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Learning Pen & Ink

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Last Thursday and Friday I took my first art class.....ever.  Oh sure, I loved coloring as a child.  Could do it for hours.  But drawing?  Hmm, I never felt competent to even attempt it.  But when you live in an artsy community like I do, with a wonderful Arts Center right downtown, something happens and all of a sudden you feel drawn to give it a try.  Give it a try, I did and ended up surprising myself that I was capable of way more than I'd ever thought. (When it comes to creativity on this island,  itmakes me think osmosis might enter into it)

 

Now, of course, most of this credit must be given to Joyce (above in blue) our excellent art instructor for the pen and ink classes.  She explained basic concepts in such a way that I understood immediately.  She encouraged us and came around giving individual assistance.  I learned about shadow and how light falls on a subject.  I came away learning much more than I thought I would.  We were told we'd all be drawing wine glasses, a bottle of wine, a candle and a rose.  We could be original with our choice of red or white wine, the shape of the candle, etc.  We practiced with pencil the first day and then progressed on with the Micron pen. 

 

And TA DAAAAA...........here's my finished work.......

 

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Not bad for somebody that is in the category of lower than beginner/amateur.  I won't lie......I was pretty pleased with my finished piece.  And rather proud.  I'm going to mat it and frame it and hang it here in my writer's studio.  It'll serve to prove to me once again that.......even if you don't think you can......you can.

 

And since the class ended, I'm been a sketching fool.  I got out the Beginners Sketching book that I bought on Amazon last year and I have all my "toys"......watercolors, pens, sketch pads, erasers, etc.  And I've been having so much fun learning even more.  I'll share a page or two with you soon.

 

Joyce will be doing one more class on March 8 and I'm really looking forward to returning.  In the meantime, you'll find me sketching away.

 

See you here next time..........

Posted on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 6:00AM by Registered CommenterTerri DuLong in | Comments13 Comments

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Reader Comments (13)

WOW - that is great!! :-)
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPat
Terri; That is super! You did that in ONE class! The class in March do you have to have taken this class in order to take that one? I'll be there then and would like to sign up! I can see, how if you have someone show you the basic methods of shading & all, then you can just 'let loose' all over the island! Remember to bring a sketch pad where ever you go! Thomas brings a small one even when we go out to dinner.
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJoyce (the other Joyce!)
Your sketch is really nice! The shadows and all look wonderful :)

February 18, 2008 | Unregistered Commentergoofy girl
Very nice. Shame that you spelled 'Jura' wrong !!! .... Only kidding. :-)
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJohn
And well you should be proud. What a lovely drawing. I've always wanted to draw, but have never had the courage to try. Maybe I'll rethink this.
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterlilalia
Nice composition and well executed to boot! You go girl, I think you got a bit of Picasso in you!
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMaureen
The drawing looks great and even better is how it encouraged you to keep doing more. Congratulations on taking on a new challenge
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterRain
I'm convinced that a person who is artistically inclined (such as you are with your wonderful writing skill) will be talented in many creative areas. You've proved my point, Terri.
PS: no plans for a Florida trip in the near future...but I never know what tomorrow will bring.
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterginnie
This is amazingly deft for your first class! It must mean you have a gift. The fact that you discovered it at this age rather than when you were growing up, makes it even more special.
The only time I took an art class - oils, mastering the medium was so hard that I quit before I had any indication of whether I could render the still lifes we were supposed to be painting. But the pleasant surprise that accompanied the class was a new way of looking at the world. I really started paying attention to light and shadow, perspective, etc. That gave new interest to my days. I wonder if that's happening to you? Or if you already were used to noticing things closely because of your interest in photography?
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterML
Terri, I think that is FABULOUS! You Should be very very proud of yourself, my dear....And I think it is great you are going to frame it! It deserves to be framed and hung!!! BRAVO TO YOU AND TO JOYCE, for "inspiring" you and the others in the class. THAT is a true gift, too...Keep on sharing with us, PLEASE!
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterOldOldLady Of The Hills
I am very impressed! With pencil one can erase - I've always been afraid of pen and ink, thinking it "unforgiveable" - so I'm applauding you and kicking myself for being a wimp.

Keep up the great work and continue to have fun with it. That's what it's all about, right?
February 20, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMarge
That is awesome! I have just barely discovered an interest in drawing myself. My first sketch (one I just drew from my mind in the middle of a sleepless night) is posted on my blog. I was just happy it resembled even slightly the main character of the book I just wrote. I didn't have a clue about shading and depth ... so I checked some books out at the library and practiced over the weekend by drawing my toes. Good luck in a new enjoyable hobby!
February 26, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterEdna
And proud you should be! This is a talent that I really wish I had. If I draw something, no one can tell what it is... not even me! :)
February 29, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterClaude

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