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Hi,
I mentioned on another thread that I was taking an art course, and I was asked to expand.
I tried to teach myself watercolour painting a few years ago, and a had bit of success, but not enough to maintain my interest, at that time. However, I still look at things in a "painterly" way, and see potential in scenes where ever I go. I have a great eye, I've just never learned how to translate that "eye" into "art".
I thought that perhaps watercolour was not my medium and decided to look around for something "easier". I found a wonderful deal on a set of 120 Prismacolour colored pencils on eBay, and thought that might have possibilities. So I bought them, along with some watercolour pencils, some coloured pencils that when you add water it makes ink washes, and some artist's markers. I tend to go overboard when something catches my fancy! I already owned some artist's pens, and pen and ink supplies. (I was going to teach myself calligraphy once...)
So, while waiting for my supplies to arrive, I started to do some research on coloured pencil painting. (It's called "painting" since it's the application of pigment onto a surface.) Apparently, it's not just colouring in pictures. *sigh* But I did find it fascinating looking at the art produced by these pencils. Some of them look like photographs they are so life like. The pigments are rich and beautiful, and I wanted to know more. So I've ordered some books and hope to learn a lot.
In the meantime, it was time to face a sad fact. I really don't draw well. I took some classes WAY back in high school, but the "naturally" talented kids got the attention, and us mediocre students were left to flounder on our own. When I took a watercolour course at the local college as an adult, I learned you don't neccessarily need good drawing skills, but it certainly helps. I think part of the reason I left watercolour may have been that I didn't have good quality paints, but I think my lack of drawing skill contributed, as well. I'm the kind of girl that likes to be able to do things well, fairly quickly. I don't mind a sharp learning curve, as long as it's short! Instant gratification is the best kind!
So, I recieved my coloured pencils, and I jumped right in. I decided to try a picture for my granddaughter's bedroom wall. Art for her purple bedroom was on her Christmas list (she's 11) so I thought I could do a flower, and try out my new pencils. I will post a picture of it, and you can (kindly?) let me know what you think.
I am still left with the drawing lack, though. So, I did some more research, and decided that Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" sounded like a good course for me. I bought the 1998 revised version, as well as the 2002 workbook, and have just started on it. The reviews of the course are amazing, and I hope that I can get some basics in place before I venture too far into coloured art. Although all those crayons, coloured pencils, tubes of paint and markers sure look inviting!
The fact that I love to get new things in the mail is a total bonus! I'm having a great time. Kiba, not so much. He resents the time I spent at my drawing table, especially since we have this bizarre, cold, white stuff laying on the ground. I'm not sure what it is, but it's cold!
I'm going upload a picture of a tree in my backyard. Maybe one of you smart folks out there can tell us what that weird, white stuff is. It seems to be everywhere!
Also, I'm sending a pic of my very first exercise in coloured pencil. The reference photo is on the right, with my effort on left.
Last, a pic of my granddaughter's purple flower. The camera does something to it, and not at all in a good way; the colours are much smoother than they appear in the pic, but you get the idea.
So that's where I am, at the moment. Learning how to draw, and aching to be able to to put good use to all these lovely materials. I'll keep you informed if things go well. If they don't, I'm much more likely to fade away, tail between my legs.
Phyrie
