Saturday, June 17, 2006

ONE YEAR THIS WEEK!



I can't believe that it has been ONE YEAR since I picked up my pencil and decided that THIS TIME, I was REALLY going to learn how to sketch. It has been about six months since I began to SERIOUSLY work with watercolor.

I pulled out my first sketchbook this weekend -- a dollar store blank pad with text-weight paper. I flipped to the first pages -- those I was working through while reading "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." Then I picked up the Raffine 100# paper, sprial sketchbook I am currently in love with and compared the sketch/watercolor I did yesterday. MY GOODNESS!

There is something to be said about that ol' "P" word -- PRACTICE. It certainly DOES pay off!

But then, I haven't done this alone -- far from it. I want to take a moment to thank YOU, my sketch-a-day friends who have been extraordinarily generous and kind with your 'TERRIFICs" and your "WAY TO GOs" and your "AtaGirls" ... you can't know how many times that WONDERFUL encouragement helped me pick up my pencil or brush and keep trying -- page after page, day after day.

So while I am celebrating this week, I will also be celebrating YOUR friendship and encouragement, and thanking you from the bottom of my heart.

You can truly see it has made a difference.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a true pleasure and privilege to be the first to say congratulations! and happy anniversary.

Thank you for letting me into your personal journey and for all you have taught and shared in this short time!

jill said...

wow, lin -- you ROCK! of course i've seen your drawings and postings over the last year, but to see the comparison of "then" to "now" right next to each other really focuses on how much has changed. great job!!! and keep going, as i can't wait to see how much more you progress.

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Year, Lin! I too am just amazed at the difference in your two drawings...I must say perseverance has certainly paid off for you. What a wonderful gift to yourself, to really learn something so well and enjoy the process the entire time. Regular school was never this much fun!

starrgirl's world said...

Wow! Doesn't it add up when you're not looking? This is a great progress post. congratulations and happy anniversary!

Anonymous said...

You're amazing! I had no idea you'd only been sketching for one year, honey--your work is a delight and so are you.

Linda said...

Yay! Congratulations on making it a year! You've made such wonderful progress, and YOU'VE been a source of inspiration and encouragement to many other people, too! :-)

Anonymous said...

Lin, practice is what it's all about, absolutely! And you're a great example of how consistency and work really make a difference. Way to go!

Alison said...

So so satidfying to feel able to draw at last and to know that you can get more skilled if you put the time in. Well done.

Jan Allsopp said...

Wow! What I lovely journey. You definetly show what practise can do if you have only been sketching for a year! Thanks for the practise-inspiration!

Julie Oakley said...

The number of people that say - 'I wish I could draw' and find it difficult to accept that it is just practice. This proves what can be done with dedication. You've done so well. I love this latest watercolour.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Lin. Great demo of the progression from last year to now. Isn't it really amazing how we really can benefit from a supportive learning environment - even as adult learners. Thank you for all of your support on all of our entries. Somehow you always manage to be first when I post a new entry on my blog!

Ujwala Prabhu said...

Congratulations! I wish you improvement with every new day.

Teri said...

Lin, it has been such a pleasure to have you as a blogging friend. YOUR encouragement has meant so much to me and so many other people.

You keep getting better and better! Imagine next year at this time.

Ger O'Rourke said...

Congratulations! Maybe you'll be having an exhibition this time next year? You've inspired me to get going agian. All the best, Ger

SDE said...

WOW, what a difference. I hope to be able to show the same improvement a year from now!

Penny said...

Atta Girl! You go! This has all been such a fun adventure! Watching all of us grow as the year went along! Your watercolors are really something to be proud of Lin! I agree that this and other groups have been so wonderful! Like you, my blog is also almost a year old. What wonders it has opened up for me! Thank you for all your posts -- and I look forward to seeing the next year roll in!! Alos, thank you for all your supportive ocmments in my blog!

Anonymous said...

Wow; aren't you glad that you kept the very first one -- yes, one can really see the
progress you have made. I am amazed and
so happy for you. I wish I had your tenacity -- I flit from one thing to another -- master of none but still having fun!
Lorraine

Terri said...

Congratulations!! One year? My how time has flown. You've come a long way my friend. I'm so glad I've been able to share your journey during the last year. I'll certainly be around to see more improvement over the next year too!!