What *Is* a Snack? Drawing and Defining the Small Things

There’s a quiet joy in observing a skilled hand at work, isn’t there? The way a charcoal stick dances across paper, building form and shadow... the deliberate strokes of a pen, laying down confident lines. We love that feeling of tangible creation, the quiet focus that comes from getting our hands dirty with the fundamentals. It’s a far cry from the endless scroll, a return to something real.

Mark Liam Smith’s Inktober process video for “Snack” is exactly that – a masterclass in mindful drawing. But before he even puts pen to paper, he poses a wonderfully playful question: What is a snack?

Seriously! Is it the size of the food? The time of day you eat it? Or is it the type of food itself? The debate is surprisingly engaging, and it highlights something crucial about art: observation. To draw something well, you need to understand it. And sometimes, understanding something means asking questions, even seemingly silly ones.

Liam’s approach is wonderfully accessible. He doesn’t rush, allowing us to see the entire drawing unfold, from initial sketch to finished piece. Notice how he establishes the basic shapes and values first, building up the form gradually. This is a cornerstone of drawing, a principle echoed by artists like Andrew Tischler in his own figure drawing tutorials. It’s about seeing the underlying structure before you get caught up in details.

If you’re new to pen and ink, or even just looking to refresh your skills, this video is a fantastic resource. Pay close attention to his hatching and cross-hatching techniques – the way he uses variations in line weight and density to create the illusion of depth and form. It’s a simple technique, but incredibly powerful. Think of it like glazing in oil painting – layering subtle tones to create a rich, luminous effect.

This process also lends itself beautifully to sketchbook practice. Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and spend a few minutes observing a snack – an apple, a handful of nuts, a piece of cheese. Try to break it down into its basic shapes. Consider the lighting and how it affects the shadows. Don’t worry about making it “perfect.” Just focus on observing and recording what you see.

For those exploring gouache or watercolor, consider how Liam's approach to values could translate – building up layers of transparent color to achieve depth and form. It’s a similar principle, just with a different medium. Marco Bucci’s color theory videos are a great resource for understanding how values work in color.

And for the younger Rogue Artists out there (or those who love the spirit of playful creation), Liam’s video naturally brings to mind the Benny and Rocky Decorating Competitions! The joy of creating something simple and delightful, and sharing it with others – that’s the heart of what we’re about.

If you’re looking to deepen your artistic practice, consider connecting with an Art Angel near you. They can provide personalized guidance and support, helping you unlock your creative potential. Or, why not list your own studio space and become a haven for fellow art enthusiasts? The Rogue Artists community thrives on connection and shared experience – let’s build something beautiful together.