Yes, it’s still January, yes, I was pretty cold, but spring is surely on its way. And in the meantime, we will be spending the week in Turkey, where the predicted weather report is mixed, but generally sunny with temperatures over 50 F.
As part of my intentions for 2012, I bought a sketch book the other day. My plan is to practice drawing every day. To be honest, I kind of hate the idea, because I don’t usually like what I come up with at all. But it’s also exciting, because I know that I will get better at drawing, just by doing it more. I have never had any lessons beyond the Intro to Art class I took in high school. I started my daily sketches today, and I will show it to you, not because I’m excited, but more as an act of bravery. I believe that artistic expression should be part of everyone’s life, and not just for “artists” or people who are especially good at it. But when it comes down to it, the perfectionist in me feels real trepidation about sharing anything I have come up with. So, thanks for being part of this discipline! Making my first drawing fills me with the feeling of potential, since I plan to get better at it!
One more thing that I found to be excited about is that Bury St. Edmunds is getting a new patisserie. Even though I actually very rarely eat sweets, I am a sucker for a bakery, and love a cute place to sit and have a cup of coffee. I wonder if they will be open for business when we get back from our trip!
This will likely be my last post for a while, since we are getting ready to go. Thank you to everyone who commented and offered helpful suggestions for our time in Turkey! You should read the suggestions here.
Also, I expect to be posting on a more regular basis via my facebook page during our trip, so you may want to check in over there this week. I hope you are enjoying some sunshine, whether actual or metaphorical, wherever you are this weekend!
Hausfrau says
Have a wonderful time–I’ll look forward to hearing about your trip!
Ariana says
Thanks Diane! We’re getting really excited!
Great Scott says
Like you, I am so, SO ready for spring and get crazy excited at any sunshine or bloom that I see. I need spring. NEED IT. And – I totally love your idea for drawing each day and the reason you said. I agree that creating art isn’t about being the best or about the art being perfect – if that were the case I’d never pick up my camera! It’s just nice to create something each day – some bit of magic from your mind. I love that you are doing this and that you are sharing it – that tree is awesome. I am a serious sucker for all things involving a tree…Have fun in Turkey!!!!
Ariana says
Thanks, Sarah. I am hoping I might be able to encourage other people to enjoy the process as well, even if they feel like they are not very artistic or creative. I always felt really intimidated about art, since most of my friends and many family members are “real” artists. I have since learned that it’s for everyone, and part of what makes people unique and interesting!
A. says
Love your tree drawing – really excellent first effort. Keep that sketchbook beside you at all times – it’s a wonderful habit and gives a unique view of life in an otherwise digitally samey world….
Ariana says
A.- thanks for your encouraging comment. I agree about the same-ness of the digital world…
Great Aunt Gretchen says
Philip has filled many sketch books. He always has it with him!
On vacation he draws the mountains in Yosemite, waterfalls, etc.
It’s lovely! It’s a great thing to start.He draws his plans, lists,
ideas, etc. He takes notes during the sermons at church in it too.
If I ever want to know what he’s thinking about, I look at his sketchbook.
(PS Is the date correct on your lovely tree?)
Ariana says
Good catch, A. Gretchen! I am looking forward to the future, I guess! I always doodled in school, but it was never a matter of looking at something and interpreting it onto paper– I avoided that because I didn’t like what I came up with. I am looking forward to this process of learning.