Artwork and story from Lee Caddick
I spent the last few years taking care of my mother full time. She was a wonderful woman, full of life and love, always ready to laugh and smile. She loved to talk and hear about what people were up to – anyone involved in her care instantly liked her, she was just that kind of person. Looking after her kept me busy and when she passed away earlier in the year, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands and a deep need to keep busy. I’d always wanted to learn how to draw, I’d even bought a couple of books but never had the time and energy available before Mum’s death.
I’ve been watching videos from the Drawing Academy for a while, and I was just so amazed at the beautiful drawings that I felt I should give it a go. I spent some time doing basic exercises and also copying some Bargue plates and eventually produced the piece that I entered into this competition. I still have so much to learn, and I would love to draw constructively in the style of Russian drawing academies, I think it would really help me to move forward with this beautiful activity.
