Getting my (artistic) Groove Back: Part 1 - Figure Drawing

I didn't announce this publicly, but my New Year's Resolution for 2012 was to get back into art. I really missed painting and drawing, but I could never quite find the time or the inspiration to do much about it. I think I've only worked on 2 or 3 paintings over the last 10 years, and I've only drawn (at a figure drawing session) twice. Sad.

So, I vowed to do more in 2012.

I got off to a slow start - I played around with some small canvasses, affixing Gingko leaves with acrylic paint and medium. (I'll post photos of those later - they are pretty neat) but that was more collage, or experimenting, versus painting.

I also participated in the Trans Pacific Art Show in January, which was wonderful. I used some of my old art, but it really did help me get more into the spirit of creating art again.

Anyhow, last week, I had a really good talk with Dick, and we discussed what it is I need to do to really get back into art, which I keep saying would make me very happy.

So, I made two decisions: I recently found out (that very day!) that a friend of mine, who I've known is a very talented painter, also offers lessons. When Dick and I had our conversation, we both thought it would be a a GREAT opportunity for me to get back into painting.

After that, I did a little research, and found a couple of studios that offered 3-hour drop-infigure drawing sessions. The costs are quite reasonable, considering the space, and the model, and the non-instructional sessions are offered two weeknights each week.

I decided to first check out the studio that was closest to home - probably about a mile away. I've passed by the location several times in the past, and always thought like it looked like a good space.

Anyhow, I went to my first session Wednesday night! (i'm post-dating this blog post to be dated for that same day)

I think my first session went very well. As I said, this one had no instruction. I figured that would be best for me for the first few times anyway to get my bearings, see how rusty I am, and to meet the instructor.

The session itself was great. There were about a dozen people there (most seemed to be regulars) and the model was fantastic. We did sets of 1, 3, 7, 10 and 20 minute poses. Before the 20-minute poses, we took a long break, went into the kitchen of the building (the instructor lives in this house, in which the studio is one room) and were offered tea and fresh baked goods! (Seriously - my kind of place!)

I promised a few friends on Facebook that I would show my art as I start and (hopefully) progress - the good, the bad, and the ugly. :)

I felt pretty good about my first time back at figure drawing in more than 10 years (and 18 years since my last class). I'm certainly rusty, but I don't think I totally suck. At least, I think you can get a sense of what the model was doing. :)

I'll let you be the judge. (be kind, please)