Last night I went to art class, which may just be my favorite place in the world. Well, after ice cream parlors. But I really love art class! We’re a group of eight girls or so, and every Monday night we come to class with our lovely teacher, Judith.
This group has become like a family, and I mean this in the completely cliché way. We each work on our own independent projects (with Judith helping each of us with what we need), but we talk to each other while working. Sometimes we give each other constructive criticism (“I think you should add more color”, “your piece looks sloppy- was that what you were going for?”), but it comes from a good place of wanting to help each other and we always listen to what everyone else has to say. When we think we’re done, or we’re not sure what to do next, we pick up our piece and show it to everyone, and get feedback.
Art is just a really good place to be. Everyone there is calm, down to earth, artistic and kind. We trust each other’s advice, we share funny things that happen to us, we make fun of each other good naturedly and we love it when something comes out beautiful.
Yesterday’s class felt special. I’m working on a piece that I really love (there are pictures at the bottom of the post), and I’d been looking forward to working on it all week (we store our pieces there, because they’re big). As usual, first thing in you have to give everyone a hug. I did my rounds, and then set up my station. Throughout the whole hour and a half of class, I don’t think I ever stopped smiling.
Every few minutes someone would walk by and tell me how much they liked what I’m doing, and how beautiful it is. What I loved was not even the compliments (though those were nice), it was how genuinely complimentarily everyone was being: they weren’t just saying it. They could just as easily walked by without saying a word, or just stopped and looked as we sometimes do. They were letting me know they thought I was creating something beautiful.
At one point my teacher told me she hadn’t imagined my sketch would get to this level, and one of the people that’s in charge of the art classes came by (he comes by towards the end of class to see what we’re working on) and took a walk around the studio. He came to talk to Judith who was a few feet away from me and said something along the lines of “that portrait she’s working on…” then made the impressed face. Do you know what face I’m talking about it? The eyebrows go up a bit, the lips purse, the eyes widen and the head is moved slowly and dramatically up and down. I think that’s the face. Well, that the best description I can think of.
Anyway, it was just so much fun to be there, I absolutely love that place and those people. It’s what you’d call a “healthy environment”, and you guys know, I can use any “health” I can get.
Love,
Ella
P.s. In case you missed it, go back two posts and check out the picture I put on “Not This Way”. Read it, don’t read it, just make sure not to miss the genius that is the picture! I also added some new music loves to my list on “About”, if you’re interested.
Song Quote:
I wanna show you the thoughts I can’t put into words. -You’re Not Alone, Hudson Taylor
Wow, your work is amazing!!! I love the picture you are working on now.
And your posts are great, really funny and entertaining.
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What you described sounds like heaven to me. I’m an artist also. I wish I had a class around here like this. :) the environment, awesome. I also really like the piece you’re working on. Is it on a certain art board or paper?
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Brown, kind of course/textured paper. It’s perfect for the charcoal because it contrasts the white and black that I’m using, and the charcoal sinks into the texture of the paper so the color doesn’t look (for lack of a better word) slippy
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I am so happy to hear you are doing things you really enjoy and at the same time show a real talent for too. keep up the great work
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Wow that is stunning. I am totally incapable of drawing so I totally admire people who do have that skill. It’s lovely to read the joy you clearly take from art. It’s inspiring.
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It looks amazing!!! I have a lot of respect for people that can do that. Kudos to you!!!
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You are talented! Great job. :)
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Wow! Can’t wait to see the finish. I always enjoy when your blog pops up in my reader. :) makes me wanna get my sketch book back out, it’s been lying dormant for quite some time now.
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I love the sketch, but I also *love* the way you write, and that you have a place to go that you enjoy so much. Your description of the impressed face, by the way, was spot-on. ;)
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Wow. you’re very talented
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Amazing work
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Oh, and. The painting is amazing.
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Reading about something the writer is passionate about brings a smile on my face. I’m grinning by the end of this piece.
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Hi, I just wanted to say your blog really moved me. The writing, the ballet, the art, the Kodaline High Hopes – my day is much improved. Many thanks
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