These days I’m even more grateful for my sketchbook since the process of creating cartoon sketches of the people around me not only keeps me tuned into my environment and “in the moment”, but it also gives me a much needed break from the stress of rehearsing and performing.  Even better is when my sketches bring in the interest of a passersby and I end up having a fun interaction over them!

Several of my “subjects” looked a little gloomy this week.  They might have been thinking about politics, but I won’t go so far as to try and read their thoughts….

quick-cartoon-sketch-of-middle-aged-woman-with-short-hair

quick-sketch-of-man-with-cap-and-tie

quick-ballpoint-pen-sketch-of-asian-woman-looking-down-on-the-subway

This sketch caught the attention of my seatmate on the subway.  I told him that sketching and cartooning is just a skill that gets better with practice, but he was convinced that it’s an art.quick-ballpoint-pent-sketch-of-woman-with-hat-with-ear-flaps

On one train ride, I was alone in the subway car with no one to sketch, so I based this sketch on one of the ads on the train.

funny-bald-man-sketch

I also challenged myself to sketch a few profile views….

quick-profile-sketch-of-man-with-glasses

profile-quick-sketch-of-woman-with-a-bob-haircut-and-glasses

And a full-body sketch, too!

quick-ballpoint-pen-sketch-of-balding-man-with-glasses-reading-a-program

Happiness is being in the moment, doing what you love to do!

Comments

    • Joana says:

      Hi Helen,

      My mom and sister marched (my mom marched in Portland, ME, and my sister marched in Seattle, WA.) Unfortunately, I had to play two shows the day of the marches, so the only “marching” I did was to Prokofiev’s Prodigal Son. But I had several friends marching in D.C., including one who pinned a ribbon with my name on it to her shirt. 🙂 Were there marches in Milwaukee? Did you take part?

      XOX – Joana

      On Mon, Jan 23, 2017 at 7:44 PM, JOANA MIRANDA STUDIO wrote:

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  2. Denise Pellegrino says:

    You really captured their thoughts without even speaking to them!… Yes I’am sure you have to escape from your vigorous rehearsing… In life whatever your career we must all take a much needed break to stay refreshed and prevent burnout… So Joana one of your diversions is a pen and a sketch pad on route to your destination… Have a great day and keep on sketching! 😊

    Sent from my iPad

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    • Joana says:

      Thanks for your support as always, Denise!

      🙂 Joana

      On Tue, Jan 24, 2017 at 11:17 AM, JOANA MIRANDA STUDIO wrote:

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