Reading the previous chapters and spotting a robin in our yard a couple of weeks ago has renewed our interest in nature study. We went out and bought a big bag of bird seed and filled our long depleted bird house. Word got around and our birdhouse is full of life again. We have been enjoying watching our many feathered visitors.
One day we were delighted to spot a rare, brightly colored bird which we had never seen before. I took a photo, and we later identified it as a Western Tanager. It dawned on me that I could sketch it in a nature journal. Wait...did I say "sketch?" Me? Yes, me. I've never considered myself an artist, but I am taking Edith Schaeffer's admonition to heart that I can start where I'm at in pursuing hidden art.
The best thing about sketching in pencils is that I can make liberal use of ERASERS!!! :-)
Dana mentioned in the comments on a previous post that she had seen a red-breasted grosbeak. I replied that they were rare in California, but lo and behold, the very next day, we spotted a grosbeak in our yard! It was truly a special gift sent from God.
Out of excitement, Elizabeth decided to sketch a grosbeak from an illustration since our visitor had flown away. The difference between her sketches and mine is the amount of time spent. It took me a good long while, sketching, muttering, erasing, sketching, muttering, erasing, to finally produce something that resembled a bird. She whipped hers out in the amount of time it takes me to sneeze.
One thing I didn't expect from going outside my comfort zone is the new, special connection I have with my daughter. She loves it when I ask her for art advice, and she takes care to encourage my feeble efforts. "You did a good job, Mom!" she grins, while patting my shoulder. We spent a lovely hour at the art store together, looking dreamily at the array of supplies. I asked her if she would give me art lessons over the summer, and that idea made her happy.
Edith says, "Everyone who has any talent at all in sketching, painting, sculpturing, or carving, should have the opportunity to use that talent. The expression is important for the person, and can tremendously enrich the lives of other people."
Today, Elizabeth finished a watercolor of a moose. We admired her work of art, and Alan said he would scan it so she could send it to Grandma. She expressed her God-given talent, and we were tremendously enriched by it.
The artist and the beholder, both blessed by God.
[Read more thoughts on this chapter from The Hidden Art of Homemaking Book Club, hosted by Cindy at Ordo Amoris.]
"And I have filled [Bezalel] with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship." Exodus 1:2-5
Terrific!! Loved seeing y'all's work ~ especially the moose ;-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work...really lovely.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed when I can draw anything even slightly resembling something else. My husband loves the evening grosbeak.
And your post reminded me that I told my dad I would send him a picture of the unusual nail polish Emily put on her toes for our trip to the beach...:) It is aqua with little gems pasted on.
Lovely drawings!
ReplyDeletewhoa. that's a really cool painting! and your drawings are super considering you don't do them often! you're off to a great start, i say. :)
ReplyDeletei'm also impressed with what creating together can do for relationships. it's one of those ties that bind for my eldest son and i and i am ever so thankful!!
i'm so proud of your admonishableness! ;)