Oh I can absolutely relate to this! Especially the inability to start because the chair isn't soft enough, the angle of the easel isn't right and must be fixed, I don't have the perfect reference photo, my favorite pencil has disappeared. And on and on and on. I can recognize now (after the time I have spent in Hedgerow, with the learning and growing that happens there) these are just delaying tactics. I EXPECT to draw everything perfectly, and because I know nothing is perfect I use all these excuses to keep from starting and then being disappointed. I am working on changing all these feelings, to channel them into positive thoughts - the chair is fine and comfortable, this is a wonderful photo reference and aren't I lucky to have access to it, oh look I have lots more pencils that will work perfectly, etc. What I love best is your advice to stop and make a connection with my subject - really think about how this creature might feel, think, react. Then forget perfect and simply draw that connection - and however it comes out on the paper is perfect for that time. Thank you Natalie for always sharing the real stuff with us and gently giving us the tools we need to take that next step. ---Sherie
Oh I can absolutely relate to this! Especially the inability to start because the chair isn't soft enough, the angle of the easel isn't right and must be fixed, I don't have the perfect reference photo, my favorite pencil has disappeared. And on and on and on. I can recognize now (after the time I have spent in Hedgerow, with the learning and growing that happens there) these are just delaying tactics. I EXPECT to draw everything perfectly, and because I know nothing is perfect I use all these excuses to keep from starting and then being disappointed. I am working on changing all these feelings, to channel them into positive thoughts - the chair is fine and comfortable, this is a wonderful photo reference and aren't I lucky to have access to it, oh look I have lots more pencils that will work perfectly, etc. What I love best is your advice to stop and make a connection with my subject - really think about how this creature might feel, think, react. Then forget perfect and simply draw that connection - and however it comes out on the paper is perfect for that time. Thank you Natalie for always sharing the real stuff with us and gently giving us the tools we need to take that next step. ---Sherie
We are so hard on ourselves aren’t we! I love that we can practice letting go of expectations together ❤️