We were tasked with copying a painting. I chose Two Populars On a Road through the Hills by Van Gogh. Considering I have no idea how to use oil pastels, I fairly pleased with the result. Now that I’m done with assignment, I understand that the only way to get true white is to use it first. Then scrap off any other color that get applied later. Also my version of this painting is almost the same color value — medium. If I had true white, it would be a bit better. I should also add a few more spots of dark color to get more dark spots.

Next week, I’ll get my second opportunity to work with oil pastels when I attempt to copy a photo. It ought to be interesting.

At the beginning of the semester, our instructor made the point that with practice anybody can learn to draw to a certain level. We (non-drawers) just need to train our brains to preceive the world differently. While I never felt like I could draw, I gave myself permission to learn and have fun. Since then, I’ve had a lot of fun just drawing. I can even see an improvement in my skills.

So far graphite pencils are my preferred medium. I can even tell the difference between the different shades of pencil. I’ve experimented with charcoal. It’s not my thing, too messy. Next week we’ll work with oil pastels.

Now, I’ll share one-in-progress drawing, granted not the best pictures. This is a mushroom morphing into a gnome. Stage two and three are in progress, but not photo worthy quite yet.

The gnome and the mushroom are pretty much set. I just need to get the in-between stages. I shared my progress at class last night. A lot of people, including my instructor, thought my idea was a good one. Now I just need to make it happen. After I’m done with the picture, I might redraw the images on bristol board or illustration board so I can get a nice scanned image. It would a good way to spend my Christmas vacation.