21 Comments
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Gill Moon Photography's avatar

I love this Erik and I really admire your sketches. I also love the idea of Soul-in-the-Game because to me it is what makes our art compelling and our stories important.

I used to love sketching at school and I used to be reasonably good at it (or at least not embarrassed by my efforts) but it is an art form I have let slide and now I have lost the confidence to try again. It is something I would love to do and I do think it can complement photography really well.

Thanks for sharing your work and I would love to see more of this side quest.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Thank you so much Gill! My interest in drawing has come in spurts over the years. It’s actually been several years since I’ve done it at all, but it is amazing to see how quickly it comes back. You should give it a try again, if you have the time!

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James Hider's avatar

Amazing work Erik. Even if drawing never becomes more than an absorbing exercise for you, it will greatly enhance how you see and engage with the world and improve your photography.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I think you’re absolutely right about that! It’s the Art of Observation, whether with a camera or with a pen. Thanks James!

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Mike Lovette's avatar

Erik, I really enjoyed reading about this “side quest” of yours. I can personally relate, drawing / sketching has been one of those on again / off again interest of mine for several years. I have spent many hours lost in a flow state with pencil in hand and it can be a wonderful way to forget the outer world for a while. These are wonderful sketches!

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I really appreciate that Mike! Regardless of the outcome, drawing is a worthwhile process in itself.

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Sheryl White's avatar

Great drawings! I used to draw when I was a kid, but haven't since.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks! You should definitely give it another try… even just as a side quest! 😀

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Andrew Perlot's avatar

Fantastic drawings and a great side quest. I am much less practiced than you and never put the time in to get better, but whenever I've committed myself to drawing I too feel that meditative calm wash over me.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks! It’s one of those activities that really demonstrates that the process is just as important as the final outcome .

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Lou Tamposi's avatar

I’m so envious of those who can put together such evocative sketches — even if quick. I enjoy them just as much, if not more than, a full blown drawing or painting.

Awesome stuff, Erik!

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks Lou! I really enjoy the gesture sketching, even if it mostly looks like scribble.

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Baird Brightman's avatar

I'm a big fan of pencil drawings. You have some real talent, Erik. Check out Parker Thornton and Richard Macwee's substacks if you're looking for some inspiration to take it further.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Awesome, I’ll check them out right away! Thanks!

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

I'm fascinated by people with artistic ability. I have none. These are really great, Erik. It's always worthwhile sharing your art, doesn't matter if it's your 'usual' or not.

Side note: My family and I used to have contests drawing things without looking at the paper. Ours did NOT look like yours 😆 They were legendary messes.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I truly believe that artistic ability is just a matter of working on something consistently and not being afraid to show off the messes you make along the way! 🤣 My early attempts at that line drawing practice did NOT go so well!!!

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

I'm sure you're right. Same goes for everything I suppose, practice makes perfect!

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

You get more interesting and impressive with each essay you put out. Love this. So many concepts you explored between side quests, creative expression, and soul in the game. You exemplify what being an artist is in every domain you explore. Those drawings are more than good by the way but respect to how humble you are haha

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I really appreciate that Kyle! I would defer by saying I don’t exemplify accomplishment in anything, really. The only credit I’ll give myself is a more mindful pursuit of my interests than is common. Your words mean a lot, though. Thank you!

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Your response just adds to your greatness. I’ll keep telling everyone how great you are while you keep showing them haha 👊🏻

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Erik Hogan's avatar

lol!

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