I can't believe it's already over! The class that I began with so much anticipation, curiosity and confidence has finally come to an end. When you are having fun, time flies like a jet. No wonder, it seems it ended just too soon.
In this class, I was forced to apply my abilities and skills to a great extent. I wouldn't have known I could do until I did it. For instance, the first day of cast drawing. He put a cast on the stage and asked to draw. And I thought, 'Really? No warm up, no here is how you start - just draw?' turned out, that was the case. Draw what you see. If you don't see it, this is not the class for you! I knew I was scared for my mind told me 'There is no way that's happening. Why did I sign up for this class in the first place? Oh me and my inner artist!'
But an hour or so later I could see the likeness of cast appear on my very drawing pad. No way! I did this? I thought! So I do see it. It was until now nothing or nobody pushed me this hard to create. I have to give points to this class to bring that out of me. By the time I finished the drawing, my confidence knew no bounds. "I did it! I did it!" I later told my handsome(oh I have to tell this story) husband. He thought it was strange that I didn't know if I could do it! "Sure! You are so good!" "You have no idea what I found out about myself!" I told him. There were so many eureka moments after this and each one intrigued my curiosity for learning some more.
Final day concluded with critique of the final project. Went well. We got the final grade. I got A-. Expected for more but hey, you can't really have it all. More in the next post and I hope to post pics up very soon.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Exam Week
.
This week is our final week for this class. I have to submit the final projects in the last class. I would have been quite excited about it but I haven't done enough to sit back and look forward to the presentation. Have many excuses to justify but what difference does it make when you are answerable to nobody but yourself. Well, grade matters too.
I promise to do something tonight so that I can sleep better :-)
This week is our final week for this class. I have to submit the final projects in the last class. I would have been quite excited about it but I haven't done enough to sit back and look forward to the presentation. Have many excuses to justify but what difference does it make when you are answerable to nobody but yourself. Well, grade matters too.
I promise to do something tonight so that I can sleep better :-)
Friday, May 7, 2010
Resolutions and life
2009 was the year of resolutions. Despite my best intentions and efforts 9 remained an elusive number. But I still take pride in fulfilling that one resolution that was made on a whim. I knew I will break it in less than a month but to my own surprise, it made it to and beyond one whole year. It was about not buying any new clothes for next 12 months. It was hard at first but after the mark of a month was crossed the idea slowly started sinking in.
There were so many of it in the closet that I hardly wore or not wore enough. So whenever the need be, I would dig in it and to my wonder, discover some pieces that was fit for the occasion. This gave me hope, relief and satisfaction. Who would have thunk this! After I crossed the 2-month bar, rest was easy. Mix and match! It doesn't have to be brand new, we can always create new out of an old one, sure!
Around six months I shared it with others and the initial reaction was it was impossible! I agreed, I thought so too but it was happening and at this point I was almost sure I could do it. There were temptation and one proved near fatal. I still debate if this broke it or not. Case in point - city fair where local artists showcase their work for exhibition and sale. One such artist was a Mexico born seamstress who made one of a kind dresses. The gorgeous dresses were totally to die for. I inquired if she took orders that can be delivered later, which she didn't, nor was she coming back anytime soon. My resolution was hanging on a balance. What to do! Okay, so I guess I sort of cheated there. I asked my husband to buy it for me and I would wear it only after the said year is over. After deliberation, purchase was made. So that was the only blip! The rest of the time, I stayed true to my resolution and soon, the rest of the time passed without much trouble.
Once I reached the mark, I looked back and realized how much more I gained beyond just something denied to self. Besides saving money (you don't spend on clothes, you save on accessories and shoes too), I learnt self-control, the fun of not letting go, contributing towards environment and above all , forgiving myself (about the blip).
After safely crossing a year-mark (its 14 months of staying sober) couple of weeks ago, I went shopping for a new baby's clothes for gifting. As I entered the store, I couldn't help but notice new Spring collection vividly displayed. So what I can't would have been my earlier reaction but out of nowhere I reminded myself that now I can let myself buy for self. I found that feeling so very liberating. Oh that's right. But a year is a long time. My innerself whispered to me - sure I can but I didn't want to. Now that was new! I won't because I don't have to. I smiled at this new me. I made the purchase I had come in for and got out of the store. I feel like a winner. I will when I want and I won't when I don't.
There were so many of it in the closet that I hardly wore or not wore enough. So whenever the need be, I would dig in it and to my wonder, discover some pieces that was fit for the occasion. This gave me hope, relief and satisfaction. Who would have thunk this! After I crossed the 2-month bar, rest was easy. Mix and match! It doesn't have to be brand new, we can always create new out of an old one, sure!
Around six months I shared it with others and the initial reaction was it was impossible! I agreed, I thought so too but it was happening and at this point I was almost sure I could do it. There were temptation and one proved near fatal. I still debate if this broke it or not. Case in point - city fair where local artists showcase their work for exhibition and sale. One such artist was a Mexico born seamstress who made one of a kind dresses. The gorgeous dresses were totally to die for. I inquired if she took orders that can be delivered later, which she didn't, nor was she coming back anytime soon. My resolution was hanging on a balance. What to do! Okay, so I guess I sort of cheated there. I asked my husband to buy it for me and I would wear it only after the said year is over. After deliberation, purchase was made. So that was the only blip! The rest of the time, I stayed true to my resolution and soon, the rest of the time passed without much trouble.
Once I reached the mark, I looked back and realized how much more I gained beyond just something denied to self. Besides saving money (you don't spend on clothes, you save on accessories and shoes too), I learnt self-control, the fun of not letting go, contributing towards environment and above all , forgiving myself (about the blip).
After safely crossing a year-mark (its 14 months of staying sober) couple of weeks ago, I went shopping for a new baby's clothes for gifting. As I entered the store, I couldn't help but notice new Spring collection vividly displayed. So what I can't would have been my earlier reaction but out of nowhere I reminded myself that now I can let myself buy for self. I found that feeling so very liberating. Oh that's right. But a year is a long time. My innerself whispered to me - sure I can but I didn't want to. Now that was new! I won't because I don't have to. I smiled at this new me. I made the purchase I had come in for and got out of the store. I feel like a winner. I will when I want and I won't when I don't.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Art Class 11 to 20
Class 11
For the 11th class we had a demo from the instructor. We had a model sit for almost 1:30 hours and he drew it using vine charcoal. It turned out to be a wonderful experience to watch a portrait coming to life from a real person in front of you. Mr Wu has speed and talent, the result was beautiful.
Class 12
I was the model for this class. I was drawn by everyone. I had to sit still for the 2:30 hours with 5-10 minutes break every half an hour. It was something you'd do atleast once to understand what meditation is all about. I would surely do it again if paid well. :-P
I fell ill couple of days after this class. So missed 13th and 14th. That was a major toll. I didn't only miss the class but also a good part of my enthusiasm. Okay, I would recover it soon but for the time being it dampened my spirits big time.
Class 15
Okay, this time my instructor fell sick. Class got canceled.
Class 16
Last session of portrait drawing practice and try quite hard for me to concentrate. Thats sucked. I had trouble sitting straight for more than 20 minutes at a stretch. I whine quietly and try to work. I thought I did not do so bad for the first time live model drawing. But I am sure I could do better. Oh well, I have excuse for not doing the best so I move on.
Class 17
We get a demo of pastel portrait drawing. Totally amazing results with those crayon-like sticks. What wonders the right tools can do in the right hands. Awesome. Even if you are not an artist, you should try to take an arts class, the experience will liberate you like nothing before.
Class 18
Our turn to try any medium of our choice. I stick to charcoal. We have a live model. She looks composed and oblivious to her surroundings. I was late for the class. I look for a better spot to sit and draw but all are taken. I chose to sit where I see her but not to the satisfaction. So I did a half-baked job that day. Moral of the story. Be prepared and prepared well.
Class 19
Homework was due and we had presentation.
Class 20
Another portrait practice session. I made sure to sit at the advantageous spot and take it slowly. I think I did one good job this time. Hello quality work, here I come! This one is somewhat presentable by my standards.
Upcoming class 21
The last(I think)portrait practice session. I hope to try pastel for this one. I am excited like a child.
For the 11th class we had a demo from the instructor. We had a model sit for almost 1:30 hours and he drew it using vine charcoal. It turned out to be a wonderful experience to watch a portrait coming to life from a real person in front of you. Mr Wu has speed and talent, the result was beautiful.
Class 12
I was the model for this class. I was drawn by everyone. I had to sit still for the 2:30 hours with 5-10 minutes break every half an hour. It was something you'd do atleast once to understand what meditation is all about. I would surely do it again if paid well. :-P
I fell ill couple of days after this class. So missed 13th and 14th. That was a major toll. I didn't only miss the class but also a good part of my enthusiasm. Okay, I would recover it soon but for the time being it dampened my spirits big time.
Class 15
Okay, this time my instructor fell sick. Class got canceled.
Class 16
Last session of portrait drawing practice and try quite hard for me to concentrate. Thats sucked. I had trouble sitting straight for more than 20 minutes at a stretch. I whine quietly and try to work. I thought I did not do so bad for the first time live model drawing. But I am sure I could do better. Oh well, I have excuse for not doing the best so I move on.
Class 17
We get a demo of pastel portrait drawing. Totally amazing results with those crayon-like sticks. What wonders the right tools can do in the right hands. Awesome. Even if you are not an artist, you should try to take an arts class, the experience will liberate you like nothing before.
Class 18
Our turn to try any medium of our choice. I stick to charcoal. We have a live model. She looks composed and oblivious to her surroundings. I was late for the class. I look for a better spot to sit and draw but all are taken. I chose to sit where I see her but not to the satisfaction. So I did a half-baked job that day. Moral of the story. Be prepared and prepared well.
Class 19
Homework was due and we had presentation.
Class 20
Another portrait practice session. I made sure to sit at the advantageous spot and take it slowly. I think I did one good job this time. Hello quality work, here I come! This one is somewhat presentable by my standards.
Upcoming class 21
The last(I think)portrait practice session. I hope to try pastel for this one. I am excited like a child.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Where is the mojo?
The past few weeks had been rather rough on me especially on my artsy craftsy side. I just don't like being sick but that's what I got. Thank you food poisoning :-( All I had to do was to eat something that didn't sit well with my stomach. It made me so sick that I threw up everything I ate till then that day. Afterwards I could not eat or drink for 3 full days. Whenever I tried to eat or drink it came out of my system in seconds. By the end of the third day, I was admitted in the hospital for a couple of hours so that I could be given saline water to keep me hydrated. Once I was discharged, I could take one sip of water every five minutes. That seemed to work and after another couple of days I could finally eat some solids. I think, by then my body had been terribly bored with no-fun routine and decided to give me a break. :-)
There is always some good that comes out of situations like this. For example, this sick-period gave me ample time to think over things. And I did a great job in that department. Oh well, the super positive thinker's attitude! We cannot think any other way but this. Oh and about all that thinking I came across some very bright ideas that I have to share with the readers here. But in small installments. So, stay tuned.
For now, first things first. I have to finish 75 more sketches to finish my sketch-book. Yeah, that's right! I have done only 25 so far and it has to be before May 15. I know, I know. Outrageous, isn't it? But wait till you hear what else is left to do. 1 full master project that will make 50% of the final grade again before May 21. Plus three profile pictures to complete the final submission. Okay, now tell me am I entitled to be freaked out or what! (Deep breath, deep breath...)
Okay, after a 10 minutes break, a glass of cold water and three phone calls later I have decided to focus on the very first step that I have to take rather than getting overwhelmed by the whole scary big picture. Woah, that feels nice. Baby steps. One at a time. I think my mojo is back. I will post some pics soon to prove that. :-)
There is always some good that comes out of situations like this. For example, this sick-period gave me ample time to think over things. And I did a great job in that department. Oh well, the super positive thinker's attitude! We cannot think any other way but this. Oh and about all that thinking I came across some very bright ideas that I have to share with the readers here. But in small installments. So, stay tuned.
For now, first things first. I have to finish 75 more sketches to finish my sketch-book. Yeah, that's right! I have done only 25 so far and it has to be before May 15. I know, I know. Outrageous, isn't it? But wait till you hear what else is left to do. 1 full master project that will make 50% of the final grade again before May 21. Plus three profile pictures to complete the final submission. Okay, now tell me am I entitled to be freaked out or what! (Deep breath, deep breath...)
Okay, after a 10 minutes break, a glass of cold water and three phone calls later I have decided to focus on the very first step that I have to take rather than getting overwhelmed by the whole scary big picture. Woah, that feels nice. Baby steps. One at a time. I think my mojo is back. I will post some pics soon to prove that. :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)