A New Project...

An empty page holds so many possibilities...

I bought this little Moleskine notebook yesterday. Aside from loving their products, I've set myself a "small" new challenge. And that is to draw something each day in this little notebook. I've been thinking a lot about my future and where I'd like to be in 20 or so years' time. And I figure that if I eventually want a career in something arty, I need to up my game and do more, instead of just twiddling away every now and then on some big, intricate drawing that takes me a lot of time and focus. With a toddler, I don't even have that much time to do that, yet I feel like I still need to continue to develop my craft like anyone. The goal of my little project is not to think too much and just draw. I realise I think way too much, usually, and this leads down the path of no productivity, anxiety and time wastage. So this could get a little personal as I'm just going to draw what's on my mind at the time. (No, I am not giving up on the Loki picture!) I also find that art, like many things, takes a lot of practise. Regular practise. So I guess I see lots of benefits to doing this. 

Today's little sketch is ballet. Ballet has been on my mind a lot recently, especially in the past 24 hours as I managed to up my ballet levels (gosh, what a nerdy way of putting it!), and move to a slightly more advanced level of dance. I have an amazing teacher who seems to whole-heartedly encourage it, even though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit intimidated at flouncing around in class with little idea of what I'm doing! But it's been so enjoyable, and I feel like I'm working toward a lifelong goal and dream of continuing something (else) I gave up on  years and years ago. But regardless of me actually doing it, I've always loved the artform. It's one of the most beautiful things (I think), yet simultaneously so amazing in that dancers have to be so fit, in touch with their bodies and strong. I don't think a lot of people quite realise just how strong you need to be!!

So that's what's been on my mind today (aside from my toddler, of course). 

These sketches are not going to be amazing works of art; more a way for me to practise and let loose a bit and stop being so anxious about drawing and doing something I've always loved. I told my husband yesterday that I spend so much time looking at other people's work (mainly on Instagram), feeling intimidated then not doing anything, which really hasn't got me anywhere. So I really want to just let go and not think too much.

If I manage to continue this (which I really hope I can do), I'm actually looking forward to getting to the end of the book and looking back on all the past sketches. (I hope I see improvement along the way!)

Furthermore, I also have a time limit for these. To ensure I don't take forever (like usual), I'm going to try and get them done in the time that my toddler is asleep during the day (unless I'm out somewhere and doing it away from home). He usually naps anywhere between 90 to 120 minutes, which may seem like quite a long time, but I usually have other things to do in that time, so the drawing sort of needs to be crammed in. 

So there we go. Here's to self improvement and growth. :-) I guess that's partly what art's about, right? :-)