You know those people that are all do one thing a day that scares you...? I am not one of those people.
In fact, I don't particularly like the sensation of fear and would be happy to avoid it all together. That being said, tonight I'm doing something scary. Fun and exciting scary, but scary nonetheless.
In fact, I don't particularly like the sensation of fear and would be happy to avoid it all together. That being said, tonight I'm doing something scary. Fun and exciting scary, but scary nonetheless.
I'm taking my first botanical illustration class at the bbg. I haven't kept up with the old pencil and paper much since I graduated so I'm going to be very, very rusty.
After finding my great great grandmother's botany sketchbooks (from 1878!) a few years ago, I've been itching to brush up on my drawing skills and pick up a few botany morsels along the way. Might make working for Saipua even more special (like that's even possible) if I know all of the proper names for parts of flowers, too.
Plus, I'm getting a taste of back to school by sharpening colored pencils and picking out my first day of school outfit, which sadly includes no new sneakers this time around.
Aw! I used to love shopping for new sneakers at the end of August. Too bad those days are done. No place for sneakers in my office, and no money for tuition means school's kind of out of the question this year, too. Oh well. Good luck with your sketches!
ReplyDeleteOooo, PLEASE tell me you're going to be sharing your sketches with us! I LOVE Great Great Grandma's sketch book and giggle with delight every time you share a page with us! Can't wait to see how your progress!!!! :-)
ReplyDelete-K
What a fun class! Man, I love colored pencils. Colored pencils and sharpies! Ok, maybe I just love ALL school supplies! I can't even go into a Target this time of year :)
ReplyDeleteI know what I'll be doing tonight. Thanks for the motivation!
well, wow. that sounds amazing. and i love sharpening pencils. i too would love to see how you get on!
ReplyDeleteAmy, you are SO busy it amazes me how you find time to go to work! I know my daughter will hate me for saying this, but she keeps a high quality "colouring in book" and sharp Derwent pencils (even has her favourite colour in the range)at the ready....and she's in her 40's.....Good luck with your class!
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of you for trying something new and different. For facing those pesty fears. For daring despite ego/self preservation.
ReplyDelete"You have to be willing to be bad at something before you can be good at it".
I wish we could get you new sneakers that match your favorite pencil.
Which color in the box calls you the most?
Can't wait to hear how it went!
I am excited for you. Enjoy and tap into Gr Gr grandmother's talent. Oh, and don't forget your lunch. :)
ReplyDeletehow incredibly wonderful that you are following a path so dear to your heart in more ways than one! i am fascinated with botanical drawings and have a few books to 'get me there' ... maybe someday ... in the meantime, it is tres exciting that you are embarking on this creative excursion ... looking forward to a peek or two of your creations!
ReplyDeleteany particular faves for pencils or colours?
always smiling,
prairiegirl
Ohhh, how fun!! One of my favorite school projects ever was a watercolor plant diary from biology, freshman year of high school. It was the first time I thought "hmm, maybe I really CAN draw if I put my mind to it!"
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your sketches...
Best of Luck! There is something so romantic about botanical illustration, the time taken to observe nature and create these delicately rendered images! And what an amazing find of your great grandmother's field notes...a hidden connection!
ReplyDeletehow awesome! I hope you post some of your sketches along the way!!
ReplyDeletePS: love the sketches from your great grandmother!!!
what a great idea! i had no idea they taught classes like that at the bbg. i'm sure your sketches will be just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you learn. I've been dying to take this kind of class. I just know I could draw if someone told me how! Good luck and have fun.
ReplyDeletegood luck...sounds like fun!!!
ReplyDeletefantastic. I did a 4 hour course recently (not long enough) and I am dying to get into it. Please post your drawings.
ReplyDeletewait a minute! suddenly you have over 1,000 followers! wowza~!
ReplyDeleteso fun! i love the shot of your pencils!
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me.
ReplyDeleteIf you can try drawing again... so can I!
Thanks for the nudge.
"If not now... WHEN?"
Ohh ... I can nearly smelly the freshly sharpened pencils and the brand new package of paper. There is nothing in the world like it ... I think it may even top line dried laundry for taking a body back in time.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. So nostalgic ... and beautifully done.
forget the sneakers... go for lady slippers...
ReplyDeletehow cool to be working with flowers, studying flowers, illustrating flowers...
I really admire your creativity
How fun. Good for you to brushing up your skills.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you! And very jealous... I also feel like I haven't picked up pencils since I graduated. Thanks for the inspiration, and have fun!
ReplyDeleteBotanical sketches are very hard to come by and very chic right now, if you have an entrepreneural bent you could definitely score some dough by selling on etsy!
ReplyDeleteI really delight in your inspiration and willingness to fight your fears and do something so filled with nature, artistry, and fun!
ReplyDeleteI will visit again soon in hope of seeing your drawings!
Good luck and I am looking forward to seeing your drawings!
ReplyDeleteBy the way...I wanted to tell you that I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger award. Check out my 09-09-09 post for instructions as this is a "pass it on" award.
I really enjoy reading your blog and wanted to give you kudos from me!
umm. give me a few weeks to get back into the swing of drawing before i publicly humiliate myself in front of my sweet readers, k?
ReplyDeletenice blog...
ReplyDeleteWow, how exciting!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so exciting! I've started the term this week as well, with just as many butterflies in my stomach. Good luck with your class!
ReplyDeletex
Jess.
Wow, how fun-tastic is that! Similarly, I am entering the scary world of oil paint this college year. We have to make 10 paintings this month and the one I made yesterday still isn't even dry!
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel... I'm excited but a little bit scared! Sometimes I wonder why I am an art major when I love step-by-step directions and questions with one answer. :)
That is suh a lovely drawing and the picture with the colored pencil is just so "i wanna get back to school". just lovely, like your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have been painting a botanical mural of Southern California's wildlife on a wall at a school today. It was so much fun. I can't wait to see what you will draw!
ReplyDeleteSounds so much fun! I hope it went well.
ReplyDelete