It’s never to late to learn something new.
I am blessed to have recently spent time with Don’s sister, Earlene. We have been to Europe together and she is an intelligent, delightful, hoot. A superb travel companion, always open to a new adventure.
While here in Fairhope, she saw a painting of a tulip and instantly wanted to learn how to paint it. Because I’m an art teacher, I took a picture of the picture and we began that afternoon.
As most of you know I have been an ART teacher for over 45 years now (ouch !!#!*!) so I know how to instruct her to draw then paint. (When you draw on a canvas and then paint, you are using your left brain. When you paint from your imagination, no lines involved, you are using your right brain). Earlene is definitely left-brained… and that is good.
This gorgeous tulip was her very first painting. I am so proud and she is so hooked.
When Earlene went home (Orlando) she bought paints, canvas boards and found a picture that she wants to paint next. I suggested using chalk or pencil for the drawing on the canvas board because it’s easily removed with a kneaded eraser. When she asked how to get the picture transferred, that’s another subject all-together. There are several ways but I suggested she draw it herself.
Now we have switched from a painting class to a drawing class.
So, this is how I teach my students to draw:
“No way” “Yes way”
Draw the picture UPSIDE DOWN and see what happens.
Some of my first time drawing students. They can’t believe they drew this.
I wasn’t.
They started to look at the picture. The only hint I gave them was to put the picture in quadrants and pay attention to shapes and angles.
This concept is not mine. I found the lesson in a right brain/left brain drawing book… over 40 years ago. I taught this art class in several Junior Highs, college, in my home studio, rehabs, and community centers.
And, by the way, I’m posting this email on my blog, so if you want to see it (and even more about you & your tulip) you’d better “subscribe”.
