Anyone Can Draw!

Ed has always wanted some sort of artistic talent. In 20 years of marriage, I had no evidence that he had any (sounds cruel I know, but it’s true).

A couple of years ago, when flipping through our local school district’s recreational guide, Ed noticed an “Anyone Can Draw” art class and asked if I would accompany him.

Together we went. The class was presented by a woman who had no official artistic training herself. She started drawing as a means of relaxation. She sketched an item every day and showed us evidence of her progress. Her sketch book was impressive and progress was apparent.

She began by having us look at a coffee mug and then sketch it without lifting our pen/pencil off of the paper (we were not allowed to look at our paper as we drew; we had to keep our eyes on the mug). When Ed and I looked at what we drew, we were each surprised. While our sketchings were not anything spectacular, they did resemble the mug we were drawing (Ed’s more so than mine).

She had us do it again. Our drawings were a little better. Again. Better. Then she had us try drawing each other’s profile. Wow. Not great but we could see some semblance of resemblance (especially Ed’s rendition).

After the class, we went out and purchased sketch books and drawing pencils. Those items have been in our cupboards ever since. A couple of times, Ed found himself “waiting” and would sketch something; I never did.

Within the past six months or so, Ed has brought home some plant material from our property and sketched it (he’s always had an interest in botany which likely explains his choice of material).

It turns out that Ed can draw!

Moral of the story from my perspective: It’s never too late if you have an interest in something.