FOREWORD

Watching the process of visual expression unfold before our eyes can be fascinating especially if it is done from memory, rythmically, and with such a degree of self-assurance that it actually looks easy. If all goes well, we begin to distinguish shapes, forms, and ultimately meaning. In fact, and in the wake of a spontaneous whirlwind of lines, strokes, marks and ticks, we might find ourselves drawing more satisfaction from the process of creation than the actual final product itself.

How can such apparent lack of structure, configuration, or pattern, married with chaos lead to a finished work with which the mind can identify?

Mario Henri Chakkour coined the phrase “The Holistic Drawing Method,” a creative process owing its advantage to the emphasis placed upon “trusting the subconsious,” a leap of faith during which a person undertakes a path of discovery, exploration; one that is as much about finding bliss through conquering one’s self as much as it is about the product.The finished work is merely a by-product of a fulfilling journey.

And as Mario has once wrote:

“drawing is not necessarily limited to sketching with a pencil on paper. A writer can draw characters using words. Drawing is about formulating and extracting the essence.”

As for the term “holistic,” it means “global” in the sense where it reassembles the “whole.” In the manner of the physicists known as “holistic physicists,” holistic psychology has reintegrated the observed universe in the field of psychology, proving that the “whole” that is apparently material and that surrounds us is in fact a part of our own essence. The same goes for our individual conscience which is enrolled in the heart of a vast universal consciousness. From that event, all human activity and in particular the artistic one is at the middle of a vast movement where me must learn to appreciate each ondulation, each stage, just as many momentsthat allow us to tune into reality and ultimately have access to happiness.
On a practical, mudane level, something holistic contains parts whose sum is bigger than the whole.The individual parts may be each great on its own, but unless the “whole” comes together, there would be still something missing—that extra “magic” which occurs when all the elements are fused seamlessly.

Drawing holistically can potentially render mental blocks obsolete as it liberates us from the stress generated by an academically-induced near-obsessive fixation with linear problem solving. In short, sometimes it is alright not to begin exactly at the beginning, but somewhere in the middle, then pull back, observe, test, evaluate, take another plunge, then repeat...

Through Mario’s signature “institute of higher unlearning” philosophy, this holistic approach to visual expression in particular—and non-linear approach to problem solving in general—promotes a higher degree of confidence. This is true especially when it comes to drawing dynamically and rhythmically, from memory, and with little or no reference images—at least in the all too important brainstorming stage.

“Here, as we learn to unlearn, we shall ponder a synthesis of the practical, the theoretical, and the mythical...And if all goes according to plan, driven by unabashed spontaneity tempered with discipline, the right and left parts of the brain will work together. Thus, and in a perfect world, passionate artists everywhere would develop a keen business sense and ruthless corporate tycoons would fight to save the Amazon Forest!”

And so Mario has created this new series called “LIVING SKETCHBOOK” in which he aims to diffuse the teaching of the Holistic Drawing Method, drawn from “years of observation, trial and error, sweat, and the occasional nervous breakdown!”

On that last note, it was fitting to open “the dance” with what seems to be the most challenging subject matter of all: Perspective!

But fear not for here you have at your disposal the next best thing to being face to face with Mario Henri Chakkour at one of his workshops! In fact, what might be more effective and pleasant than watching short movies in order to assimilate the diverse aspects of Persepective, with all it complexity? But as you will find out in the end, it is not that hard — provided you “believe.”

Towards that aim, it would be advisable to let yourself be immersed by Mario’s presentations. Do not try to over analyse or let your brain come and ruin the fun of learning by fooling you into memorizing mechanically. Instead, I recommend that you come with an open mind and with no preconceptions and the willingness to adopt a new view—and to even be surprised. Before you know it—and to your great satisfaction—the assimilation will take place little by little by natural imprignation of notions that will be presented to you.

Therefore, meditate on the concepts for a while without taking notes, let yourself be transported to the end of the experience with curiousity and for the simple pleasure of the adventure. Then, you can come back with a confidant attitude that will permit you to put into practice what you have have learned despite any fears to the contrary. You will thus rediscover your own capabilities for creating and especially for taking pleasure along the way. For my part, I diligently plunged in some quite ardous reading on the subject of Perspective.

The result was that I often came out discouraged and perplexed...
To my mind, the subject appeared so vast that I couldn’t imagine there could exist a method to teach it in a serious manner, allthewhile keeping the experience pleasant, so that every person interested by the subject could discover at the heart of this method a guide who would demystify perspective and open the way for a license to learn as well as “unlearn” in order to realize drawings or paintings of a realistic nature, or perhaps not! When the rules governing (as well as limiting) perspective are grasped at an intuitive level, they can be broken, turned upside down, and torn apart.

In my view, harmony sometimes outranks realism...

SANDRINE ALTCHOUKIAN

"LIVING SKETCHBOOK™" Copyright © 2008 by StudioView Interactive, LLC. All rights reserved.

Proceed to the Introduction ------->