There are millions of things in the world to draw. Me? I couldn't find a single one. I was determined to get one sketch finished. According to my 2008 goals, I needed to get started. Perhaps, it was anxiety that caused me not to be able to find anything to draw. Carrying my sketch book, I climbed into bed. I looked around the room and wasn't impressed with the options. There was a laundry basket of clean, folded clothes but I wasn't ready for that. My night stand looked like a commercial for "Geriatrics Today." That didn't appeal to me either.
As I felt Mr. Sandman hoovering above me, I knew that I had to make a choice. What to draw - - what to draw - - what to draw. Then, I had it!! Slowly, I moved one foot from under the cozy comforter. I'd draw a foot! Diligently, I looked and drew, looked and drew. Why didn't that darn foot look like the model I was using?! As carefully as I drew, the foot remained peculiar looking, at best. Nevertheless, I am blogging this sketch. It is a symbol of my intention not to be afraid to show my work.
9 comments:
And it's just fine, Jeanne! You should feel very proud of yourself for getting your art underway.
You are a creative, interesting person and you clearly have a passion for writing as well as art. Have you ever considered being a volunteer to help kids with literacy and creative writing? While you're working on your creative goals maybe you can help them achieve theirs. Just an idea to think about!
Has it occurred to you that your sketch of your foot might be more interesting in its own way than your actual foot? Your lines on paper have their own character and beauty. One of the things I like best about EDM that it has impressed on me the notion that anything in your life is worthy of being examined and drawn, and that coming back to work over and over will lead to your being more observant and a better artist.
Not every piece of artwork looks EXACTLY like the subject. Most don't ;) In fact, SOME people have made money off of the fact that their drawings reflect their emotions!
First off... I can recognise it :) Secondly, if you really WANT photo realistic, then you probably want to draw earlier in the day. Maybe you could try the foot again in different positions :)
Thirdly... you HAVE now started :) The fact that you did is a big deal! AND that you showed it!
Keep up the good work!
Congratulations on beginning your journey with drawing! And with a terrific start too. Looking at your goals it appears you are already on your way. But try not to be concerned with drawing something to look like what it is 'supposed' to look like. You are making drawings, and drawings have expression, emotion and character. Which I can see in your wonderful drawing of your foot. Allow your art to be yours and you will be fine:)
You did just fine indeed. Nicely done. You chose something close and something I've never tried.
It is a good strong drawing with character. Well done for starting .
I get mad/sad when I hear stories about hyper-critical "art" instructors. There are skills and there's self- expression. Skills need to be practiced (and yes, corrected), but scolding and shaming are totally unnecessary. Self-expression on the other hand is beyond criticism because the Self says (and draws) what it wants. Bravo for your brave efforts. (I know what you mean about a geriatric bed-side table.. and don't know what I'd do without my husband. I hope my kids would be kind enough to extend an invitation so I at least felt valued.)
Promise yourself, that this time next year, you'll look at your foot, and draw it again!
I know you'll see your foot differently, in all kinds of ways. About your foot, too... "One small step for a woman, one giant leap for your artistic endeavors!"
I think you rock. It is so wicked awesome to stand up the phantom critics and say ha! You think not good enough! I post anyway! I show you who is master and in control.
And besides that - you become a beacon for all those people who see YOU doing something couragous and follow your example.
I think your symbolic post is a Very Important Statement. Not only that - frankly? It looks like a foot. : ) Everyone will look at it and think it is a foot. And that means you drew it very well. : )
Du courage!
Cheers!
Mary Ellen
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