Squam Art Workshops Day 2: Painted Icon
Friday, September 23, 2011 at 07:36PM I realized today that my return to work after S.A.W. was easier this year than any of the past three. I suspect is has something to do with the fact that I'm leaving at the end of October to pursue creative and business possibility.
OK I suspect it has a LOT to do with that.
On to Day 2...
practice faces - the one on the left was drawn with a charcoal pencil, the one on the right
with a charcoal stick; both need a bit of work, but I'm happy with the initial results
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Workshop: Painted Icon
Teacher: Misty Mawn
What I learned: how to use a grid to draw a face; that if I squint my eyes while looking at a portrait, shadows become shapes and when I focus on drawing the shapes, facial features magically appear; that I like to draw with charcoal because it's very forgiving; that just because I did something successfully before doesn't mean I'll do it again on a particular day; that I can easily descend into a negative spiral when I'm frustrated and that sometimes, maybe I just need to walk away instead of pushing through
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What a pleasure it was to see Misty again! She was my first teacher at Squam in 2008; in that first class I picked up a paint brush for the first time since kindergarten and never looked back.
I learned some very practical techniques in this class that I look forward to practicing here at home. I also learned a lot about myself and my (in)ability to navigate the tricky process of painting when things just aren't. going. well.
It was a tough class for me - lessons about the self are sometimes the hardest ones, but the good news is that personal turmoil aside, I got to watch Misty work her magic with a paintbrush. And that alone made it all worthwhile.
Day 3: Primary Colors coming up next...
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Reader Comments (2)
what sort of creative business are you going into? I love the sound of this SAW class. Ah, I dream about being able to go to Squam!! so far away for us Brits. xx
Moyra, it is far for you (I felt the same way about the Do What You Love retreat.), but if ever you can make it - maybe combine it with something else along the way - I highly recommend Squam!
I'm not completely sure yet of which direction I will choose to focus on come November; but I suspect it will be related to helping people build their own creative businesses, writing/visual communication and learning. Or maybe art or small garden maintenance. : ) There's plenty to choose from!