When I was little I never could figure out how to draw anything more than stick figures or box houses. My brothers both seemed to draw well, and I didn’t, so I figured that it wasn’t for me. My belief in my inability to draw was confirmed when I took art in 6th grade and Mr. Dyer (or maybe Mr. Dyer was my math teacher? I can’t remember so we will call the art teacher MR. D symbolically.) solemnly let me know that my drawings lacked perspective and merited a D. I spent 6 months in that class drawing the same damn barn over and over again, never getting any better and never figuring out why art was the only class that I couldn’t “get”. Until I said “Suck it, Mr. D” and moved on to rock out science and math classes. (Yep, I am the kid who took extra science classes as her elective because of my ineptitude at creative arts.)
Day 1:
I start by perusing the selection of books on how to draw on Amazon and cross-referencing what is available in my local library. (Because what does a nerd do when confronted with a need to learn something new? Research!) Two of the books, “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” and “Drawing with Children,” come pretty highly recommended and are available for check out. Off I go to the library.
When I get home I start to read the introductory portion of the books and put together a list of supplies. The list looks surprisingly like a list for a kid’s birthday party. It includes pencils, paper, markers, and whatnot. The books differ greatly in their recommendations of what to purchase. “Drawing with Children” recommends that the prospective artist start with colored markers to prevent erasing, while “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” starts with a more traditional charcoal pencil and eraser nearby. In fact, the only thing that is echoed in both books is the belief that anyone can draw if they practice seeing things properly. I put together a list of supplies and head off to the art store.
When I get home I conquer the introductory exercises. In short time I draw a house with a tree, shrubs and person for “Drawing with Children” (which I have included a picture of for your entertainment) and a self portrait, person from memory and my hand for “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.” I am instructed to look at them closely, and I am surprised that I am actually not too unhappy with my work. I already seem to be drawing better, just by checking out the books. Which is to say I am drawing like a regular 11 year old, instead of one that is eligible for special ed. Amazing!
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