Martin J Benoit, WFA * LOUISIANA INK ART
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Questions & Answers -
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Pen & Ink Artwork of Martin J Benoit, WFA.
Drawings vary, but usually range from about a day for about a 3"x 5" drawing to more than 2 months for a 15"x 25" work. My most popular size, 8"x 12", takes 80 to 100 work hours from beginning to end.
My original drawings are produced with a draftman's pen filled with India ink and drawn on illustration board. I use a ruler and calculator to reduce or enlarge the photograph that is used to create the work and do my preliminary sketch in pencil. And that's about it. The beauty of pen-&-ink is its simplicity.
I haven't had any formal art training. In fact, I have never taken an art lesson in my life. I use a simple philosophy to excel in my chosen field: I continually seek ways to improve my technique and my learning. I never get tired of learning. With each successive drawing, I improve my technique as I try something new. I never get tired of the challenge of my work.
Not at all. Training in any field is a discipline. To complete a drawing, I must work for so many hours. Without self-discipline to work, the drawing would never get done. Training teaches shortcuts that could take years to learn on your own. I just prefer to learn on my own.
I enjoy drawing almost anything. When working on a new drawing, I try to make the scene that I visualize in my head look the same on paper. I find this mental work stimulating!
I travel with a camera. I've been photographing subjects for years. Some of my drawings are based on family photos. When visiting different areas, I photograph things that I find interesting. You never know what will come your way. It's a great way to preserve places that disappear with time. Photos last , not so with the world and the things in it.
My first exhibit was a card table, a chair, and 5 works in print at a small park on a hot, summer day. I have progressed a bit since then. The point is to start. Somewhere. Anywhere. Libraries, banks, restaurants, and office buildings, just to name a few, afford opportunities to exhibit. And, of course, there are lots of shows across the country.
Never stop learning. I heard it once said that the purpose of college is to teach you how to learn. That makes a lot of sense. I try to learn something new on a daily basis.
Expect disappointments. Things don't always go smoothly. The uncertainty of my work keeps me sharp. I continually search for ways to improve and promote my art.
Enjoy what you do. If you don't like it, what's the point? I was taught to do the schoolwork I liked the least first, then I could enjoy the work I liked the most. Get the have-to-do's out of the way and enjoy the want-to-do's. Makes life fun.
If you have a specific question not covered, E-mail: martin.j@benoit.net
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