Sketches

I used to draw when I was a child.  My mother taught me how to trace an elephant in a coloring book and before long I was drawing elephants free hand.  I drew animals from pictures I saw in books.  I really enjoyed drawing.  Now my brother took art classes and developed his natural propensity for drawing.  In art classes he learned about the tools, shading, contour, depth, color mixing and all the technical stuff about drawing and painting.  While I was told "...go to school, excel at that, you are smart, get a good paying job..."  So, I stopped drawing.  Art classes were not a part of the college prep curriculum.

I can actually recall my last art class in sixth grade.  I loved the projects.  We were in the middle of learning to carve designs on tiles for printing when teachers went on strike and there was no more art class.  I still created and did some type of arts and crafts for the rest of my school years and into adulthood.   I would made sketches from time to time.  It wasn't until a few years ago that I recognized that final art project I did was called a soft block carving.  And that it was a really popular artform. 

So, here I am trying to learn how to draw faces.  I really want to use faces in my mixed media pieces.  I am truly self taught.  I can't afford to take classes.  Instead I connect with other artists and practice, practice, practice.  Recently,  I have  been sketching more consistently.  I hope the routine lasts.  I am starting to carry a sketchbook again.  I am a little eager to be good, but I keep telling myself to relax. I may not become good, but I at least want to be comfortable and confident.  Here are some of my practice faces:

This was done last year

This was done last year

drawn from a photograph

 

 

 

inspired by  Pinterest

inspired by Pinterest

drawn the other day

It is so hard not to comment on all the flaws.  I will say that I do not see a progressive improvement.  Some of the older faces are better than the more recent ones.  IMO  I can see how my pain level, mood, sitting position all play a part in the outcome.  I am beginning to play in my sketchbook whenever I am stuck in bed and immobile.  

I am glad that even when I draw wonky faces they can work well in art journaling or mixed media pieces.  For now it is about practicing, learning and not comparing myself to other FABULOUS artists.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you come again soon.