Learning to Draw

"Life is
the art of drawing
without an eraser."

~John W. Gardner

I have never been a great artist. Okay. I have artistic tendencies. I see the world through the lens of an artist. But I am not a Master by any means. I have dabbled in all sorts of creative endeavors, but none of them have ever stuck with me. While I did take some art in high school {like photography when we actually developed our own film and calligraphy which I still do today} I don't recall a lot of formal training beyond grade school projects that all looked the same. I think that is why I have always had such a hard time when someone has called me an 'artist.' Since I didn't earn that moniker through intense study and practice, but merely live a creative life, that one has always been a hard pill for me to swallow.

I admire all types of art. I have tried oil painting and wheel thrown pottery. I love mixed media and poetry. I have sung on stage {and more regularly at church...where I am the 'Christmas Angel' next week ;-} and acted in community theater plays. But the one thing that I have never had any training in is learning to draw.

I see so much value in learning how to draw. It would help me with designing jewelry if I could sketch out ideas as they pop in my head. I could make a flip book of sketches for my designs. I would be able to capture the beautiful things that I see each day instead of filing them in my faulty memory. I would find a passtime that I can do anywhere with any materials for a lifetime.

So on my secret wishlist of skills I would like to hone is the ability to draw.

The Universe has a funny way of bringing to you exactly what you need. And that is when Jeannie Dukic contacted me recently. She asked for my opinion and help in formulating her thoughts on putting together a drawing lab that would run for the entire year of 2011. {Seriously, Jeannie...how did you know to ask me?}.

Now I am all about the quick fix. Duct tape and glue guns are my best friends. But I am not sure I could learn to draw successfully in a one day workshop {tried that} or by picking up a book and reading about it {I need real humans interacting with me and I am horrendous at following directions!}. Having the support of someone who has been there and is successfully evolving and learning more about technique as your cheerleader is huge.

I just signed up to take a 52 week Drawing Lab offered by Jeannie Dukic. I like the idea that there will be some silliness to the process and yet will give me a sensible direction. There will be weekly assignments sent via email and a Flickr group to share our progress. There will be the opportunity to win random drawings {if I do my assignments}, and the chance to participate in an Art Show Blog Hop quarterly {you know how I love blog hops!}. I love that I can put into it as much time as I can each week {since we all know that life has a funny way of making other plans}, and that I don't have to start with fancy equipment. Just a number 2 pencil, a pad of paper and the willingness to learn.

Similarly priced drawing labs cost well over $200 for a whole years' worth of activities. This cost is less than the price of a book on how to draw. Right now the introductory rate is just $30 (until December 26 - and increases to $35 after that - still a deal!). For 52 weeks!? Even if I can't participate in all the weeks that is still way less than $1 a week! I don't know anywhere that gives you that sort of value.

If drawing is something that you can see would have value in your life and would be fun to do, I would encourage you to join me on this journey. I will be sharing my experience with you here in 2011 and would love to have you sign up and join me. We could support each other in our quest to make time for art!



Join me in learning to draw with the Drawing Lab 2011!

What do you remember most from your art classes when you were young?
Have you ever wanted to draw, paint, sculpt, etc?
What is stopping you from trying?
What other art goals do you have for yourself for 2011?

Do tell!

Enjoy the day!