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!