Commenting on my recent cafe sketches Chris said “How about a focus on feet and shoes for your next post? They drive me mad, and can make or break a quick sketch.” Be careful what you wish for…
Here are all the feet I could sketch in 20 minutes (just the lines, I added the ink wash later) while sat in a cafe near the counter. These are the customers waiting to place their orders, fidgeting impatiently, but holding still just long enough for some serious shoe gazing. 
These are different views of a plaster copy of (Michelangelo’s) David’s left foot. 
Here’s a clay sculpture of a sinewy foot by Sherry.
And finally a selection of feet in Hokusai’s manga; lots of sandals and strong calf muscles! 
Lexington grey in fountain pen and water-brush, watercolour, A5 – a few minutes for each foot/shoe?
Mostly drawing 
20 minutes….well done!
It was just the lines! Thanks Rebecca, Ed
I still applaud!
Great! Next challenge is to get these feet on the move – left, right, towards and away. I can never capture that quickly enough – if at all!
Hmmm, that might take a little longer! But I’ll give it a go… Ed
Great pictures, I’m really impressed by how quickly you can execute good clear sketches! I find it is easier to sketch feet rather than faces in public . People tend to notice if I’m staring at their faces but looking down at their feet seems less obtrusive. I would be interested to know how you avoid people noticing that you are sketching them or indeed if you don’t mind them knowing, or ask their permission.
Hi Mark, I’m rarely noticed because I’m fairly subtle when watching people, and a lot of it is catching the key lines, so a quick glance will do. If I have time, the sketch isn’t too appalling and they haven’t already moved away I show people the result; they’re usually friendly and interested. I haven’t tried showing people the sketches of their feet! Ed
Hi Ed,
I’ve never had the confidence to show people my sketches of them- maybe I should try! I like James Gurney’s idea of getting the subject to sign the sketch and also to write down a quote ,however he is in an entirely different league to me .
I really like the pictures you’re posting of Spain .
Mark
Thanks Mark, plenty to sketch in Spain! James Gurney’s work is a great inspiration, but as you say, he’s somewhere over the horizon in terms of skill and experience… Ed
Pingback: Ink brush sketching | Mostly drawing