I almost forgot to do my last post.
It's that time again-- the end of the semester. For some reason, I don't really start "getting it" until around the end of semester; perhaps that is because I don't practice in my sketchbook the way I should. Oh well. I'm going to try to bring in a good haul this year; I'll try. Frankly, I keep digging that hole that traps me in low-budget time constraints. Not deliberately from laziness, more like from a mismanagement of time that causes priority battles and trepidation in the hours I should be working. For instance, that charcoal-- I can't stand it! It makes lovely drawings, but I never finished! At first, the prep took me too long, and then, I had to learn to dig with that eraser. Sadly, the first few weeks attacked my stamina as well. I kid not when I say that I need to work out. As a result of this, maybe one or two of my charcoal erasure drawings are actually finished, and they, as well as the others, need touch-ups. As far as charcoal practice in the sketchbook, that is actually something that I should have had a few two-page spreads of, but I spent too much time thinking about the best time and place to do it because I wanted to spray fix it and let it dry properly. You know how I am about charcoal dust. Alas, this conceptualization caged me, and I never actually did it. Unfortunate, I know. Drawing 2 has really made me appreciate line-only drawings.
Which brings me to my next topic: the homework and portfolio. There are several homework assignments that it would have greatly benefited me to rework. But again, I waited too late to do it, so that won't happen either. I've got too much going on with 2D and 3D design for that now. On the bright side, seeing the drawings in their mediocre state at least serves as visual evidence of my process, pacing, and progress throughout the semester. As for the portfolio, I'm going to try to work at some of my in-class drawings a little before turning it in, as a lot of them are far from finished. I hope to come out of Drawing 2 with, heaven help me, a "C". At least I'll pass.
Despite my disappointments, some good came out of the semester for my growth as an artist. I've slightly picked up my pacing, and I think that some of the experience has edified my confidence, so I hope to perform even better in my future classes. It takes two, baby-- two semesters. Also beneficial, of course, was the exposure to different drawing techniques. The ink wash was a lot of fun, but it was not exactly easy either, simply because of the drying process and the danger of over-inking. I killed the leaves in the center of that plant. Most of all though I'm going to miss our group; we became almost like a little family. I hope that every one has a relaxing and safe Christmas holiday.
