I enjoy “Life-Drawing,” the traditional academic study of the human form, and the challenge of representing the figure, but I often find this type of drawing to be equal measures of two different and sometimes opposite emotional experiences.
1st- On one hand, the drawing experience is uplifting and affirms the wonder and beauty of the human form with all it’s complexity, subtlety, and variation. Along with this there is pleasure taken in exercising the amazing gift of seeing, which is paired with the control of art tools and medium to simply – and with expressive intent or faithfulness – portray what is being viewed. Sometimes this is done very quickly to capture a gesture with a few decisive marks or strokes, while at other times the drawing process is a slow and thoughtful rendering of observed nuance, subtle shadow, and turning form created by degrees of differing light and shadow.
2nd- On the other hand, drawing the figure can also be a humbling experience in facing the knowledge of one’s own limitations of expression and technical facility.
I find that these two experiences, when combined, reinforce and are a reminder of the value of patience, perseverance, repeated effort, and dedication toward leaning or improving a skill. Any skill.