Personal thoughts and a drawing of my nephew

Drawing and story by Chris J., Drawing Academy student

Greetings,

I am excited to have just only today become a lifetime member with this exceptional course from generous, artistic and thoughtful providers who are unselfishly providing this material. What a privilege.

I used to enjoy drawing and did a diploma in fine arts some years ago after high school finished. But because of high expectations or perhaps unattainable standards I had placed upon myself at a deeper concious level, I became discouraged, and stopped drawing because I thought I would never overcome some milestones in technicalities and struggles with certain elements of drawing, and painting was the same problem. I was frustrated with my drawing attempts, because I wanted them to look convincing and bring me satisfaction. Perfectionism was the underlying culprit I believe, sapping my freedom and desire to draw, handcuffing my flow. I would entertain all kinds of doubts about myself such as “there must be something wrong with me, everyone else has got something that I just seemed to have missed out on, that I simply don’t have, I will never be able to draw!”

I have recently resurrected my passion for enjoyment in drawing since a rather long intermission and for around two months now having a bit of a go again. This was a freehand drawing I did one evening that just flowed, it’s of my nephew from one of his baby albums with a 2B graphite pencil on a cheap A4 printer paper.

What stands out for me most is the lost edge on his back that seems to fade into the negative space and how the strongest tonal contrasts and details are on the parts that are of most interest.

I am growing and self forgiving more now, accepting and understanding that we are each unique and make marks uniquely to oneanother just like our handwriting.

Never be ashamed of your artistic efforts and endeavours and be beating yourself up, there is no such thing as “I can’t.” But take real joy in the fact that you have the power to create. With this academy art tuition and lifetime membership you will see tremendous personal growth and progression into an endless scope of possibilities.

Regards,
Chris