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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Let's Talk about Following Your Artist Dreams

o.k. since I've been down with my injured leg I have had a lot of time to think about stuff.  Have you ever wanted to do something but didn't think you could or that you weren't good enough or maybe you just never took the time to actually do it?

Well, I love art, I always have.  It isn't just one area of art, I just like creating in general.  Heck when I was 7 or 8 I was cutting up my knee high socks and made my own stuffed animal, a kitten.  So fast forward to 8th grade...everyone was required to take a semester of art which was great cause I loved it and did really well - or so I thought.  When it came time to sign up and plan our high school courses I was told that there was only so much room in art class and that only seriously artistic people would be allowed to take those classes with recommendations made by the art teacher.  As it turned out I was told that I just didn't have what it took. As a result I hadn't picked up a pencil to draw since.  

But as I said I've had lots of time to think lately and drawing, sketching, painting has been on my mind.  I always wanted to until I was told I couldn't...   What got me to thinking about this is Mom has started painting - she started off by going to Paint n Sip parties where they paint a picture and yes drink wine at the same time.  She's had so much fun at it she has decided to take it up and bought her supplies and been painting away.  I figured if she can take up painting at her age (tee hee hee...can't wait till she reads this!!) why the heck can't I draw?  

So I signed up for an on-line course and I'm giving it a go!  I started off with a basic course on Craftsy - 10 Essential Techniques for Better Drawing and I'm doing it!

Here is my first "still life".  This lesson was about line and contour...



and the second is about structural drawing and placement.  It needs work, it was done quickly while the teacher was talking last night.  I'm going to give it another go looking at the actual reference photo rather than just the pieces.


So, if you've ever wanted to do something and someone told you that you weren't good enough forget about it... To hell with what everyone else thinks...just do it!  If it brings you joy then it's worth it and that's all that matters.

P.S...I just thought I'd add that I'm not getting paid to promote Craftsy or their classes (which is why I didn't post any links)...it just so happens it was the first class I investigated that I really thought sounded like something that I would enjoy.  I'm sure there are tons of classes out there on a variety of subjects.  Google what you're interested in, find something that sparks your imagination and just do it ~ I'm sure you won't be sorry!

10 comments:

  1. Well said!! I love that you're doing this, your sketches look great. Looking forward to seeing more! Off to investigate the class you took! :) xx

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  2. That is very inspirational. I use to love to draw as a child, but was told by my art teacher not to bother to choose art when selecting my exam courses as " I couldn't draw for toffee" needless to say I didn't take art. (Come to think of it I loved to sing too, but was once told my mother my"voice is nothing special") I used to draw for my kids, but apart from that have not tried. I have been admiring the doodle art on Pinterest, I might be brave enough to give it a go now.....thank you!

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  3. After reading your post and what Diane has said above it seems that we were all stifled by our 'so called teachers' at school.
    They are supposed to support and inspire us yet how many of us were told 'you can't or 'not good enough' it is the same thing that happened to me and only recently have I picked up the pencil and started doodling and sketching again. I so wish I knew then what I know now! It's no longer about being perfectly correct and fine art lines, grr, grrr!
    My sketching is very basic right now but I am loving it and last night just before bed I had the realised that I don't care any longer what the teachers and fine artists think. I'm doing this for me to create my own journey and being part of the establishment is no longer a goal for me!
    Looking at your sketches above Roni you have talent huni - so keep on going and tell us what the course is and keep on sharing - we love it and love that you are brave enough to share with us Karen xx

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  4. I also was not encouraged by the art teacher when I was younger- love stamping because the images are already drawn, but have always had a desire to take a drawing class- my Mom is a fab artist- oils, China painting, etc...... One of these days- I have my hands in too many fires for the time being......

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  5. I think it's wonderful that you've decided to pursue drawing again. And I love that your mom has taken up painting. You're never to old to learn a new skill or follow your dreams. :)

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  6. Way to go! And your sketching/drawing is fabulous!

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  7. This is Dixie, a/k/a Mom...I have none of my daughter's skills, my "paintings" are primitive to say the least, but I really enjoy making the attempt.

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  8. Great words of wisdom, Roni!

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  9. fabulous post Roni! we must have gone to the same school! Shame shame on those who said you can't or you are not good enough- they killed the spirit before it had it's chance to soar! So happy to see you taking up where you left off so many years ago! Wonderful start on those drawings and I'll be looking forward to watching your progression! Of course you can- you can do anything- we all can!! hugs!

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  10. So sad Roni that a teacher would say that! I had a very encouraging art teacher. Your drawings look great! Have a great day.

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Thanks for your thoughts and comments!