Okay, here are my "Starbucks Drawings!"

Here they are. But, remember this is my first assignment before learning the technique!

Drawing Lesson at Starbucks

("The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be The Artist You Truly Are" picture courtesy of Amazon.com)

Over a year ago, I purchased this book at Chapters. The title intrigued me. However, I tucked it away in my spare closet - my car trunk- and only discovered it again one month ago! I immediately pulled it out of the trunk determined to begin this journey into learning how to draw. So, yesterday, armed with my pen, notebook, pumpkin spice soy latte and the book, I found a quiet table at Starbucks.

I felt exhilarated as I began reading the opening pages of this incredible book. My first assignment:

Draw, without erasing, a:

1) Mug
2) Chair
3) Table
4) Person

Okay, at this point, I was feeling a bit self-conscious as I didn't want the couple sitting beside me to think I was a crazy stalker staring down objects and persons in Starbucks. I was trying to focus but got a bit distracted eavesdropping in on their conversation. They were both young, freshly graduated, university students reconnecting their friendship after a few years apart. I must admit I had a secret crush on the guy-he was BEAUTIFUL - and I so desperately wanted to draw his portrait. Not possible. We were too close in proximity.

Quickly, I re-focused and got to work. I LOVED the process and the end results! I know this journey into rekindling and harvesting that creative spirit within me will be gratifying!

"still life" art class gone bad

Imagine my horror when I walked into my “still life” art class and saw a 70 year old naked lady, blessed with flaccid, triple E -sized breasts and long, flowing, straggly, gray hair, standing on a raised platform in the middle of the room.

A small group of budding artists had already assembled their easels eager to start. Still confused as I was instructed to walk over to the cupboard and take out an easel, I decided I better find the teacher and make sure I was in the right class. Sure enough my name was at the bottom of the class list marked, “paid in full.” My teacher looked up at me, smiled and said, “welcome to the life drawing class.” “Life drawing,” I inquired, “not still life?” At that moment I knew I was in for an experience like no other!

Eventually, I was able to look past the naked model called Ellen and focus on honing my drawing skills. This was the first drawing class I had ever taken, so my teacher was patient with me and offered some excellent pointers. One of which was extremely helpful: “draw what you see not what you think you see.” I found my fellow artists, especially the Orlando Bloom look-a-like, supportive and encouraging. I was thoroughly enjoying the class until..... week three.

Model Ellen was gone and replaced by model David, not to be confused with Michaelangelo’s David. He horrified me more than model Ellen. It was model David’s first gig as a life drawing model, so he was nervous. I guess I should have been less critical of him. In preparation, he had greased his entire toned, naked body and made certain his muscles were armed and dangerous. He carried a whip in his hands. I guess he thought he was modeling for a Hugh Hefner spread, not the life drawing class at the R.S. McLaughlin Art Gallery. Since I was able to look past model Ellen’s nakedness I figured it would be the same for model David. Why was the front of him always pointing in my direction – no pun intended? Unfortunately, I never got used to model David. Maybe, if he didn’t try to hit on me after each class. The Orlando Bloom look-a-like artist rescued me one evening from model David’s advances. Grateful I pondered, “why can’t he be our model?”

In spite of everything, I was proud of the work I accomplished and resolved to definitely sign up for another “still life” art class in the future.




Model Ellen and Model David

My Paintings - Part 2

I wanted to give you a little history of my paintings in the other blog entry, but I hit a wrong button and my blog was published before I could finish!! So, here is a brief history...

Painting 1: Painted from a photo of Duck Harbour, Cape Cod, June 2005. My first trip to the Cape was an incredible experience. I LOVE the ocean and Duck Harbour was my favourite cove nestled among the sand dunes along the "bay " side of the Cape!!

Painting 2: I did this for my life-long friend, Lisa, who is openning a salon and spa in her home. The quote painted on the comb and scissors says, " A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the tune." Surrounding the comb/scissors are copies of songs that have meant a great deal to us over the years.

Painting 3: A couple of years ago, I (along with my youth group...I was a youth leader) attended one of Chris Tomlin's concerts in Toronto. It was evident that night that Chris, his band and the speaker (Louie Giglio) were following the leading of the Spirit. They let go of their agenda and followed God's leading.
That night, God moved in me in a way I couldn't verbally express. I am not one for going up to the altar...I am more private...but that night...I was pushed with the crowd and ended up at the front. I forget exactly what Louie preached on but at the end, he asked for all the youth leaders to come forward. Even though I was already up there, God prompted me to "go forward." I just kneeled on the floor, unable to move and couldn't stop weeping...they were God tears. It was a real healing time for me. Chris was singing "How Great is Our God." God has gifted Chris and his band mates as songwriters. It excites me that God uses this medium to reveal Himself to us...very powerful!
After that evening, I wanted a way to explain this "God moment" that took place, but, as I said, I couldn't verbally say it, so I thought I would try my hand at painting my experience. I just had started leaning how to paint. What a neat experience I had...another way God spoke to me!!! Another neat thing( well for me anyway!!:) ) was I had forgotten what song Chris had sung for the "altar call" ...I hadn't heard it before....so I was excited when we sang it at our church a few months later!!!!

My Paintings

Another goal on my list of "Things to do before I Die" was to take art classes. Here are some of the results!! I always knew I was creative, but had no idea I could draw/paint. I do feel proud of these accomplishments. I also took a Life Drawing class, which was an adventure in and of itself! I don't think I should post those drawings here, though!!!:)