Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Gerber Daisy

DaisyBackSmall

Graphite Drawing

Copyright 2009 Valerie Jones

Here’s my latest attempt at drawing.  I didn’t keep close track of the hours it took to create.  I’m estimating 5 hours of drawing pleasure.  This was done using graphite pencils and willow charcoal.  I had never used willow charcoal before.  I am pleased with the smooth, rich darks it creates.  Don’t use it until you are done with your drawing though.  It tends to easily smear.

Happy drawing!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Criticism

My lack of posts lately have been from exhaustion and vacation.  I’m sorry I haven’t been here for you.   I took some great photos while in New Mexico.  If you haven’t been to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or Madrid, New Mexico you must go sometime in your lifetime.  Many, many art galleries to be seen plus a lot of local culture.

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Copyright 2009 – Valerie Jones

My topic today is criticism.  How do you handle those times when people seem a little cruel and misunderstanding about your art?  Does the child within you step out to lick the wounds?  I read an article today from Body + Soul magazine, the May 2009 issue.  It states when someone lashes out at you in criticism, their inner child is speaking to you.  What insecurities could this person have that we don’t see?  When you realize this,  it is easier for your inner child to respond to the criticism.  Take a lesson from the criticism instead of burying it deep within you in anger.  Although we’d like,  we aren’t going to be approved by everyone in this world.  So, take a deep breath, exhale, and move forward in positive action towards the criticism.