See, power outages can be a good thing. I had received this commission to paint a pencil portrait of Moggie in a 4″ wide by 10″ high size a couple of weeks ago. Peeling myself away from the online part of making my living can be pretty tough, and honestly? I have a confession to make. I procrastinate. For good reason, I think (sometimes).
I haven’t drawn a drawing since High School.
Seriously, a true graphite pencil start to finish full drawing in its final form this is IT piece of artwork – it’s been about 18 years. You’d think that since I’m an artist for a living, I would produce more graphite drawings. I’ve worked in colored pencil, watercolor, oil, acrylic, even india inks – but it’s rare that someone asks a graphite of me. I always attributed that to not having any in my portfolio, I guess.
Once in a while though, I get a client who asks “can you do this?….” and of course I never decline. I will, however, procrastinate at least a little out of sheer fear that I’m totally inept and unable to create something with a certain medium on a certain ground.
I know, it’s crazy. I should know by know that this fear of mine is all in my head. This God given gift just flows through my hands out onto whatever is in front of me with whatever tool I have in my hand. I am so humbled by that. I finished Moggie lastnight (well, almost – she is in proofing stage and still needs whiskers and her tag wording, and then of course my signature) and when I took my hand away from the pad I thought “Woah. Well. There she is.” And when you finish something and see it through your own eyes but know it happened not because of anything you learned in school or taught yourself, it’s a sort of euphoria that you can’t feel from anything else.
It’s when you crave that euphoria that you find yourself doing what you’re meant to do more often, and feeling a sense of peace and calm in your life that you can’t attain any other way.
This is what dreams are made of, and this is how you live them.
Get in the Christmas Spirit!
Now Playing : God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
[audio:godrestyemerrygentlemen.mp3]
{11 Comments}
Amen, sister. Ain’t this the truth!
Thanks for the tune! I admire your talent so. You’re so fortunate to have that gift. The feeling of euphoria that comes when doing something from the soul is indeed special. I feel it when writing or when working on photos, which thankfully happens more now that I’m retired.
There’s a reason for everything; I guess you needed the quiet space to draw the kitty. Gorgeous, by the way!
Beautiful work, as always!
I do almost exclusively graphite. A lot of people really prefer black and white because it’s so classic. I prefer pencil to work with, because it’s so forgiving! I get intimidated by colored pencil because I can’t erase it, except Verithins, but that lack the exceptional color that Prismacolors have. Maybe you can recommend something to me.
I like the new look of your blog.
I know what you mean about tearing yourself away from the computer. I often turn it off because it’s too much temptation to ‘just check email’ but the computer can be such a time sucking machine! And if you do your own site and blog like I do, there is always something to be done online.
How envious am I of your talent?
Hi Darla,
When I use colored pencil, I’m a prismacolor girl. my ground of choice is Canson Mi-Teintes as the dimpled paper stock allows some really great texturing and depth with pencils.
I’m grateful to be able to offer web, blog and graphic design work in addition to commissioned artwork – it keeps me busy and indeed, sometimes I need a power outage to sit and enjoy getting back to the basics! 🙂
Moggie is BEAUTIFUL! You did a wonderful job, Leanne. Isn’t it something how God gives human beings the ability to create, which is…divine!
Beautiful Kitty! :meow: And garland too! I love your site today!!
Thank you!!
:thanku:
Finally, a cat! I watch your blog every day and have been hoping you’d do some more cats. Did you take that fabulous reference photo too?
You are the last person I would have guessed would have self-confidence issues with your art. The state of fear you describe often keeps me paralyzed when I should be painting. But you are right about what happens if you go for it.
Have also been inspired by your weight watchers adventure- I have lost 23lbs- 7 more to go (over months not weeks).
Thanks so much for sharing!
Finally another kitty! Love it!
Graphite drawings is one of my favorite forms, I have been drawing since I was in grade school. I still grab my pencils on occasions when the urge strikes. Nothing like that smell!
Beautiful drawing Leanne, you are a true artist! :clapping:
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