Learning to see

Everyone can draw. Learning to draw is really a matter of learning to see correctly. Then add feeling and thought. It really is that easy, but most people are discouraged before they event get past kindergarten.

I read an article from an old magazine that a friend passed on about some artist's inspirational drawing experiment. They asked everyone they met in a cafe to draw a saltshaker in their journal and then sign it. Everyone could do it, but just needed some coaching on how to actually look at the saltshaker. I absolutely loved this idea. It challenged the inner bully that says 'I can't draw' and instead offered the idea that they just didn't know how to see. If a person can learn to observe clearly, then drawing becomes easy.

In my personal journey teaching art, I see that those who are able to connect with how they feel end up with the best drawings, even if there is no previous experience. For a first time in long time drawing, here are some guiding tips.

 Draw what you feel about what you see. (Jack Reid)

Move your object around (or you move around it) and see it at different angles. Find something about it you are interested in.

Once you have decided, look for the largest, most general shapes and start to draw those lines first (then draw in all the smaller shapes).

Proportion is relative, so if you are not sure, then compare it to something beside, around or inside it.

DRAW WHAT YOU SEE (not what you think...this means that you should actually be looking at what you are drawing more than looking at the paper ;).

Now put in the shadows (those are shapes too) and don't be afraid to go really dark! Notice that value is also relative to its surroundings, and that there's a variety of dark, mid and light values. Notice the edges....are they soft edges that change subtly or very sharp, changing abruptly from dark to light?.

DRAW WHAT YOU FEEL. The structure is all there now, so its time to delight in all the little patterns and details! Dots, lines and scribbles are all ways of creating interesting textures and expressionistic marks.

Let go of the idea that it has to be perfect....there is something fantastic about your own unique way of seeing and sharing that! So get that old kindergarten teacher's voice out of your head, she sucks and she's wrong. It's all about passion and more about self-expression than perfection. I'd rather say that it's better to be wrong and strong than right and light, and I would love to hear more people say "I can" ;)

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. (Maya Angelou)

So start with a saltshaker. The best part is, once you get past that first drawing, the more you draw the better you get as your eye-hand coordination skills improve. Drawing is quite enjoyable too, very relaxing and meditative. It's like writing, music and dancing. Creativity in all it's forms is a release that lights up our spirit and makes us feel alive. So draw just to celebrate, because you can see.

Sunshine Magazine covers Winter Fairy!

We can learn a lot from young artists starting out. I am privileged to know such talented kids who have such supportive and encouraging families.  I teach private art classes for some home schooled kids and more specifically a girl named Karoline once a week. I customize and work one-on-one with her, to discuss her artistic likes and dreams, and help her determine projects that will help her grow and reach her goals. One of our last projects of the year is her very best. Perfect for her portfolio! She created it and worked through the new parts, the hard I've never done this before parts, the I don't like this anymore parts and because of her courage and dedication, she is learning a lot quickly. The mistakes and the not every thing you do will work out but the more you do, the more will turn out reality-check is sticking, and so is the knowledge, persistence and encouragement. And encouragement and love is everything. And, I love love it when they succeed!
So this incredible piece was created by Karoline Kayser. I've been coaching her since May 2009, teaching her anatomy, portraiture, drawing, painting, colour and composition. She's only 12 years old now, and is talented, enthusiastic and dedicated. Her spirit and creativity is inspirational. I think she is remarkable, and I think this watercolour/pastel  painting 'Winter Fairy' is a masterpiece! Check out the emotion,  detail, colour, texture, story and character! I'm sooo proud to say that her mother submitted  the painting, and it was chosen to be the cover of Sunshine Magazine for the Winter edition www.sunshinemagazine.ca WOW!!! congrats Karoline! You ROCK darling girl!

Feature Artist: Ken MacFarlane

I've always said he is among the few gentlemen left on the earth.

Ken MacFarlane is a great watercolour artist, teacher and friend. I first met Ken at Curry's Art School in the fall 2005 as he was one of the first teachers put on the roster. His classes were the most popular, from beginning to end, no doubt about it. I recently have been quoting him in my own workshops; other than successful art is about timing and process, he says "You should know a little bit about your materials before you get into it". So true Ken! This point in right up my alley, which is why I encourage material exploration. I believe in the process of taking the time to gain knowledge through experimentation, and enjoying it.

As I get into teaching my own way, I always remember the teachers that I personally admire and take note. Ken's professionalism, success as an artist and a great teacher is at the top of my list. He, like Jack Reid, loved people, and had a down to earth charisma and passion that I strive to nurture and share with others as well.

Ken's artwork focuses on calm, serene landscapes. He is the king of colour, perfect washes and skies! His steady hand masters architectural subjects, as well as finely detailed grasses and flowers in fields. I'm a huge fan of his watercolours, but I'd really love to get my hands on a framed sketch. His refined pencils drawings are so immaculate! Everything he does though shows off his skills, and is a signature of his artistic mastery.

Title: Country Palace
Size: 14" x 28"
This image is borrowed for this post with permission from the artist. For all collectors and galleries interested in Ken's watercolours, please visit www.macfarlanewatercolours.com to view more artwork in the gallery.
All images are copyright Ken MacFarlane Watercolour Studio

Summer Art Class in Paradise

I organized another 'Art Day in Paradise' last Sunday. What an incredible group of artists! I must say, it is equivalent to bliss, eating, drinking, drawing and painting. And it goes far beyond that, as we share artistic visions with each other. The concept is similar to an open studio, with direction, and one of the coolest things is all acrylic paint materials are provided for by Tri-Art. I usually bring in other media (I love drawing mixed with painting) and really goal to make it as experimental and inspirational as possible. I'm an uber-curious person, I question everything! I believe experiments, samples and notes should be made.....like an artistic scientist in a mad lab! muahahaha.

I've booked another class for Sept '09 and was thinking about scheduling one every month! Stay tuned.....

www.sharlenawood.com