Saturday, April 13, 2013

cue Simon and Garfunkel: Slow down, you move too fast

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I used to work on an 18th century farm doing 18th century labor, where doing things the old-fashioned way takes time.  But there were 21st century time constraints, like each class having to finish their activity in 30 minutes.  For eight years, I have been trained to do slow things fast.


I'm relearning now.  I'm taking classes in classical drawing and painting.  My teacher's beautiful accent comes over my shoulder as she examines my work.  "Slow down, Jodi.  Slow down."  These instructions are good for me.  There are no shortcuts, no techniques allowed--just the fruit of repetition and the discipline of learning to render what you see.  She's an amazing teacher, and I'm learning to tell myself it's okay to take three hours to draw a simple egg. 


The first hour of class is excruciating.  It takes that long for me to warm up, to find my groove.  I love the analogy my instructor used:  "I would never hand you a violin and tell you to play me something.  I would teach to to play and make you practice, practice, practice.  Your pencil and your paintbrush are your violin."

She continues, "You must draw and paint every day, everything you see.  If you are drinking a glass of milk, paint it."  


homework



more homework



learning to conquer the palette



work in progress
first stage - blocking in - still life study

* * *

So that's where I'm at.  S-l-o-w-l-y, exercising lazy muscles, trying to squeeze every bit of goodness from this opportunity I've dreamed about.  Feeling blessed.

"Life I love you, all is groovy
ba da ba da da, da da da da..."


15 comments:

Unknown said...

ROLAND!!!

I love this post. It's such a metaphor for life isn't it? I was happy you posted because I'm finally out of bed, antibiotics are miracles...and I'm needing motivation to make my horribly messy house pretty (namely dishes) and I knew if you posted I'd feel the desire to make things homey and lovely.

xoxoxox

Unknown said...

Love Love this and you
xoox

Susan said...

Life is to be savored, for sure. Rushing is not good, but can become a mindset. I appreciate this reminder to really focus on the task at hand. You have a gift, truly. thanks for sharing it with us.

Nancy said...

Love this. Love the Russian accent. Love the homework. Love the hat tip to Simon and Garfunkel.

This is just all dreaminess. Good for you.

Julie D said...

I hope your teacher gives you tons of homework because I love seeing it! ;-) thank you for sharing your work! You are such a gifted artist, my friend!

Dewena said...

I've always been a slowpoke, Jodi. Now if I only had artistic talent I might be set to join your class!

I'm sure your instructor's teaching has taught you to see things with a new eye. It's nice to hear the excitement in your voice in these posts since you began your new class. I'm happy for you!

DrewC said...

Got Milk.....no wonder art is some times to pricey.....xoxoxo your loving younger brother

Val said...

Love the advice and will use it with the lambkins...it's hard to realize that skills take time.

Southern Gal said...

Slowing down at all is so hard for me. I loved reading this.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

What a blessing to be using your time this way........May your eyes be filled with beauty and your hands create what you sense and feel.

Anonymous said...

I think your egg looks wonderful.

Leslie said...

looks and sounds wonderful. keep doing it!

Lynn said...

Nice artwork! I think your egg is totally worth spending three hours on!

Connie Smiley said...

How wonderful, Jodi! I love your colors and your sketches--your pears are great. I love your reminder to slow down, and maybe you'll inspire me to paint.

amy in peru said...

wonderful. life is best savored. :)
i have gotten out of the blogging habit. but will start again as long as i can keep it slow...

:) so good to read you again, today.

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