Do you consider yourself to be artistic? All of my life I have been in awe of people who can draw and paint and create art, but have never considered myself to be artistic. Increasingly, though, my photography has opened up a creative side that I am trying to nurture.
As some of you know, I decided that I want to try my hand at watercolor painting and did a posting not long ago on my first efforts at doing a landscape. I don’t usually shoot landscapes with my camera, so I thought that I would try a more familiar subject for my second project—I decided to try to paint a dragonfly. In retrospect, I probably should have chosen an easier subject, but I am so inexperienced in art that I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into.
For inspiration, I used a recent photo that I took of a female Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera). I have already included it in a blog posting, but am reprising it as the final photo, so you’ll know what my artistic efforts were supposed to look like.
I tried a couple of different approaches to my subject. First I tried sketching the dragonfly. I didn’t have a pencil handy, so I used a Bic ballpoint pen. My observation skills and sense of proportion are definitely lacking, but it was surprisingly fun to try. Without an eraser to correct my errors, I felt a bit like I was walking on a tightrope without a net.
Then I tried to draw with Crayola crayons? Why? I happened to be at Walmart yesterday and picked up a pack of 24 for only 50 cents at a back-to-school sale. My drawing looks a bit like a cartoon to me.
Finally I was ready to try watercolor. I decided that I would do the painting without bothering to sketch it out. Oops. I was using some inexpensive paper and it started to buckle a bit when I tried to cover the entire area with an overly wet wash of light green. I think I then attempted to put on the next layer before the first one was fully dry. I still feel like a second-grader in my watercolor skills, but it still was enjoyable trying to see what worked and what didn’t.
I did my final attempt in a sketchbook that is not intended for watercolor. I sketched out the dragonfly with a mechanical pencil and then colored the sketch with my watercolor paints. Out of all of my attempts, this is the one that I like the most. I felt a bit more confident in using the paints and in some of my strokes.
So what did I learn? Most significantly I learned that it’s worth taking a risk of feeling embarrassed; that it’s ok to try something new and achieve only a limited amount of success;, and that the amount of enjoyment that I can derive from a creative pursuit is not directly tied to any specific outcome.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice! Your transparency as you learn inspires me!
Thanks, Molly. It is encouraging for me to read your reaction. It’s going to take me a while to develop any sense of confidence and competence. Folks who read my blog have been so supportive of my photography that I feel like this is a safe place to be open about my initial tentative steps into painting and drawing.
I’d put one or two on the fridge for a while 🙂
Seriously, I think it’s great that you’re trying to expand. If nothing else, it will help make you an even better photographer (sand that’s a tall order).
Actually I like your idea of putting one on the fridge. It serves as a good reminder to me. Many of the skills required for drawing and painting are the same ones needed for photography–composition, colors, tonal values, etc. I don’t know for sure how things will evolve, but one possibility is that I will do some nature sketching/painting while out in the wilds with my camera.
🙂
I don’t know how artistic I am but I’ve always dabbled in drawing and painting and always found it very relaxing. It comes naturally, I suppose.
Like anything else you learn little tricks and technique as you go along but those aren’t bad for early work. Stare at them awhile and they will speak to you and tell you what if anything they need.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have a lot to learn in terms of technique, but already it is starting to get a slight bit easier. I watched a video recently in which the artist talked about doing intentional strokes. It reminds me of what you had to say about the paintings speaking to me.
I’ve read over this post with a huge smile on my face Mike! When we see your art, we inevitably get a view into the aspects of the subject that appeal to you and that is very special and different to looking at a photo. I know a photo is selective too of course, but a sketch or watercolour is so personal and you invest a lot of yourself into it. I was taken with how you’d taken the trouble to get those little legs just right!
Thanks, Liz. I hadn’t thought about this in the way that you described, but, of course, you are absolutely right. In photography, you taken advantage of a situation that you are given, with only a limited ability of shaping it. With something like painting, you have to make a conscious decision to include something or it won’t be there. I guess it really is very personal (and yes, I did think a lot about those little legs as I was trying to paint them.) I hope you realize, Liz, that you are largely responsible for me jumping into this now–I was like a little kid at a swimming pool, clinging to the edge, hesitant to jump into the water. Thanks for giving me a little push. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing that with me Mike, its really heartwarming to think I played a part! And I’m well rewarded with getting to see your creative artwork emerging into the blogosphere!
Benjamin and I spent most of the day outdoors, the weather was perfect and we had not been together for the last 4 days. We went “adventuring”! That is Benjamin’s word for a long, leisurely amble through the woods with a backpack for bringing home his “treasures” after our snacks have been consumed. We saw chipmunks, squirrels, a rabbit, ants, bees and butterflies…but, no dragonflies. Long story to say that upon our return, we just had time to visit your earlier post before he went home. He will be ecstatic to see this post for two reasons : 1) A Dragonfly! and 2) Benjamin has just started watercolors this month, under Gem’s close supervision. I can’t wait for his take on your art! My take…amazing! The rendition of the photo is divine. I am not an artist, but I highly recommend Charlie O’Shields blog “Doodlewash”! These are the last 2 days of July’s World Watercolor Month that he started. Do visit! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
Thanks for the update. I am very much a fan of doodlewash. I ordered a couple of the special pouches celebrating Worldwide Watercolor Month and in fact was pushed to get something done before the month was over. It’s so cool and interesting that I share so many interests and passions as a four year old.
I think its great that you branched out and tried something new! I like them and say as long as you enjoy it keep at it!
As for me and my artistic skill, I already know very well what it is and sorry won’t be posting pics on here. 🙂 Words are my art form and I am perfectly fine with that! My sisters got the artistic gene. 🙂
Thanks. There are so many different ways that people can express themselves creatively and some choose to specialize in one, while others dabble in different ones. It’s kind of like learning a foreign language, whose words and manner of expression cause you to view the world around you in a different way. I can’t be sure how long I will stick with it, but as I move closer toward retirement, it’s nice to know that there will be lots to keep me busy.
Mike! I love it!! I love that you are branching out in your creativing! I hope you will continue to draw and paint and continue to share! what a wonderful treat to see and read.
Thanks for the words of encouragement, Jodi. There are so many talented artists like you on-line that I feel a little embarrassed to post my photos of my modest efforts. Your decision to use one of my photos as inspiration for a painting a while back was one of the factors that sparked my interest in watercolor. It strikes me that most of us are unaware of the degree to which we affect others. Sharing my efforts through my blog is one way of letting you and others know about your influence and perhaps will pay it forward by encouraging someone else to share what they are doing.
So lovely of you to say mike! I often feel the same way about my art mike so keep on!!! I’m so glad I played a small part in you discovering this!!!! ☺️
Like so many others, I also love your courage and willingness not only to try something new but also to share the results and your feelings about the whole process. It’s a wonderful reminder that, one, one is never too old to launch a new learning adventure, and two, a lot of practice is necessary if we want to develop a new skill. I love how you took the time to render the dragonfly multiple times, using different media. I admire your patience and your spirit of adventure!
Thanks, Nina. I am curious by nature and tend to be both patient and persistent. Those traits serve me well when I am taking photos and I think they are also reflected in my approach to painting. The only courageous thing about what I am doing, I think, is sharing it with others. In one sense I don’t really carry what others think, so embarrassment is not a huge thing for me, although in another sense, I do care what others think. Does that make any sense? I am heartened greatly by the overwhelming sense of support that I have received from the folks with whom I have shared my adventures.
I think you did fantastic Mike!! 😃 I’m impressed! Drawing your subject several times (the more different art mediums you try, the more fun in my opinion) helps you to really SEE your subject. I’m glad you did it and posted your process. 🎨👍 You learned a lot and tackled a difficult subject too!! 🦋
I pared the post down to just the explanation of each picture and then Benjamin focused on the enlargements, each in turn until we reached the photo. It seems only fair to warn you, he has become quite the Toddler Art Critic! On the first drawing, he just shrugged his shoulders and wanted to move on. The second drawing : “He stayed inside the lines, that isn’t easy! It’s a very good drawing.” The third one got a “not bad, I like it.” On the fourth, he went back and forth between the photo and the painting for awhile. Then he said : “Wow, Mr. Mike can take the bestest pictures and now paints them too!” He also wants to tell you : “to use watercolor paper when you paint, not regular paper!” and to “put your pictures on the refrigerator cause that’s what Gem does with mine, I like it!”
[…] he is also beginning his artistic journey and is delving into the world of painting and sketching. One particular post talks about how you have to liberate yourself to experiment and be self-forgivin… I remember telling my mother once, that I can only learn from making mistakes, and finding your […]
I like your drawing and coloring skills.
Thanks. I have a long way to go, but everyone has to start somewhere. It has probably been more than 50 years since I had last had an art paint brush in my hands. 🙂
Hi Mike; thanks for the recent ‘follow,’ which led me here. I admire your quest to tackle watercolor, which some say is the most difficult medium to master. You are doing very well! Long ago one instructor stated that one can learn more by painting the same ‘image’ X amount of times, than by painting the same number of ‘different’ paintings. You’ve illustrated that by your studies of the dragonfly…
Like that pro basketball player that can ace the 3-point shots with ease, it’s easy if one practices and practices until it becomes an extension of who you are…. you’re well on your way! remember that we all ‘mess up’ and sometimes feel yucky if it did not turn out well.. take power in trashing those attempts – or hanging them on the wall to remind yourself to never do that again!
most likely tomorrow i’ll post a step by step of a feather study, and you will most likely grasp how it was painted via the slide show format..
I’m not online often, but look forward to watching your progress!
Thanks for your thoughtful response and your words of encouragement.