ATC's

These are the Atc's I made for an exchange I just finished.
All watercolor originals...
I was in a creative slump. Then for the new year I decided to turn that around...Now I have too many ideas. One thing has lead to another and then another. LOVE IT...
I am off to Orlando to teach this weekend. I am teaching a color theory class on Saturday to a SALI chapter. Then a marmorino class on mon and tuesday then I teach a metallic plaster class on wed-friday. Not much time for the sun. But I love teaching.

Here's another exerpt from my online class..

Session 4: Mechanics of drawing:
Learning to draw is like learning to play the piano….You must do it to become proficient. Follow this scenario.

Belief: I can’t play the piano….
Did I ever try? Yes
Did I practice? Occasionally
Did I take lessons? A few
Is it any wonder that I can’t play the piano?
So if I really wanted to play the piano what would you tell me to do?
Read?
Listen?
Play?
Or Take classes?

All of the above…the more you do the more proficient you become.
Now think back to day one, turn to those pages. What did you write about your definition of talent? Where does that come into play?
Here is what I have learned. Talent means nothing without ambition. Talent can only take you so far. Those with ambition will soon surpass your “talent” if you do not endeavor to improve it. I have seen many talented artists fail miserably professionally because they lack the discipline to develop it.
I have seen many artists with minimal talent succeed beautifully because they did not let themselves fail. Which one are you?

What does this have to do with the mechanics of drawing? It serves as a gauge to determine how willing you are to struggle with new concepts and new hand motions as you set out to learn new things. You will feel awkward and clumsy at first. You will feel defeated and sad. As you confront those feelings and keep drawing and you will improve. You will succeed as you draw. Being aware of how you feel will help you defeat those drawing demons and keep you drawing….One day at a time.


So give yourself a break and be a beginner…Draw everything you see. Be proud of yourself for just doing it, not just of the results. Do not let anyone see your sketchbook. This is a private beginning. Their comments however well intended may cause you to stumble…Just leave them out of it for now.