Seven months and 25 days ago I almost made one of the biggest mistakes of my life.
Thank goodness I didn’t succumb to my irrational fears about taking a drawing class at the age of 50. I thought the class started in January, but my faithful journaling helped jog my failing memory and put the dates in order.
On March 9th of last year I drove to the Janney House – home of the Artist’s of Yardley and almost passed out. Ok, not really – but I did almost turn around and leave as I was walking toward the studio. If it hadn’t been for another late arriver, I’d have chickened out for sure.
Today was the first day of a new session. I didn’t know what to expect today. Anne always surprises me and I was delighted to recognize students from my previous classes.
Today’s lesson was what I least expected. In the past two classes we’ve focused more on drawing what we see – not so much on interpretation. I guess in other words, it’s been more about technique.
With four returning students Anne decided to mix things up and have us do something completely different.
I have two words.
Georgia O’keeffe
There’s a funny story behind what inspired her to have us draw a rose in an interpretive style – but it’s one of those stories that gets lost in translation, so you’ll just have to trust me.
She gave us each a silk rose and a copy of Georgia O’keeffe’s abstract white rose. It’s really beautiful.
I learned something about myself today. I like working on a smaller canvas. My first drawing took up half of the space and just looked odd. I couldn’t seem to interpret the rose because I was constrained by the space.
I made the connection between all of my recent drawings on small spaces and mentioned it to Anne. She immediately responded and brought me a smaller size paper to work on.
This really worked for me and I have to admit that I saw some promise in the early stages.
I at least liked a lot more than my first draft – which looked more like a carnation than a rose. It’s all about shading and understanding what makes sense – easier said than done.
Tonight, I lost myself in music and didn’t ‘think’ about it. I just ‘felt’ it.
It’s far from finished, but I think it’s my interpretation of this particular rose. As a friend mentioned to me recently – I’m finding my signature.
You’re a true artist Beth 🙂
Awww, thanks Maggie 🙂
Wonderful, Beth. I’m so glad you took a chance and signed up for the class.
Thanks Naomi! I’m very glad I did as well. I believe my world has expanded in more than a few ways as a result of it.
Happy Holidays!
Beth