Drawn to Life - Volume 2

47 Understanding What You See

I often reflect on my audacity in coming to the studio and posing as an instructor. Many of you artists draw better now than I ever have or ever will. Yet I come, bringing my “handouts” for everyone to read and conduct some drawing classes where I make bold to criticize your drawings. How utterly offensive!

On my quote-adorned writing desk is a dilly by Destouches, a French physician and novelist, “Criticism is easy, art is difficult.” It humbles one to read such incisive acumen. But what is one to do? One cannot just retire and carry what little one knows to one’s grave. That would be more unforgivable than criticism. So, another handout unfolds with one old timer’s attempt to pass on some hints that he wishes he ...