All Shapes and Sizes

"Think about a stone wall. Are all the stones the same shape and size?" It was this prompt, from a visiting artist when I was in first or second grade, that led to my first realization that art can change how I see. I had been drawing a stone wall as a series of nicely aligned, perfectly-drawn ovals, completely focused on precision and control, rather than the nature of stone. With that prompt from a "real artist," I reshaped my ovals into unique, interlocking forms as I imagined the old stone walls in my home town. That moment flipped a switch in me that has stayed on ever since. I now knew that making art had the power to bring awareness to things I had looked at, but never really "seen."

Have you had experiences like this? That's the nature of this week's "The Ask" section of the newsletter. The response from last week was tremendous. I appreciate the generosity and wisdom in all of your submissions! Look for some of your responses to be posted on social media soon!

Today, nearly 40 years since that moment in school, it's the idea that art can be a powerful tool to build a more expansive awareness of our world that drives me to teach drawing. You'll see below that I'm hosting a free live event on August 11 designed to do just that, and you're all invited. It's designed for artists like you to share your love of drawing with someone you think could benefit.

An artist and teacher I admire, Thomas Schaller, also has some powerful things to say on the topic of art and observation. I think you'll find his watercolor demo, below, enlightening.

Keep making art,

Scott Maier, Artists Network Producer

P.S. A special thanks to you all, as you remind me that we come in all shapes and sizes, with unique perspectives on nature and art.

NEW! FREE DRAWING EVENT

Eye Spy | Drawing Together Family Edition

We're hosting a live drawing event designed to help aspiring artists ages 8+ share and learn new drawing skills, find joy in the process, and unlock natural abilities for drawing realistically. Learn to draw a realistic eye by following along with the three step-by-step drawings! Join us on Thursday, August 11 at 3PM Eastern for a live drawing event hosted by artist Scott Maier.

EXPLORE FURTHER

FREE WATERCOLOR DEMO

See, React, Interpret with Artist Thomas Schaller

It's my belief that an artist's job is to interpret what he or she sees, not just to imitate it. Also, an artist should try to express what is felt about the subject, not just what is seen. There are different forms of reality. The observed reality of the subject is one form, but there is also the reality of the painting that results from this observation.

SEE DEMO

THE ASK

Each week, we'll ask a question about the creative life – questions that will help us share our best art habits and practices, our road-tested tips and our shared struggles. We'll select a few responses to share on our social media, so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see if your answer is selected!

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Here's one of the responses from last week's question!

Mark Your Calendars

Check out what's on deck for the next two weeks!

8/03

Registration is open for Paint Along 90: How to Paint Poetic Landscapes!

8/11

Join us for Eye Spy | Drawing Together Family Edition! @ 3 pm Eastern

INTRODUCING ART FEST!

We're thrilled to announce that we're hosting a brand-new art event in beautiful Scottsdale, Ariz., in October! Art Fest 2022 is a weekend to nurture your creative side--three days to explore new media, learn from experts, and inspire new levels of creativity. More details to come, but if you are interested in teaching or attending, click below and we'll keep you in the loop!