One of my drawing students brought in a very faded snapshot from about 40 years ago and asked if I thought she’d be able to draw from it. I asked her to scan it and email it to me so I could improve it for her (using the baby version of Photoshop).

I didn’t save the original version of the photo to show you, but here is the new and improved version.

As I worked on the photo, I had an overwhelming desire to draw it myself. I asked my student, who graciously replied, “Sure, but I want to draw it too. Is that okay?”

My response was something like, “Of course it is okay, but I don’t want to make you feel bad when I finish it in 2 days instead of 2 months!”

We both laughed, and then I realized that if I draw it first, it will be a helpful tool for her to use along with the photo. It is easiest to draw from other people’s drawings, second easiest to draw from black and white photos, third easiest to draw from color photos, and hardest to draw from real life.

Actually, it is probably hardest to draw from memory, but since that doesn’t happen in my life or my classes, that never crossed my mind until now.

Irresistible subject, yes?

ART INSPIRED BY MINERAL KING

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019, 10-2, SILVER CITY RESORT