Outside influences

Sketchcrawl invites people of any skill level to observe and draw the world around them

ARCHITECT John Yamashige was browsing the Internet in search of a sketchbook when he came across Enrico Casarosa's Sketchcrawl Web site. The Pixar storyboard artist started Sketchcrawl in 2004 as a way for people around the globe to share a passion for drawing. Results of the quarterly gatherings are posted online.

SKETCHCRAWL No experience is necessary to join in the next Sketchcrawl. Bring your sketchbook and a pencil and head on down to the corner of Merchant Street and Nuuanu Avenue. » Meet: In front of Murphy's Bar & Grill, corner of Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street » Time: 10 a.m. Saturday » Cost: Free » Bring: Sketchpad and pencil or other favorite media » Note: Streets will be crowded from St. Patrick's Day festivities. » On the Web: www.enricocasarosa.com » On the Web: www.sketchcrawl.com

"At the time I thought, Wouldn't it be cool if we had this here?" Yamashige said. Sketchcrawl gatherings, which take place on the same day internationally, had already taken hold from San Francisco to the Netherlands, and when he saw that there was no organizer in Hawaii, Yamashige, a soft-spoken, under-the-radar sort of guy, decided to make it happen.

With the help of Ed Korybski, executive director of the Honolulu Culture & Arts District, a press release was sent out, and on the designated day last September, Yamashige waited to see who would show up. About 10 people did. At the second event in December, about 25 showed up.

The next event takes place Saturday, with Mark Brown, an instructor with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College, setting up his Plein Air "Painting on Location" class from 8 a.m. to noon for those interested in improving their skills.

But Yamashige makes it clear that you don't have to be any kind of artist to participate.

"It's really about observing, slowing down and enjoying the moment. Sketching is not about ability. Mostly it's about the activity, learning to see more," Yamashige said. "Some people are just starting out. Some people just want to hang out with other people. It's a nice way to spend a day."

Honolulu participants have included other architects, teachers and children. Feel free to break away from the group to pursue subjects of personal interest before reconvening in a designated spot to share stories, interpretations and experiences of the day.

Yamashige has learned that while people do appreciate an excuse to get out and draw, for nonartists it seems to be a private passion. "They just show up, and a lot of them who do show up run away and hide. They don't want to show their work."

If this sounds like you, don't worry, no one will force you to open your sketchbook or even try to sneak a peek over your shoulder, but Yamashige said, "I hope we come to a point where everyone can be comfortable with each other and share, not to make any judgment, but to learn from each other.

"I'm not an artist, but I've seen my confidence grow while doing this. When I watch people work with watercolors, I'm amazed. I want to learn about colors, and like anything, it just takes practice."