There is a story from my childhood about a boy who went to a neighbor looking to earn money. The neighbor, whom we will call Mr. Persnickety, said he could mow the lawn. The boy was to supposed determine if he had done a $1, $2, $3 or $4 job and tell Mr. Persnickety. If the man agreed, he would pay the boy that amount.
I’ve never forgotten the story. In applying it to drawing, my early work would be the $1 job. Have pencil, have some skill, have great eagerness, will draw. It is probably the equivalent of making one quick pass across the lawn with the mower. Here are 2 of my early drawings. I had no idea how to handle trees or shrubs, and if someone asked me to draw a building, I drew it. Just it. Nothing else but it. Start at the beginning, finish at the end, sign, get my dollar and go home.
7 Comments
I know what you mean about just drawing the thing you’re drawing instead of the whole scene, but I hardly think you’ve done a $1 job here! I like both the newer and the older ones, especially like the snow on the one in this post.
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Jana! I used to be so embarrassed of my earlier work. Now I view it as evidence of growth.
Cheryl, sorry the link didn’t work. Computers and WordPress could be named “Mr. Persnickety”! Practice is key to doing anything well – is there anything in the Bible about that? And Joy, I agree with you on contrast and too much detail BUT if you are totally honest, you will have to agree with me that those trees are just sorry-looking!!
I still love the “cabinart” one. I am partial to high contrast, and it has a great focus that might be lost if all the greenery was done with the same dark pencil and attention to detail.
Jana, I tried to leave a comment on the Part 2 post, but the link wouldnt’ work for me. Loved looking back down through this one, though, too, and seeing how you’ve grown as an artist. Very cool! What you said about practice is so true where all of our skills are concerned.
I just love the cabin sketching … of course, I am prejudiced … 🙂
Thank you, Diane! That is the drawing that began Cabinart. Michael told me people would pay me to draw their cabins and I didn’t believe him!
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