The Repeated Exploration of Attraction©

I enjoy revisiting the same subject when sketching. Especially those that keep vying for my attention. The process of sketching helps me to explore the reasons for my attraction. 

This condo, beside a nearby park, kept peaking my interest. Both during the construction phase and once it was complete. This series of sketches were done over a number of years. It was the man-made, monolithic shape, and its reflection contrasted against the trees and lake that seemed to pique my interest. One point of interest is that I was inclined to sketch them on overcast or rainy days. Sunny days never seemed as interesting.

Why Draw Something Multiple Times?
On the drawing side, the more familiar you become with your subject, the better you will understand it. The better you understand it, the more accurate it can be. Notice I didn't say "will be" because understanding your subject also enables for stronger stylization or simplification. On the emotional and intuitive side, it is always interesting to explore the abstract ideas or concepts that draw us unconsciously to something. For instance, why was I more attracted to this scene when the days were grey and overcast? Still working on that one! I know I will do more sketches of this scene in the future.

Another reason to sketch out a subject multiple times is simply to understand it better. Repetition creates strong observational information that we add to a Visual Memory File. Many times, I will do a series of studies simply to explore the best way to represent a subject for a final drawing or painting.

Pay attention the next time you are drawn to a subject and start a "Repeated Exploration of Attraction" with it in your sketchbook!