Beginning Drawing - Out of Focus

I started my beginning drawing class at Boise State.  When I walked in, I was literally shaking.  There were these strangely shaped, horse-like chairs (called drawing horses) crowding the room.  Two or three people were there...all about 18...nothing wrong...but we oldsters are just as afraid of you!  I felt weird and out of place because I KNEW these guys could draw.  Why do we compare?

The best part was my daughter, who took this class in Portland last semester, coached me along.  She was precious saying how she knew this was something I've always wanted and she knew that the class would improve my skills as it had improved hers...and ended with your drawing is not "that bad."  Which was supposed to be a cheer, but for a worried person is scary!   The best part was that she took the time to take pictures of all of her drawings from the beginning to the end and e-mailed them right away.  (If you have teens, you know this portion was a miracle in itself.  Nothing is done in a hurry unless you are one of their friends.)  She reflected what she was thinking and how she felt about each one, especially her final project.  The shapes were sharp and realistic, and the tones were perfect.  I had hope!   

Needless to say, first we did a short blurb about who our favorite artist is and why, so the instructor (also very young), could get a window into why we draw a certain way.  I told her I like collage artists in general, but that I really loved Joyce Tenneson as she depicted the humaness of people and went beyond pictures into the soul of the people she was photographing.  She captured the spirit and the warrior.  One particular book I love she depicts older people in their gray hair, wrinkles and beautiful, glowing faces.   

1. Anywayz.......on to the drawing.  Our instructor took a picture of a famous artist and turned it upside down and put it out of focus so we could start noticing the shapes and tones, without trying to turn it into something.   It was definitely difficult to tune out the voices in my head that were desperately trying to make sense and meaning out of what I was drawing.  Every 10 minutes, she would bring the picture into focus more until we had the total picture.  Now remember, it's still upside down, so when it was in focus, we sort of freaked a little.   Turning it right side up, you can recognize it's a man!  He's pulling a wheel.  At first I thought he was a little hunched in his back the way I drew him, but he had something on.  The main thing I deserve to work on is proportion, which is what we'll work a little on next week.  But for now, I get to celebrate!  My husband knew it was a man when I walked in the door, which made me even happier!  Have a blessed day of art or creating or pure bliss.

Comments

[chocolate covered musings]

wow, that drawing is amazing. i noticed the man immediately and was delighted to discover how you drew this amazing thing.

well done and yay you i say!

[leah]

it's a gorgeous drawing! i really like it!