How to draw on the subway and not make a mess.

Artists:are you like me and you carry your sketchbook with you almost everywhere you go? Do you commute and wish there was a way to keep the productivity going while stuck on the train, bus or shuttle? As we all strive to "go green" and be kind to our surroundings by not driving, the method of transit we choose may not always lend itself to untethered artistic expression.
Creativity strikes when it wants to, and although you may want to capture that spark of inspiration immediately, you may not always be privy to the optimum workspace.Drawing in transit can keep the next million dollar idea from slipping away.
Being a native New Yorker, I've traveled on the subway almost every day of my professional life, and have gone through a number of high's and low's, trying to get in a few minutes ( or sometimes longer,depending on my commute) of drawing/sketching time-and the following tips will hopefully help in allowing you to do the same.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a mid-sized sketch book ( nothing too bulky, and preferably something that can fit into a backpack or briefcase).
• pencils (I advise mechanical "click" pencils, because you don't have to worry about sharpening them while on a moving vehicle).
• a seat that doesn't leave you too cramped (if there's a seat near a handrail, go for it...you can lean comfortably without much aggravation.But be prepared to give it up for an elderly,pregnant or dis
• enough time to devote to some drawing.

1. find a seat and get your sketchbook and pencil ready. Make sure you're not in anyone's face, or taking up too much room.If you're drawing from an idea or from memory, the easiest thing to do is get started right away.

2. Find a comfortable position to sit in and either rest the sketchbook on your lap, or hold it in a way that is also comfortable,since you'll be in this position for a while and I wouldn't want anyone cramping up.

3. You can also draw those around you, without being obvious. Not everyone on the subway or bus want to have people staring at them (especially in a crowded city either going to or coming from work).*See my E-How article "How to Draw on the Subway Without Pissing People Off", for more tips.

4. If you have ever tried to do anything other than read on the bus or subway, you are all too familiar with the jerky movements that cause people to spill coffee, poke themselves in the eye with mascara, or lose newspaper pages...so drawing is indeed challenging. Move with the train or bus.Sure, this is easier said than done, but it really takes some skill.The object of this whole exercise is to put down on paper, the concept or idea that is eating away at your creative psyche-you're NOT going to come off the train with a masterpiece. If you do, more power to you, but just realize that drawings you do in transit will more than likely require you to go back to them later on, when you're not shifting and going over rough patches of your route home.

5. The most logical time to work on the finer details of your piece is when the train or bus comes to a FULL stop.Don't get greedy with this time. The train or bus will almost always start up again unexpectedly, so don't give up or lose your cool.Shoot for implied details and not the perfect line.As I mentioned, you can and should go back to these drawings and do the necessary revisions-ONLY if they mean something to you ( ex: if it's a drawing that you feel can develop into something more substantial).

Tips & Warnings

• MULTI TASK. Keep in mind your train or bus stop.Getting "too" into your work may cause you to miss your stop.
• Don't be a nuisance to those around you.Do your work without taking up more than the appropriate amount of seating/space.
• If you decide to draw someone who appears NOT so into the prospect of having their likeness captured by you, STOP DRAWING THEM IMMEDIATELY.Do not engage in conversation, just stop the drawing and move onto something else.

[Gardengates]

on 10/16/2008 That sounds like it will take creativity in every way possible. I laud your control. I have trouble even writing when traveling. So, I'll take your tips to heart! Thanks.