Raindrops

Late in the afternoon, we decided to go for a quick walk along the sea-wall. It was chilly and there was a nip in the wind, but the walk along the water is very interesting at all times. There were lots of people there, some sitting at the benches, some walking in groups, some by the beach. I couldn’t resist drawing.

I sat at the bench first, but then moved behind to a concrete divider at the parking lot. I think I had a better point of view from the bench, but I can’t deny the instincts behind SneakyArt. I really don’t like being noticed. The thought crossed my mind as I sat down, that I’ve addressed this with so many guests on the podcast now - it does not matter if people see you, everyone appreciates someone making art. But I don’t think my habit has to do with it mattering what they think. I simply am averse to drawing attention to myself. I am averse to the idea of engaging someone in random conversation, even if it’s full of compliments or appreciation. I just like being in my own headspace.

It’s better to pick another point of view, to move further from the scene, than be accidentally rude to someone else because I didn’t feel like talking, or berating myself afterward for losing time in doing so.

As it stands, I was just about finished with the sketch when I felt the first raindrop on the page. You can never tell when it will start in Vancouver, because the storm clouds are always lurking in the sky. They can decide to break at any moment.

As I held up the page to take a quick picture, a raindrop blotted the rain I had made with ink on my page. What a beautiful coincidence, I thought. Imagine that, a raindrop from hundreds of meters away, carrying water from soil possibly hundreds of kilometers away, made a permanent mark on my page. It will forever be part of my drawing, even after it evaporates. What could be more beautiful?