Friday, September 07, 2007

Soggy cereal



I was planning to do a graphite pencil sketch of the buncha bananas that we have, when I sat down for breakfast, but this looked like more fun. I’ve been working on ellipses with my class, and the banana slices seemed remarkably more appealing when I looked back and forth between the bananas and my cereal bowl (Not that the ellipses are very good. The slices just seemed more cheery). If I had done this in graphite, instead of a quick study in pen, my cereal would’ve been even more soggy. This, and the Snickers, speak loudly of the perils of trying to draw what you’re eating.

Arty notes: I’m enjoying doing sketches with my copic drawing pens, using the Talons opaque watercolor pan set (would that make it, pretty much, pan gouache?), and my Niji waterbrushes (water-filled). The opaque paint seems to go onto the moleskine sketchbook pages a lot more easily than normal watercolor paint, doesn’t bead up. The Talons set was one of the very few I could find; I’m not sure what quality it really is, but it seems to be working for me, finally.

Here are some thoughts on metaphors working in my life right now.

Making peace with some of these art materials – the pan gouache (but who can spell it correctly the first time?) and Niji brushes. I’ve been complaining about them for a while. And suddenly, they’re working well, together. Or, more accurately, I should say: I’m working well with them, together. It’s not them, but me; I’ve made peace with them and am enjoying doing quick little sketches here and there. You fight and fight, but when you just relax (Cesar Millan would say, “Sh!”), it’s easier to make peace. So many things that we all struggle with that we can’t get to work, but when you stop trying to force things, things suddenly and neatly fall into place.

And running. Oh, the metaphors are endless: You have to be able to walk before you run. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You know it feels great, but hate to drag yourself out of bed to do it. Slow and steady wins the race. Train slowly; don’t try to overdo it. Watch what you eat to fuel your body correctly. Remember to stretch and cool down. [sigh] I’m back putting time on the treadmill, trying to build up time. Yes, I know: Outdoors is better, the fresh air... Okay, but I like running, and the treadmill is just way more gentle on my joints. So there. On my off days, I do try to get outside, before the school traffic builds, for a nice long walk.
A walk’s as good as a run.

How’s that for mixing metaphors? And yet, it works, huh?

What have you been fighting against that maybe you could afford to just settle in with?
What long-term goal is out there that you could approach, slow and steady?

What foods would you love to draw, but just know it would be easier to just enjoy one thing at a time; either the food, or the drawing of it?

What metaphors seem to be recurring themes in your life?

5 comments:

CJ Anderso said...

Oh that is so FUNNY that you wrote that about Cesar Millan and energy. I just attended a seminar of his last Saturday where he focued on energy and instinct.

One thing he said was that he visualizes the outcome of everything before he starts it - that impacted me because you can see him doing it in his "Be the PackLeader DVD" (no commerical interest)

Well I cam back and yesterday decided that rather then tie the dogs by leash to the treadmill (I have an emergency stop setup) I would just let them get on and walk.

So I visualized it and WOW! THEY ALL DID IT! Didnt have to fight them or anything! Further more, the Lab greyhound liked it so much that he got BACK on with the beagle and I have a movie of the two of them walking side by side that I am going to upload to you tube in a bit!

So I was on a high from that. Then started thining about how I had to call a client back who had screwed me over so bad I wanted to rip his face off and hand it to him. Suddenly - all four dogs went after each other in a way that I have NEVER seen in over 50 years of being around dogs! Tere was blood in all 5 rooms by the time I got them separated!

(No one needed to go to the emergency room, thank heavens). I am absolutley sure it was my rage about this client who had caused me such grief, business wise and now wanted a favor from me.

Then last night, I was telling my partner about this while we were swiming in our pool The moment I started feeling how angry I had been, the dogs just flashed into a fight for no apparent reason!

I have become a solid believer.
(PS) I decided to just surrender the situation and see how it all works out then waste any more violent energy on it!

Unknown said...

Wendee you sure give lots to think about. As with our life and art supplies we need to figure out what works. Don't fight trying to get something to work one way when it works best another way. I applaud you for exercising. I need to get back to walking again. It just might help with the creative energy.

Jane LaFazio said...

Okay, it's sunday morning, I had a 1/2 cup of coffee so far, and you want me to be deep...
What have you been fighting against that maybe you could afford to just settle in with?
family.some volunteer work where I don't feel I get enough credit.

What long-term goal is out there that you could approach, slow and steady? bein' on TV teachin' creative stuff.

What foods would you love to draw, but just know it would be easier to just enjoy one thing at a time; either the food, or the drawing of it?
a salad

What metaphors seem to be recurring themes in your life?
that one I really have to think on.

I just take stuff one day at a time, and say YES to opportunites.

Wendee said...

@CJ - thanks for stopping by! Yes, we watch a lot of the Dog Whisperer ... isn't it interesting that for the most part, he's coaching and trying to train the people? That's very telling.

@Toni - Yes. If I can get in a good walk or run (and remember to eat well immediately afterwards, so I don't just slump over when I run out of energy afterwards ...), it really helps to set up the day. And it helps clear the mind, and walks outside always reveal something that you hadn't seen the days before ... We'd all love to see what observations you have on your walks (nudge, nudge).

@Jane - Deep? You crack me up. Like I plan to spring these deep things on you on nice sunny, lazy Sunday mornings. [smirk] I thought it was unusually deep too, actually.
I find that if I lead off with the really wacky, I'll get emails complaining about people having to wipe off spewed coffee from their computer screens ... someone breaking into uncontrolled laughter at work. Just trying to keep everyone on their toes...

Ophelia Chong said...

i use to draw martini glasses non-stop. then i stopped drinking cold turkey. now i collage. i draw when i am traveling, it's easier than dragging all my art stuff with me. i use to take exacto knives and glue sticks, but now the knives have to stay home. love the soggy cereal. :O)