I started to draw only recently (2022). I tried watercolour and acrylic. It was difficult because I found that I couldn’t draw. I didn’t know how to look at something and execute it.

I hit the books to learn that skill. I borrowed a number of them from the library but I did not progress much. I found Artist Network series called Drawing Together on YouTube. The teacher is Scott Maier who has a great book out called See Think ,Draw. As he drew, he explained his decision making process and that made a lot of difference to a beginner. Each drawing taught a new skill and reinforced something else he was doing in another drawing.

The other problem was that I could not draw at home. It is a me problem. I kept interrupting myself to do household chores. My home isn’t that neat and tidy and that is why I felt a compulsion to clean and tidy up. To avoid this, I go out to the library to draw – after cleaning the home.

Younger, I had dreams of being a novelist but writing stopped being fun. I kept wanting my writing to be right on the first time. (This is impossible.) Plus, my inner critic kept saying whatever I had written is really bad. Drawing is way more fun mainly because I never wanted to be an artist. I have no plans to sell art or be well known for art. It is a new playground for me to explore. To have selfish fun.

When life hit me (husband had a heart attack), I needed that fun. My me problem melted away after I had a fall and was hospitalised. I couldn’t do any household chore. I couldn’t stand or walk. Sitting up was a challenge. So I had nothing except endless YouTube and drawing.

Currently, I can feel how amateur my drawings are – there is a stiffness in it. I need more drawing practice for it to go away.