really sharp ha ha. It took me usually 3-4 stops to finish one drawing. Sometimes my drawing only has head and no body. It’s mostly because they got off the train or I had to. One time, I was drawing a person with cool curls and headphones. She caught me staring and our eyes met twice. I ended up giving up drawing her (she was kind of intimidating lol).
When people sit next to me and see me draw, they would check out my drawing or tell me I do a good job (so far not one told me I do a pissed poor work lol). I had showed only two people whom I was sketching because I didn’t want to ruffle feathers. I will share those two encounters soon. They are special and deserve a dedicated post. Ha ha.
I will keep sketching as it has became a big part of my creative journey. I love it so much! My plan is to digitalize more arts, create some cool images with my sketches, and print them on T-shirts or tote bags.
Colorful Sketches in Oct-Nov 2024
I was in between jobs in Oct 2024 and that was the best time of my life. It was funny how August was the lowest point of my career. I doubled my time with my therapist just to vent about my work. I was gaslighted, mistreated, and thrown under the bus. Life really threw me some lemons and I somehow turned them into lemonade? I married the love of my life and was able to get out of that toxic job I had for 4.5 years in September.
In October, I did not need to worry about money, work or anything. I would wake up and enjoy my day. I biked to Prospect Park and areas near it. I people-watched and sketched. I tried to incorporate color markers in my sketches. It was such a nice time and you can literally see the color in my art! Ha ha. I hanged out with my friend who was also jobless, and we went to NYC Open House events on some random Thursday. Life was so careless back then.
That month passed way too fast. I miss that period of my life every day and I believe one day, I will have that freedom back.
See more of my art here: https://www.instagram.com/szumin.art
