The Rogue Scholar

This was my Sunday afternoon relaxation. I was going to make a slideshow of the different stages that went into this, but I ran out of creative motivation. More fun just sketching.

I did the pencil sketch, photographed it and printed off a slightly larger copy, because I was considering adding a digital environment, something representative of what we live in. Haven't gotten that far yet, but I may. Instead, I ended up just doing hand colouring on the copy with pencil crayon, pencil, pastel and ink.

I've tagged it with my other blog's name because I was thinking of using it as a graphic for my About page and writing a blurb about rogue scholarship and what it means to approach life that way. I didn't start the thing for that purpose, but I can't seem to avoid unschooling myself. I've found a few friends who are smarter than me, and it's totally fun to go adventuring off into new realms.


The kids watched quite intently--a few times, I had to tell Mr. Boo to quit leaning in my pastel tray. They were fascinated with the colouring process. We chose the skirt colour from one that I've rarely ever used, because it's a coral that doesn't occur very often in my usual subjects. I've never let them into my chalk pastels as they're very soft and I'd like there to be something left of them afterward.

I've actually never found myself doing this style before. I don't know what to call it--comic-bookish? Sort of? Anyway, I really liked the dramatic effect of the pen lines, which I actually did mostly last, after the colour was laid down.

And, of course, we talked about what a rogue scholar is, and I watched an idea get absorbed. Go swashbuckling, my babies. Be idea pirates, and laugh in the face of those who seek to impose their levies on the free frontiers of thought.