This is also old, and so not exactly a #dailysketchext, but I wanted to share because it's from a specific stage in my artistic growth and drawing abilities. Just before I made this I was in a suffocating living situation that was stifling my spirit/will to live and even making art became very difficult. I decided to break out and try some experimenting in painting. Half-way through making my experimental piece I made the mistake of showing it to an artist friend. You know, one of those legit people with degrees and stuff. She was not exactly in love with my piece and couldn't see the beauty in where I was going with it or probably even what I was doing or why. Her comments, though brief and polite, snuffed out my last little flame for drawing or painting or attempting to "make art". This sketch came out of me instead of the rest of the painting, and it was the last thing I drew for a looong time. A few years later when I found the courage to pick up a brush and a pen, I found I had missed it terribly and that my skills had actually improved in some ways because even though I wasn't drawing for a time I was still practicing SEEING. Most importantly, though, I learned that I really loved to draw and it isn't worth losing my voice or my pleasure in it just because other people don't like what I do. I actually think it's a common trap, this idea that "I shouldn't draw because I suck at it". You know what, if you like it, who cares? And if you feel like you need a way to warm up to it, buy yourself a box of Crayolas and have at it. Just for fun. Just for you. Your voice will come, and it's worth having, even if just for yourself.
And, once again I must say...
Really. Srsly. Really. #idontpaytoliveinsandiegofor39degrees #iwantmymoneyback #secretlyimkindofenjoyingthis