When I am reading a book, I sometimes pause and think about what I have just read. That’s what I did after only one chapter of this book — and I sketched the book in my journal as I was thinking. My friend Kate (Cathy Johnson) mentioned this book a few months ago and I was able to find a used copy of it. I haven’t read very far into the book yet but I already totally agree with where the authors are coming from!
People often tell me that they wish they could draw. Often my answer is to ask them if they can sign their name. Then tell them that is a form of drawing a line. And ask if they could do it right away or did they have to practice doing it over and over? Lastly, I ask if their signature looks like someone else’s or is it uniquely their own?
So it is with drawing: we learn by doing, and our art will never look like anyone else’s, it will be uniquely our own.
Love the “signing your name” line as question, Vicky! Going to use that one. I usually come back with, “Are you sure you can’t draw?” or “yes you can!”
ReplyDeleteAsking about their writing their own name does cause them to think about it!
DeleteThat is a great question! A great way to get them thinking!
ReplyDeleteIt does make them speechless for the next few moments — they can’t quite answer that one with any excuse. Larry D. Marshall commented on Instagram that those who say they wish they could draw are trying to excuse themselves for not doing it.
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