My dear friend, Priscilla, lives across the country from me. But sometimes, we exercise “together”—via headsets and smartphones—while she walks her pup in her neighborhood on the East Coast, and I amble through my neighborhood in the Midwest. Recently, while talking on one of our walks, Priscilla texted me one of her first watercolor drawings of her dog.
Her initial work delighted me. Surprisingly, she had already started to develop her own unique visual language as a beginner artist. I texted back a few suggestions for watercolor paper, brushes, and a bit about color theory.
A few days later, Priscilla emailed her vignette on why she appreciates drawing. So, I asked if I could share her lovely painting and prose. She agreed.
Why I Want to Draw by Priscilla Fox
I lose myself when I draw. It’s fun to completely focus on getting that dog ear right, or the wrinkled, worried brow that is so much a part of my pup’s expression. I love learning new things and honing new skills. Drawing helps me be a better observer of the world around me. I love spending time with friends who also want to learn to draw. We speak the same language! One is fluent and is patiently teaching me and my other friend. We laugh a lot and share stories and encourage one another. So, in one way, drawing is as much about friendship as anything, and that is a good thing.
Drawing helps me be present. If I am thinking about what I need to do when I get home, I can’t draw. It just doesn’t work to be preoccupied! I have notecards with this saying on them: “Every day is a gift. That’s why it’s called The Present.” In this way, drawing nourishes my soul.
When I draw, I am learning to focus on what I see, not what I assume to be there. Just because a coffee cup has a circular opening at the top doesn’t mean that’s the way it looks if you really look at it. I have to leave my preconceived ideas at the door before I pick up my pen. This also is a good thing to bring into the rest of life. Drawing reminds me to leave my prejudices behind.
My four adult children often tease me about making everything in life a children’s story. There is an ant on the counter that is “scouting for food for his family,” or there is “one lonely piece of pie left that is feeling unloved.” I have stories written that need pictures. Maybe, just maybe, I will be able to draw pictures to go with my stories. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy the process of learning to draw—and everything else it is teaching me.
I am doing art again because it relaxes me. I have no idea what I’m doing but I love it! Never had a class… C in art in high school- I had more fun being the class clown!
Art is a truly amazing way to think out loud in color.
Pat, it is so encouraging that you didn’t give up on art, after receiving a “C” grade in high school. I love how you are now using art as a healing therapy. Beautiful words: “Art is a truly amazing way to think out loud in color.” Thanks for sharing!
This is really good. Thanks for sharing!!
Our daughter Audrey is talented at art. I know she enjoys it but she doesn’t always have the time. But when she is creating I can tell it makes her happy💕
Michele, I love to hear about your creative support with your daughter. My parents enrolled me in art lessons when I was young. I attended adult classes at the mall as the only child in the program. Thanks so much for the feedback. I hope your daughter keeps nurturing her creative spirit.
I really enjoyed Priscilla’s story, thank you both for sharing it. It made me think about Ray and how much he enjoyed painting.
It also reminded me how you and I met and how much joy you have brought to me over the years. I needed to “hear” Priscilla
say “Every day is a gift. That’s why it’s called The Present”. This is something I have always believed but I had forgotten it during
this past 8 months. especially the past few days. I needed this reminder and truly believe this story was meant for me to read. Please give Priscilla my thanks and thank you also Pamela.
Pam, it is wonderful to hear from you! Thank you so much for your note. I’m so honored that my work played a small part in inspiring Ray to paint again. It is also wonderful to hear how Priscilla’s story encouraged you, especially in the midst of everything over the past few months. I’ll pass on your appreciation to Priscilla. Thanks again!