This isn’t the first time I’ve had a chain link fence be a part of my sketch. The earliest sketch I found of one was this post, from 11 years ago, where many people made really useful suggestions on how to tackle the subject.
But in looking at this scene in Berkeley a couple of weeks ago it struck me that I was trying to solve the wrong problem: I wasn’t really interested in drawing the fence. I was interested in putting down on paper the experience of looking through the fence at this view beyond.
As I sat in my car, trying to capture the scene that interested me, there were times when I could focus past the fence and see the machinery and equipment beyond it, almost like the fence didn’t exist. And then a glint on the fence or it’s unrelenting grid-like pattern would force my focus back from the scene. And again, I’d try to look past the fence…This back and forth is what I tried to capture here (See closeups below).
I wish I’d remember to do this more often: to articulate to myself what I’m after before putting pen to paper. It helps with focus in my work and with finding solutions relevant to what I want to communicate. It reduces the gap between what appears on paper and what I see and feel in my heart and head.
Sketch Away: Travels with my sketchbook 
Suhita, this is wonderful! Loved the picture when I saw it on Twitter, and being able to read a bit about your process is just the sort of thing I need.
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Thanks Jean,I love blogging for that reason: it is a slower way to think about stuff than instagram or facebook.
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I love your treatment of the subject matter. I would never have thought of addressing the fence in this way. I look forward to trying it.
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This is a stunning way to mange that feeling. Love it.
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This is so perfect! Perfect representation of the fence in the view, and perfect explanation of the drawing / thinking process. Great teaching post!
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oops! link to 11 years ago actually links to the day before this post. I was confused as to why people were wearing masks 11 years ago!
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oops, fixed it now!
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You were able to make looking through a fence beautiful.
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Indeed. Clever way to represent the transparency of the fence. Your work is great
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This is brilliant, so perfect for the view through the fence – there and not there. And so well described. I will definitely try this. Thanks for your posts, I really like your loose and free style. And I think that’s great advice – to articulate what one is after before just jumping in with the pen. So great!
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Hello Suhita,
I love this line, “I wish I’d remember to do this more often: to articulate to myself what I’m after before putting pen to paper. It helps with focus in my work and with finding solutions relevant to what I want to communicate. It reduces the gap between what appears on paper and what I see and feel in my heart and head.” Such a great teaching we can all incorporate into our sketching practice, and really, into any other type of practice! 💖
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