Daily Notes- November 14

A Two-For today.  G was the Lucky One yesterday and got to get in the car and drive away from Dog Care.  While out he was out, he picked up Drawing Projects a book by Mick Maslen that I saw on Grace's blog a few weeks ago and asked for on interlibrary loan from MECA in Portland.   Maine College of Art.

I went to college in 1964 and took art classes and learned exactly ZERO.  The thought process for almost all my professors was that you were either an Artist (by birth) or you weren't.  They showed you how they did something (or they didn't) and then let you loose with your expensive art supplies.  Drawing was "show up and draw" what the assistant put out for us.  Or draw the same object five times (not a bad idea). No walking around with comments or suggestions either.   Figure drawing was a bit more- "draw the figure like (fill in the blank famous artist) would".  Involved a visit to the Art Library.  Some artists were new and not even in library books yet.  Silk screen class never mentioned Warhol's silk screen work.  Which was current events.  Mostly the professors were stoned and looking for an easy lay as we used to say.  Best way to a good grade.  I was not ready for that but the opportunity was there- both in English class and Printmaking.

This book.  This BOOK has opened my eyes to so much I missed out on (maybe the professors?).  Two renditions of my flower.  One stroke- pencil up and pencil down- no sliding across the paper.  Expressive.  Long loopy lines sliding on the page for this sketch.  The flower lends itself to interpretation.  I can't wait to do more of the exercises.

I also learned how to make buttercream.  Thank you Annie.

Riley is eating us out of house and home right now.  Three cans a day.