I’ve never been very good at the draw-or-paint-something-everyday challenges. They work out splendidly for many artists, but I’m afraid for me they’re counterproductive because they make me grumpy. I’m best left alone to draw or paint 5 things on one day and zero things on other days. But mostly I do something everyday…
In the last couple of weeks I’ve been watching Periscopes! Which means I had to set up a Twitter account since the Periscope app is made by Twitter. I downloaded both apps at the same time and was set up within 5-10 minutes. I blew zero gaskets while doing this, for which I was grateful. I’m currently following about 60 artist/illustrators, but most of them don’t periscope regularly. Drat! I’m hoping they start!
In case you don’t know Periscope is a live video streaming platform. Most artists I’ve watched, set up their phones on a tripod and draw & paint while they chat with whoever is tuning in. Sometimes they schedule/announce their Periscopes on Instagram & Twitter. I myself am not a tweeter so I usually catch them after-the-fact. The videos stay up for 24 hours. I like them because they’re informal & low-key. Nothin’ fancy, just making & chatting. People comment during the live Periscope and tap the screen to send hearts your way indicating that something you did or said has set their heart aflutter. Since it’s impossible to check your phone for comments while you’re streaming live, many Periscopers set up their laptops or ipads in front of them and see the comments in that way. It’s been a mixed bag. Some induce drowsiness, very useful if you’re trying to fall asleep. Others cause excited finger tapping on the screen.
If you are Periscoping any of your drawing or painting do let us all know so we can follow you! And if you know of any artists with interesting periscopes do share. I usually check on my phone once a day to see if anyone has broadcast anything. You can find me by doing a search for my name. Another of my artistic goals for the new year is to Periscope a couple of times per month when I’m working in my sketchbook. I’ll be keeping mine short & sweet – 10-15 minutes or so. There’s no editing involved so I won’t be able to cut out any buffoonery. Egads! I’ll announce on IG and here before I go “live”.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of your journal pages displayed like this. So gorgeous!! When I first saw this post I went over and subscribed to you on Periscope. I look forward to seeing your videos. I did a color mixing chart video not too long ago – but since it’s over 24 hours old – poof! it’s not available to view anymore.. I’m @lisacohen over there. I keep trying to figure out how to do stuff for there (aw and quick but gone in 24) vs. IG video (where I’ve found a more engaged audience) vs. YouTube (more edited but more permanent) and which is a better use case and where I should put my time. Hmmmpf. There’s so much social media stuff out there. Where should one devote their limited time? Entirely rhetorical question… no need to answer. Just needed to say it out loud. 😀
lisa, i’m glad you said it out loud – excellent thoughts to ponder!
i will follow you! would have loved your color mixing chart video. the thing i like about periscope from a viewers perspective is how unpolished it is. no editing. no prettifying. just bare bones. it seems like a nice way to build community with like-minded peeps who also periscope. sort of a more natural way to get to know people online. and i like the support and encouragement part of it very much. but mostly i just love watching people create and thinking, “oh i could try that,” or “hey! i do that!” etc.,
Hi Mary Ann: funny you should mention Periscopes as I have seen these mentioned here and there and for the life of me, I couldn’t find an explanation I could understand. I am not on Twitter so I guess I will wait and see if this catches on or not.
I always enjoy your art as well as your travelogues. Wishing you a happy new year.
JC says
January 2, 2016 at 1:48 pm
Hi Mary Ann! I love your new site!
I would very much like to buy the 1 year renewal of the
two classes I took from you (THAT I LOVE!!)
The Remains of the Day Class … and the Full Tilt Boogie Class …
but I’m not sure how to proceed …
Best wishes to you here Mary Ann at your new “home” …
and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Jayne
Periscope sounds interesting and intriguing. I might have to check it out. Fun seeing your sketches side by side. Cool beans girl!
Cara Mary, amo i tuoi disegni e tu sei il mio modello. Io disegno malissimo, ma serve per rilassarmi. Se vuoi passare a trovarmi, questo è il mio nuovo blog: http://quartopianointerno7.blogspot.it/?zx=177dc36c143afea0
Ciao e BUON ANNO !!!
i just translated this at google hopefully it’s accurate!
Dear Mary, I love your designs and you are my model. I draw badly, but it serves to relax. If you want to pass to see me, this is my new blog:
Grate!!! You are super !!!
Wishing you a Happy New Year! Love all the sketches!
Your sketches are just so full of life and inspiration. I will never tire of them! Resisting Twitter so far, but you may be tempting me to at least open an account to watch you Periscope, we’ll see… Hope 2016 is very good to you!
Never mind. Got set up with a periscope. Just asked a 6 year old how to do it.
Loving your sketches! And would love see you through the periscope. However I am not finding the app you speak of. I found all sorts of periscope apps on the App Store including several dodgy ones. Is there a link you can share? I have a Twitter account but have no clue how that works. Tweet tweet.
i signed up for Periscope last night and followed you. It will be fun watching your process. Happy New Year.
My periscope is ArtL8dy. I don’t have wifi in my studio but I like to video my students in my drawing classes. They get a kick put of it too.
love your style. impressed by your colors.
didn’t know periscopes exists … thank you for inspiration !
periscopes is now on my do list for 2016.
have a good time and please, continue to share your art … big hugs.
Well, you’ve taken it up another notch in your ability to impress me. Having recently got my blog going (finally), I can tell you, as a non-tech head, I blew a few gaskets. I’m still popping a few. I’m marching forward, though, to Skype and Instagram. Ha ha! Twitter? Jury’s still out. Big goal: Second Life. All that aside, I’m loving the Sketch Review. I’m partial to birds. I like yours because they’re always doing something interesting.
Carol your blog is a thing of quiet beauty. Well done you! I hope everyone pops by to say hi.
Just followed you. I have followed and unfollowed several people so far. A favorite one I have kept is Jennifer Orkin Lewis (August Wren). The ones I can’t handle are posting several times a day. Even though I don’t have to watch them, I’m tired of getting noticed about their scopes. I also would rather the artist talk about her work than go on and on saying hello to everyone. I sound whiney don’t I?
ditto about the following/unfollowing and loving JOL – did you see hers yesterday? fun!
WAIT…how do i get notified about their scopes? yes i’m a twitter periscope dingbat!
If you have an iPhone, you might have to turn on notifications under the main “settings” area on your phone (not just within the app). I have notifications off for most of my apps, but I found that turning them on for Periscope is actually pretty helpful to catch them live sometimes! I plan to do some more periscope videos soon! I just did my first one yesterday which was a lot of fun. I’m @aisforanika over there.
Hi Anika,
Thanks I’ll do that. I’m following you and I saw the rebroadcast of your periscope when you were working on your pattern…enjoyed it!
I will definitely give in and get a Twitter account so I can watch you on Periscope.
Well, if YOU are going to periscope, I will have to succumb and sign up, I guess. I will watch and listen to you any chance I get!
i’ll do my best not to say any bad words