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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Deathbed...365 Days of Drawing




I had a wonderful heaven-sent time in the studio this Saturday afternoon "painting-up" yesterday's drawing from the challenge which leads me to my future deathbed thought. Always important.

I know I am doing the 365 Day Drawing Challenge just for ME, and it has been rough- going recently. The "Who Cares?" factor set in. Does Blog-world, Twitter or Facebook need another artist spouting off while posting stuff. No.

I also know what I know about my drawing at this point, good and bad, after TEN months of non-stop doing it. Will another TWO months ahead of me, before I finish the challenge, really make a difference to that self-awareness? No.

I have learned that progress is made by doing a daily practise for sure. Ideas are created. Art introspection and direction a huge plus.

But I have also learned some days you show up, in this challenge, and it is horrible. Like you haven't drawn much at all. I get so MAD on those days but have also learned I will ALWAYS have to practice my drawing. I am NOT a natural like some.

A show is booked. That certainly keeps me going. I want to do a book. Universe catch me. But most of all, somehow I have found a stubborn persistence within me that I NEVER knew I had. I would feel SO mad at myself if I stopped at this point. I would let MYSELF down. I would be on my deathbed regretting it.

Facebook and Blogworld won't care at that point...but I will.

I have also learned I have a hard time using and spelling correctly PRACTISE/ PRACTICE!!







10 comments:

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

I really admire your commitment for 365 days of drawing, something I lack myself but would like to have. I don't comment a lot but I do follow through FB and I get your emails.

Shelley Smart said...

This is a very, very beautiful portrait!

Ever so often, you get to want to beat yourself up. Well, please don't! You are very talented and one of the most persistent people I know! It's a great challenge you set for yourself, and a fine example for anyone who just wants to draw more and NOT post it!

And besides, your challenge inspired me into this blogging thing, and I have THREE and a half months to go in my year at the beach! You'll be laughing on Jan 1, and I'll still have until Feb 21! Actually, I think it's been a whole lot of fun! Thanks for all your inspiration!

Johanna Spinks said...

thanks Shelley. Glad you are inspired. You have done so well with YOUR challenge. I don't see myself beating myself up in this post tho'. More observational.

Ruth Andre said...

Johanna, I love seeing the progression photos of the beautiful portrait. Lovely

Karen Bruson said...

Johanna,
I understand your struggle. This portrait is beautiful, however. I love the softness of your edges.

Kim Blair said...

Yes, some days it feels like we are all just talking to ourselves on our blogs... and maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. Perhaps blogging is like a mini therapy session... sometimes it may resonates with other people and their journeys.
Kim

Johanna Spinks said...

The ONE thing I have learned about blogging is that people ARE watching. I am much more cautious what I write these days.

Gwen Bell said...

There is so much joy in this portrait! And it's so beautifully painted. I admire you so much for sticking to your guns...almost a year! As a big fan, I would never guess that you struggle to draw. All of your work has a wonderful spontaneity to it.

mary maxam said...

thanks for this demo-the perfect halo of soft light you've captured is really lovely

Johanna Spinks said...

Thanks Gwen and Mary. Yes, drawing is always going to be something I have to work at. I feel ok saying this. Years ago I heard the most wonderful accomplished artist Dawn Whitelaw say the same thing. It shocked me at the time. But now I understand what she meant. And I accept it is just part of my art journey.