My Mini How-To

I think my little class when well with the exception of some heckling from my brother-in-law, which comes with the territory.   I’m finding that teaching someone else is a great way to improve your own skill and really understand yourself.

I don’t typically like to draw or paint in public.  I much prefer creating in solitude, making my mistakes and resolving them alone.  Presenting a drawing demonstration (of sorts) was a real stretch for me but I can see that too is another way to improve and learn.  Getting out of your comfort zone is scary but a good exercise from time-to-time.

Pa and Conrad ended up with some great stuff and I’m hoping to have taught them a thing or two.

Conrad and Pa showing their stuff

[Left Click on above image to open and get a better look]

Finally, I’m back to the blog.  I’ve missed you all.  I’d like to jump back in with another drawing class.  My father (Pa) and brother-in-law (Conrad) will be here this afternoon so I’m getting ready.  I’ll scour the woods shortly for a gnarly piece of bark and post it here for you to try if you’re so inclined and then I’ll post our results later.  If you’d like me to include your pieces, send me an email so we can arrange it!

Drawing Class No. 2 – Texture

Now that you’re familiar with your tools (i.e., pencil, eraser, blending tool, etc., [check out my blog post on June 14th]) and what they will do this class will focus on how to achieve convincing texture. The fur on an animal, for example, or bark on a tree are textural and can only be conveyed successfully by using keen observation with regard to the proper mark to use, value variations and shapes that might say “strand of hair” or “rough bark” on a tree. Remember when incorporating texture into your drawing that the distance from your subject will dictate just how much detail to include. Sometimes texture used sparingly in just the right place is more successful that over saturating your drawing every strand of hair or every crevice in a gnarly tree. Sometimes less is just enough.

I’m going to start by explaining my process, but know that this approach works for me and you will discover – as you gain experience – your own methods for achieving the desired result. The beauty and freedom in art is that there is no wrong answer. Each of has will produce a style all our own and our results come from a wide-range of approaches. “Whatever works” is a great approach that will give you the freedom to experiment.

I typically start by using a 2H pencil for the base when drawing most textural subjects and then build with the full range of B Series pencils. Back and forth I build the surface. Sometimes softening with the blending tool and other times using the texture of the paper as a “helper.” Remember “whatever works” and as you experiment you’ll compile a “mental library” and carry your new found knowledge from one drawing to the next.

Let me introduce my "Pa" and Conrad showing the first fruits of their labor!

My first “students” arrived promptly around 2ish as planned with their sketch pads, pencils and enthusiasm.

Truthfully, my brother-in-law, Conrad, was my motivation for this first art class as he’s always been a creative sort and began drawing in earnest about a year ago.  I’d given him a coupon for Christmas consenting to teach him what I know.  My father, Pa, on the other hand, was gracious and cooperative when we (my sister and I) roped him into my class.

Both Conrad and my Pa have some natural ability for sketching, which isn’t necessary but can be helpful.   I was surprised as I prepared for the class that, in spite of the fact that this is family I would be teaching, I found myself getting a bit nervous and filled with self-doubt.

Who do I think I am teaching?

Gosh I know so little…

What if I fail…?

At the end of the day if we expect to get anywhere in any pursuit there is no room for negative self-talk.  Absolutely no room -  so instead I sat down to memorialize my own knowledge while tapping into a few reference books.

I felt the class went well with Conrad chirping in from time-to-time to let me know that he’s prepared to learn but that he would be doing things his own way.

The truth is that’s what art is about.  We learn but will all ultimately develop our own individual style.  We will acquire knowledge and skill but should always retain our individuality, which is exactly what happened here on Sunday at my first ever drawing class.

I’m pleased.  Both Pa and Conrad produced a fine initial drawing.  This is how it all starts with the first stroke of the pencil.  Be sure to save your first artistic efforts with pride and watch your progress.

I’m hoping my students will return in a month or so for more drawing instruction.   If not, we’ll force them – my sister and I.