Vol IV: #13 This Drawing Stuff
A few years back I bought a handful of online drawing classes. And within the first thirty seconds, I could I tell it was money well spent. The instructor was an experienced teacher and began by demystifying the drawing process. He started by debunking the talent myth and plainly stated drawing is a skill. Anyone can learn a skill, talent isn’t part of the equation, he said. This simple approach set me at ease and gave me confidence in his teaching. And as of today, I have yet to progress beyond the first 10-12 lessons.
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When I was a kid in school, art class was my favorite class. Always. The art room was the most colorful room in the school and it was the only place where I could make a mess without incurring the wrath of an adult. In high school, I enrolled in as many art classes as possible (which helped inflate my GPA.) During those years I began to see my talent, particularly in sculpture/3D classes. I was never much of a drawer, but I could assemble random materials into something new and intriguing. I even won an award for best 3D sculpture in the district my junior year. That was 25 years ago. But I continue to cling to that award as a reminder of what’s I can do, what’s possible, especially when I’m waist deep in anxiety and shame.
What I need is a process, because process is more important than location. Process is what grounds us, and the lack of it shows when we’re blown of course by life. I want to be like Paul, and I identify with his words: good times come and go, but I learned how to be in every season, for He is in me (Nik version.) I have a writing process, including goals and such.Why not have a similar structure and drawing?*
So, starting today, I will produce one drawing per day, six days per week, for the next 90 days. The year I spent writing was a real boost to where I am today and I believe a similar approach to drawing will yield hearty results.This is in addition to daily practice and the aforementioned lessons. Improvement is in the doing. After the 90 days, I’ll reassess where I am and set the next 90 days.
The real hurdle is going to be my mental approach to each day. All too often I allow myself to be discouraged at the results, as my inner critic slaps me squarely across the face. He’s a demonic asshole standing between me and my destiny. And it’s time to get past him. This one comes out by doing and persevering. The last bit here is to hold myself accountable which is why I’m blogging about my newest process. Be on the lookout for what comes.
*Drawing is the foundation of all art- even 3D art. Once I can sketch the sculptures I see in my mind on paper, I can work from those blueprints rather than try to recall what I saw in mind. It’s important.
