". Arranged Words: Sketching Flowers Part II

19 Jul 2015

Sketching Flowers Part II


A little jazz for my new sketchbook.
Top of the week to all of you!  I don't think I've every posted this early in the week.


Because it was so drab, I decided to dress up my new sketchbook; that, no doubt, is probably the point of buying one of these books. (I bought it because the paper.) I am not sure how long these watercolour flowers will stay on the Kraft paper, but I enjoyed painting them.


Over the years, I've heard many people say that they can't draw.  I don't think that's entirely true. Why? Because I was one of those people. It was only when I changed my mind that I managed to get something down on paper other, that is, than a stick man.  For me, drawing is a dream/wish come true! (Hmm, I wonder what else I can change my mind about ~ not sky diving!)

To expand upon that thought below is a video that someone sent me. It's amazing ~  you can't believe your eyes.  As you watch, you'll notice the deep concentration going on behind that paintbrush. However, with that said, I do feel very ambivalent about this video. In many ways it's heart breaking because, of  course, I'd like all wild animals to be free, but that's not always the case, especially these days. (This elephant is also someone's bread winner.)

We all know elephants are very intelligent, but should an elephant be taught to paint? We used to think that only humans used tools, this video goes well beyond that idea. On the other hand, perhaps this type of training will help the world recognize and cherish animals more, including saving their habitat.

What are your thoughts?
 

8 comments:

Debbie said...

Dixie, Your drawings are beautiful! For me, I guess it's a matter of confidence when it comes to drawing on paper yet give me a slab of clay and I have not problem putting tool to surface. It really is changing my mind.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Your flowers are so pretty. I am one of those people who say I can't draw. Maybe I'll try it again with a different attitude.

Anonymous said...

I, too, am one of those people who said I couldn't draw. I was wrong. Over several days some years ago I drew an impromptu drawing. When I stepped back from it I could see my life's struggle imbedded in the pencil drawing. I must try again. It is such a creative activity. Love, Joannie

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

I am glad you were wrong. ;^} Enjoy drawing! If you feel like sharing, do send it along.
I'm about to sharpen my pencil...

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you! I hope you will give it a whirl. It's a lot of fun!

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Love what you did with the sketchbook. Thank you so much for the idea, Dixie!! I have to do this with mine. I also think that everyone is definitely capable of drawing.

You ask a very intriguing question, so here's my thought on the matter - I would love to see all wildlife stay free and in the wild, and we learn to love them for who they are :)

Enjoy your weekend,
-Soma

Lorraine said...

I like what you've done with your sketchbook. Such pretty flowers. With art - drawing - I think that most people think they can't do it because they're afraid of making a mistake. Most children draw freely, not so much with adults. We're our own worst critics, and listening to that critic inside is inhibiting. As for the elephant - I would like to see what they can do on their own with a paintbrush and not just what they are trained to do. I wonder how they were trained and what the elephant had to put up with while "learning". There's no freedom in that art.

Penny said...

That video is amazing. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought an elephant could paint. And should we teach them? Why not if it does not put them under stress and they seem agreeable.