A year ago almost exactly, I was sitting on a grassy triangle, looking across a narrow valley to the town at left. This is Flavigny, in Burgundy, France. Since my first visit the fall before, I'd had it in my mind to draw this place, but on that flawlessly sunny afternoon, perched on my portable stool, my art supplies spread out around me, I was daunted and depressed. I had not drawn actively in years, though I had been making paintings. I hadn't drawn for the SAKE of drawing. Yet, here I was. And there was Flavigny, rife with beauty and history. So I started at the left edge of my two-page spread and I drew. Lines, edges, shapes appeared. I, though, disappeared--- or at least my fears did. After it was all through, I saw that I had made a little world on paper. Mind you, it is no great shakes. ( I could do better now, I'm sure. I've been practicing!) It is only a sketch made in a half hour or so, by the side of the road. Yet, it got me started again on this drawing path, and because drawing gives me so much pleasure ---and meaning,really--- I am grateful for it.
I have other drawings from that trip to post later. A year later, they look different to me.
Oh my. I'm going back in time to your first posts and this is fascinating. It's amazing how far you've come and how much you've grown - in your blogging and in your art, drawing. You are such an inspiring artist and your blog is one of my favorite things!
So glad to "know" you and be part of your artistic journey! Thank you so much!
All the best,
Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | February 21, 2009 at 03:23 PM
isn't is strange, me too, hadn't drawn in years and have just started again, now can't ever image stopping.
this is just lovely lovely
and many thanks for your comment
Posted by: Cin | May 28, 2005 at 06:57 AM
Thank you, EDM buddies Linda and Janey. I knew you'd understand.
Posted by: LaureAnne | May 27, 2005 at 09:00 PM
That's an inspiring story. You should write it in the same journal and years from now you can read it and see where it all started (again). I find fear and inhibition come every time I think too much about what I'm drawing. As soon as I let go and let my hand take over, everything just seems to flow naturally. It's a lovely picture and as always I envy people who actually draw in a journal. My baby steps have sort of faltered in that direction of late.
Posted by: janey | May 27, 2005 at 07:47 PM
All of these are beautiful. I know what you mean about the difference between drawing and making a painting, too, although I never thought of it that way. Thanks for putting that thought into words!
Posted by: Linda | May 27, 2005 at 06:41 PM
Thank you, M. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
Posted by: LaureAnne | May 27, 2005 at 02:45 PM