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Kieren Dutcher -- A Sketchbook Conversation


Today I'm chatting with Kieren Dutcher. Kieren answered my ad in the back of UPPERCASE Magazine, wanting to be included in the Sketchbook Conversations series. She is a writer, artist, illustrator, adventurer and 3rd generation Native Californian (Oakland). Here's Kieren's story:

I love to sketch when I am watching TV, in boring meetings, or feeling anxious/worried, as it calms me down.
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 Also, it's how I work out ideas or plan projects.
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 I have been working in sketchbooks for years... more seriously now, though, as I just quit my teaching job of 20 years, so I have more time.
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 I am motivated and inspired looking at the work of other artists in museums, shops, bookstores and online: instagram, pinterest, and also traveling and being out in nature. 
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 Oh, and I love kids' art, too. And folk art from around the world.


Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 In terms of materials and tools, one doesn't need much, a no. 2 pencil is good. 
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 But I prefer drawing with Sharpies or Micron pens. I also like Tombo pens. 
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 Also, sometimes I paint gouache backgrounds and then draw on top of them. I also do printmaking, so sometimes print something and then draw on top of it. OR collage, occasionally.

Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

Right now I am really into drawing patterns. I find it very calming, which I seem to need with the world as it is right now. 
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 I would like to design fabric, and wrapping paper in the near future, so that is also what I am thinking about.
Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry

 If you're just starting out, get a cheap sketchbook so it doesn't scare you with its 'preciousness' and just dive in. If you don't do it, it won't happen.


Kieren Dutcher, Sketchbook, Sketchbook Conversations, Sketchbooks, My Giant Strawberry


Thank you Kieren for sharing your sketchbook story with us today.

Dear reader, you can connect with Kieren:




Missed the other Sketchbook Conversations posts? It's easy to catch up at the series web page.

And for even more inspiration, check out my Artist Interviews. 




*Photos in this post ©Kieren Dutcher. Used with permission.


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Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 25, 2017 at 11:02 AM

    Wonderful! Thanks Anne!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karen L RAugust 31, 2017 at 9:55 AM

    These blue and white hands!!! They are so very lovely! It's such fun to see sketches with thoughts written alongside. That's how I "think",too. So now I have another fave sketchbook conversation. Thank you Kieren and Anne. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne ButeraSeptember 1, 2017 at 9:32 AM

      So glad you enjoyed yet another Sketchbook Conversation. And yes, those blue hands!!!

      Have a lovely holiday weekend, my friend. I hope September is better than August for you! Sending love. xo

      Delete

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