Tuesday, July 20, 2010

My First Sketch in 10 Years


I've mentioned a number of times in my other posts that I'm not a huge fan of most art and certainly not an artist. I've also hinted that my wife may be changing that a bit.

Back in high school, I used to draw a little bit, just a little mind you.  And I wasn't that great at it back then.  I haven't done anything that even resembles art in about 10 years.  A few weeks ago however, I acquired a spark of inspiration and HAD to draw something. Since I was at work (hey.. it was a slow day), I had to work with what I had.. in this case, a piece of computer paper, a .5mm mechanical pencil and a picture of my wife and I on the beach that sits on my desk.  The result - Bleh.

I'm a rather critical person in general (for better or worse) and I'm particularly critical of myself.  As I mentioned before, I can do most things satisfactorily, but i'm not super-great at anything.  That's my problem.  Even though I don't have a deep felt passion for creating art, I do enjoy creating in general and I think I'd enjoy art.. if I can get over the disappointment of failure.  "What is failure in art?", one might ask.  For me, not getting the result I was trying for.  I know that it takes time and practice to improve.  I'd never expect a masterpiece from another new artist, but I hold myself to that expectation, or desire at least.

Well, this isn't a masterpiece.  I'm not even sure its my wife for that matter :P  But, it was my first try at something new and even though I'm not pleased, neither am I done with art.  I may be an artist yet!

5 comments:

  1. Sometimes it is the process not the product that is important. But, the product is pretty impressive...

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  2. You should be pleased with it Terry - it's a lovely free sketch and I love it. I'm sure your wife does too!

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  3. Well, you'll fit in just perfectly with the rest of the EDMers who regularly feel frustrated and berate our work. And, we are here to tell you that this drawing is really quite good, especially since it's been so long since you've drawn. If the process gives you some pleasure, keep going. If it doesn't, but you'd like it to, keep going - you're doing fine! nancy

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  4. Welcome to EDM...you'll find many kindred spirits here!

    So, this is the sketch of a beginner? Let's look at that....the eyes, even (a big beginner mistake!), the angle of the nose looks correct. Proportions good. I even see Yevgenia in there. I'd say that is pretty darn good! It is hard to accept sometimes, but it does take practice. And practicing in your mind doesn't count! (by that I mean, 'thinking' about doing art isn't the same as practicing art, which is something we perfectionists tend to do!)

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  5. Thanks all for your comments. I really enjoy the spirit of EDM and its members. I even looked around my office at work for something "that you don't see everyday". Of course, I would have been stuck with the same mechanical pencil and computer paper. Genia says she has a sketch book for me but I haven't seen it yet :P

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