The Search for Artistic Enlightenment

Today was an exciting, fun-filled day! It started off with my drawing class which actually went very well! They are all coming back next Friday because they said they learned a lot and they liked the way I was helping them. The class started with introductions, followed by a pep talk about letting go of fear before drawing, and then I demonstrated my technique.  The last hour I let the students do some thumbnails using the technique and then they could move on to a more finished drawing. My demo drawing isn’t so great, but I did it in 20 minutes. Tried to work fast for them so they could get their hands dirty!

There were variations on how advanced the students were which was nice. I drew on some of their drawings to further explain, without words, what I meant for them to achieve. Working one on one was a wonderful way to help the students become better artists. I have to admit, I was still timid about correcting their mistakes, so I know I need to work on confidence in that area.

I’m so elated that today’s class went well! The students took a little while to let go of their fears and just dive into drawing in a new, and scary way for them (they had to unlearn what they had learned and see things afresh), but they finally did it and it was so great to see them learn so quickly. I could see that some of the students were struggling with some ideas of the technique they learned, but it felt good to have people push their boundaries and move out of their comfort zones so that they can become better artists. I’m glad they took the ride with me.

After class, I went and helped out with the Red Cross at the local grocery store- we were doing hurricane awareness. It was really slow, but it felt good to help out anyway and get to know some coworkers better. After the Red Cross, I went to the children’s hospital to help with mail-outs. Again, another fun opportunity to meet some fellow volunteers. If you ever have free time to spare, I highly suggest finding a place to volunteer. It’s a win-win situation for all involved. You get to help the community and make new friends.

That’s not all! Today I found out that my artwork is in the newspaper! Apparently, the group I am a part of, Coastal Bend Artists, is in the paper and my artwork is there as well. I have yet to see it, but how exciting!

Yesterday, a taping that I did with some fellow Del Mar College students aired (I think it will air again June 10 @ 6:30PM), but I missed it because I was at the Star Wars Concert Live!

It was amazing, but I did have to deal with some children that were misbehaving – Ben and I were so close to telling them or their guardian something. They were being so rude and they should have known better. They looked about 7 years old.  Also, there was a waft of perfume that kept coming my way… amazing how one person can decide they want their own atmosphere. I have nothing against the woman, but someone should tell her to spray ONCE! It’s not flattering at all to upset everyone’s noses around you, even if it is perfume.

I also found a video that I am in on Del Mar College’s youtube channel. Check it out if you want. It’s kind of cheesey, but it’s cool to be a part of it.

I don’t know if I will squeeze in any Nikolaides exercises today. But just even saying that, I should try. It’s only 3 hours, right!? That’s not very long at all, especially if it’s broken down and spread out.