Sometimes wanting to be “perfect” stops me from finishing projects. I’m now too tired to strive for perfection. I figure it’s time to experiment and remove expectation to get my “spark” back.
I’m comfortable abstractly sloshing paint color around but “drawing” is another matter. Put a pencil or pen in my hand and I tighten both my grip and expectation.
With that in mind, I purposely held the pencil very loosely and literally scribbled “areas” rather than try to draw perfect lines. I didn’t bother trying to copy anything, look at any references, decide where the light was coming from or have a plan. I just scribbled. I like the looseness of the drawing and taking away expectation of being precise was enjoyable.
Maybe this is a good lesson to apply to other areas of my life . . .
judy’s journal – Scribbled and scratched in the face with pencil and pastel chalk
CURIOUS to the MAX 
“Sometimes wanting to be “perfect” stops me from finishing projects. I’m now too tired to strive for perfection. I figure it’s time to experiment and remove expectation to get my “spark” back.”
I may just have to post this above my desk. Thank you for the inspiration! I feel looser already.
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Kie,
If you sell it I’d like royalties!
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Judy, whatever the process, the result is amazing.
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Chuck,
Thank you! I guess I’m still observing processes (even if it’s my own) even though I’m officially retired from analyzing!
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Good grief you are a beautiful artist. Love that picture (though I see her headache on the left side)
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Jacqui,
You can not only see through me you can see through my art – yup the headache is still there (in both my head and hers). Thanks for the compliment!
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I see a softer face in your drawing. Think your stress reduction showing now that you are retired?
Sent from my iPhone
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Linda,
Interesting observation – my stress is absolutely reduced (that’s probably why the fibromyalgia symptoms rushed into the void!)
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I would call this a gestural drawing – flowing and intuitive. When I taught art, I assigned several lessons to encourage kids to learn to draw this way, dumping their artificial expectations and moving toward authentic expression. Your drawing is lovely – please try more.
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Shari, B-P,
I will try more – particularly now that I know what to call it! I bet you were/are a great art teacher based on the art you’ve created that I’ve seen.
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It’s rather like the writer/editor thing. We want to wear both hats at the same time and then we don’t get anything done. Do the think and then refine …. Easier said than done sometimes.
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Jamie,
Your comment is really interesting. When I think about it I like the editing process in writing but not in art. I can edit a piece of writing forever but with art I like it fast and spontaneous and don’t have much patience for detail. hmmmmmmmmmm
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This is actually very beautiful. One of my goals is to be looser as well. I started getting there with the drawing to music activity.
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Thanks Mama C. Isn’t it interesting how as adults we have to practice loosening up. The children you teach already know how. Guess it’s all about expectation, ultimately.
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