Week 5: Drawing and Painting - An Introduction

 

**************                 Hello Again!              **************

 10-03-2022

        I hope that with everything that has happened over the last week that everyone is safe and secure. For those who don't know, this past week, Florida was hit by hurricane Ian. While Gainesville did not get the blunt of the storm, many areas in Central Florida were flooded and damaged by the storm. I went home to be with my family which also just so happened to be directly in the path of the storm. Thankfully, everyone was safe and my community remained mostly unharmed but there were a lot of surrounding areas that were impacted.

        With this unpredictable weather came a change in class schedule and in my medium for this project. School was canceled for the end of the week, giving me ample time to figure out exactly what I wanted to accomplish. I decided to start a two and one project that, if successful, will be one that I will continue after the project is over. Within my metaphysical practice, herbs and spices are very important. However, I have little to no knowledge on the subject. I decided I was going to start painting pictures of the herbs I am learning about and add the medicinal and metaphysical uses. This fits perfectly in the theme of growth for I am growing my knowledge, drawing plants that grow, and am learning how to grow the plants if I choose to do so. I decided I was going to work on one or two a week to not put too much stress on my schedule but allow me to make progress. 

        This week I decided to learn about Basil. Over the course of the week, I made my drawings and paintings. Below is my progress and final product over the week. 

***********************                           Monday                   ***********************

 

        On Monday, I decided I was going to sketch out my basil. It took me about 30 to 45 minutes to find a good reference photo and start sketching. Immediately, I fell into the zone and started to draw. Drawing as a kid used to have a calming effect on me and I am glad that it still effects me in the same way. I was completely immersed in my sketching. I forgot about all of the things I still had to complete and the worry about the hurricane. It really made a difference. 

        Physically, I forgot about any of the uncomfortable feelings I had felt that day. It didn't go away but my brain was occupied with other things. Mentally, I was in a world of lines and leaves. It was very soothing to me and I really loved it. I felt this fit my theme of growth because I got to return to my artistic roots and start growing them again. Here is a picture of my progress. 

***********************                       Wednesday                  ***********************

      

        On Wednesday, I decided I wanted to do the painting on the drawing. I just wanted to layer some colors on the page so I decided to go over it with green watercolors. It took me about 30 to 45 minutes, just like the drawing one did. I fell in love with this process. As a kid, I used to create pixel art that was full of me filling in squares. This was an even better version of that because it was me filling in something that I drew, not a pre-printed square. 

        Physically, I was very immersed. My pain was not as bad this day, for most of what happened today was hurricane prep and riding it out. It gave me some time to look at how the colors blend and try to replicate that. While my colors are messy, I love the way it turned out. Mentally, I was just obsessed with getting the best blending I could. I know that the more you add to it, the worse it could look. I decided that once I got it to a comfortable blend, I would stop. Here is a picture of my painting.

 

***********************                             Friday                    ***********************

        On Friday, I decided to do my outlining and add all the information I have gathered about basil. Outlining made a HUGE difference in the way it looked and I am so glad that I did it. I am in love with this week on the project. I cannot wait to continue expanding my herbs and art skills. 

        Physically, I didn't really notice any difference this time. Mentally, however, it was super satisfying to outline this picture. It made it feel like it was complete and that feeling was amazing. What an amazing discovery I have made. I have been able to combine two passions in my life and it makes me feel good. Shown below is the final product. If you want to use this information for yourself, please do!

See you all next week!