Midway through 2006 --- time to reconnect to the goals I set for this year. My main goal was to become more fluent in drawing, increasing my vocabulary of images, subjects, mediums, gestures. I've devoted one sketchbook a month to a different topic, with a page for every day of that month. With the drawing posted here, I've completed six sketchbooks.
*the last sketch in 'In the Garden' month, done in gouache, acrylic and pen.
There have been times when I wish I hadn't committed to this---days of boredom, of stress, of muttering 'not ANOTHER interior/garden/tree/landscape/people, food sketch!' Still, I've never really thought of reneging. It's not so much the dailyness of the project (scores of people make daily paintings and drawings), as the limits involved in sticking to one theme for a month that I've chafed against at times. But that is how I grow---by working within set parameters, especially ones I devise. I couldn't do this if someone else had told me I had to! I don't know if my skills have improved, but I do know I've done all sorts of drawings I don't usually do and that can't be bad.
The greatest benefit has been how deeply connected I feel to my world, as a result of going out there, week after week, sketching. I've seen so many new things, even things I'd looked at a million times! When I sketch a subject, it becomes mine, at least in part. I cathect it, I invest in it, I mint it in my own currency. Luckily, this process takes nothing away from the person, place or thing in question---but it adds so much to me. I didn't expect it, but I feel more alive and alert---and grateful--- as a result of this project.
I've tweaked my original topic list. July will be still lifes. August will be animals, I think. September will be a broad topic, 'Out and About'---I want to limber up for October, the month I'll spend drawing in Paris. So far, I've enjoyed Exteriors and Landscapes most, with People a close second.
I won't reassess until the end of December. If you have any comments or observations or questions, I would really love to hear them. It has been my great privilege to have your company on this quirky Laurelines journey.
As this is a holiday weekend, I may wait a couple of days to start the next topic.
Beautiful colors and composition.
Posted by: Nina | July 08, 2006 at 01:47 AM
:)
(you are very generous to me you know)
Posted by: Cin | July 05, 2006 at 01:01 AM
Thanks so much, Susan, Toni and Cin. Susan, I've got a few ideas percolating for next year--we'll have to wait and see what develops!Toni, thank you for coming and for your kind words. Cin--talk about inspiration being a two-way street. You are one of my chief inspirations and one of my very very favorite artists in all the world.
Posted by: Laura | July 03, 2006 at 02:23 PM
congrats Laura on the half way mark! your commitment IS inspiring, there is such a lot of hard work in this project, your joyous drawings belie that fact, you keep me going, your curiosity and inventiveness always inspiring and reminding me to try for more, many thanks!
Posted by: Cin | July 02, 2006 at 06:17 PM
You have quite a following and that is a good testament to your commitment. Although I've just recently been reading your blog I admire and applaud you in your efforts.
Posted by: Toni | July 02, 2006 at 05:56 PM
Laura,
1. I can't believe you're halfway through your enlightening, delightful, inspiring project.
2. which means we are all halfway through yet another year.
3. I'm so excited for Paris/october I can hardly wait...except that means we'll be so close to the end of your years project and will just have to trust that you have something wonderful up your sleeve. Like a BOOK!?
Posted by: Susan | July 02, 2006 at 11:18 AM