fbpx

In preparing for teaching my online drawing class I am thinking about ways I could help my students. The internet is allowing me to teach people from the USA, Australia, Europe, South America and Istanbul! When I teach in a physical classroom, I get to know my students on a more intimate level. I am excited about teaching online and want everyone to get the most of the classes. One of the big questions that comes to mind is……..

Why do YOU want to learn to draw?

Everyone’s reasons are personal. Here are a few things I would like my blog readers as well as my students to think about:

  • You are looking to become a professional artist and sell your work.
  • You have always wanted to learn to draw but didn’t know where to start.
  • You have drawn for years and feel your foundation in drawing is weak.
  • You haven’t drawn in years and want to get back into it.
  • You love to draw and do it for pleasure and relaxation.
  • You believe you can’t draw but thought you’d give it a try anyway.

What are your expectations?

  • At the end of a class I should be a professional.
  • I hope to gain better insight into the skills involved in learning to draw.
  • I have been frustrated with my current skill level and need guidance.
  • I want to have fun and thought this would be something I’d enjoy.
  • I am hoping to have a good level of understanding of drawing and how to draw any subject.

What is your level of commitment in learning to draw?

  • I am committed to drawing every waking minute!
  • My approach is casual and plan to draw when I am in the mood.
  • I can devote an hour a day to drawing.
  • I am sooooo busy I will draw when I get a spare moment.
  • Come hell or high water I will get the fundamentals of drawing no matter how long it takes.
  • If it seems too hard or takes too much time, I will probably give up.

Some of these choices may seem ridiculous to you and to others completely rational and reasonable.

Here is a personal story:

In 1991 I decided to become a professional artist. I took a 2 year program at NYBG in 9 months. I worked full time, took classes and drew at least 20, sometimes 30 hours a week. Within 3 years my income came from my art and teaching art. I had a plan, committed to it and made it happen.

Since I was a little girl, I wanted to learn to play the piano. My parents couldn’t afford the lessons or the piano. I never learned to read music, but always sang and played the guitar because I could use my dad’s guitar. In 2009 my mom surprised me with a PIANO along with piano lessons. I had a teacher come to the house once a week, I practiced 30 minutes, 5 days a week for about 2 months. After that period of time I learned the scales and could play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” with 2 hands. I had no idea how hard it was going to be……. I quit, I gave up and haven’t played it since. I made a conscious decision…… I wanted to be really good…….but I wasn’t willing to put in the time to get as good as I wanted. I decided it was better to quit than to be awful or at best mediocre. There are so many things to do and so little time. I decided I can only stretch myself so far and playing the piano would be crossed off the list to other interests.

In both situations I am satisfied with my decisions. I would make the same decision again.

I hope I have given you some food for thought. Where decisions have you made about why art is important to you.

Share it with us. I would love to hear from you.