Trying to Hear

Stopping at third base adds no more to the score than striking out.~~ E. Joseph Cossman

My son started climbing at the age of two. Playgrounds. Walls. Whatever was at hand. My husband found a place, I think it was Boy Scout Headquarters in Philadelphia, where there was a low, wide rock wall that encircled the property.  Joshua would walk the entire wall while holding onto my husband's hand. 

I think Joshua defined determination. He wanted it, he went after it. My husband was there to watch over him, make sure that he learned the right (safe) way to do whatever he planned to try next ... but he always got to try.  To reach.

Teachers come from many places and lately, it seems as though the universe is trying to give me a message. Wanting isn't enough. Trying haphazardly won't do it. Make a plan. Stick to it. Determination. Discipline.  So, even though I've already done EDM #1, here it is again. My ears are open and I'm trying to hear the message, universe. Keep talking!

Done at last

A lot of people refuse to do things because they don't want to go naked, don't want to go without guarantee. But that's what's got to happen. You go naked until you die. (Nikki Giovanni)

Here's my first ever piece of art -- done at last. Had a small crisis when the cat walked across it but I got the paw prints off.

Good for the cat and family harmony since, being more of a dog person, I was ready to hand Sydney the Cat her food bowl and point her toward the door. That led to a long discussion where I pointed out that there wasn't much point in having a workspace (haven't quite reached the point where I can call it a studio yet) if I can't leave my work in it. They saw the point and we negotiated a settlement. The door stays closed and everyone makes sure that the cat doesn't go in there anymore.

Anyway, she's done at last (I'm so proud). My daughter wants me to do a variation with a dragon (she loves dragons). I'd like to do another female. We'll see. Next up are some more EDM challenges.

Bare Footin'

"If you are irritated by every rub,
how will you be polished?"
~~ Rumi Mevlana

Being a student means succeeding sometimes and failing at other times. When I started this blog, I decided to be honest. To show the successes and the failures. There's no intention here to misrepresent. I say this because I don't consider this a success.

Its pencil sketch using my own feet for the model. Could barely move by the time I was finished. I just don't know how models do it. I really don't.

My First Modeling Stint

"Most of us go to our graves with our music still inside us."
~~ Anonymous

Pen and pencil sketch of ... you guessed it ... my right hand. Discovered enormous respect for professional models while doing this exercise ... because I am here to tell you it is very tiring holding your hand up for a long time.

Good thing I had a manicure first!

Taking the Challenge

"An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one."
~Charles Horton Cooley

Downfall of being self-taught. Classrooms keep you honest. Being at home means getting distracted. That ever happen? Want to draw and all of a sudden you have this overwhelming urge to alphabetize your spice rack or some such?

Enter the Every Day Matter Challenges -- EDM #1 was to draw a shoe. I chose my daughter's baby shoe since it was her birthday. She was amazed I kept it but delighted that there were little lions on the side (she loves animals). Blasted shoe took two days and half an eraser to draw but I think its decidedly shoe-like.

From Exercises to Art

"An artist's career always begins tomorrow. "
~James McNeill Whistler

Deciding to study art is a huge leap. No question. Deciding to take the even bigger leap from an endless series of art exercises to trying to extract an image from my head? That's big beyond my ability to express.

This, then, is the first. The idea evolved out of a quote I read in one of my art books -- once you've drawn a thousand circles, you'll know how to draw a circle. Its a work in progress, by no means the final.

And its mine. Actually mine.