As primarily self-taught, I experienced a great deal of unnecessary frustration. It wasn’t until much later in life that I truly understood the importance of guidance and support. Since childhood, I had viewed the technical aspects of art as something I had to discover on my own, a solitary struggle. But banging my head against the wall was hardly the gentlest approach. Looking back with a kinder gaze, I’ve gathered my hard-earned lessons and decided to return to the basics.
For the first time and with better resources, I’ve chosen to learn from those who have walked the guided path, those who generously pass down their knowledge. I recently took a portrait class to refine my technical skills in drawing, and to my surprise, I discovered nice results from the challenges presented. With discipline and a more structured approach, I was able to create resemblance in my drawings. Taking things slowly and from a much more technical approach made all the difference.
I needed to deeply observe what I was looking at. I needed to fully engage with the subject to understand. The portrait class heightened my perception, revealing subtle details that significantly impact the finished piece.
Through this experience, I’ve internalized the importance of practicing slowly with intention. Since childhood, I’ve understood that drawing is fundamentally about contemplation. Therefore, I strive to continue observing, not just to see, but to truly understand so that my hands may follow my vision.
These are the results of my portrait studies, from the inside out.
