-I have been able to discover the benefits of having another artistic eye look at my work. I realised this last night/early this morning. They could look at my work before it is finish and give me feedback, even if I do not ask for it. In fact I usually don't ask for feedback, not unless I doubt what I am creating (as with my writing in these blogs). But, the fact that they can look at my creation, see what I am trying to convey, and let me know how to best achieve that, has been a great help.
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-It has only recently become possible for me to benefit from this type of help. The primary reason is that I am more confident in my abilities and my determination. I am able to accept criticism and apply that to what I am doing without taking it personally. Additionally, I am finding it easier to change what I am doing and work towards a different picture.
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-If I experienced an extended break between drawings, I would come back to look at my old creations and just be marveled. I would think to myself, 'Holy crud! I did this?'. I was so amazed at what I could create that I would fear making changes to them. I was so afraid of losing the drive and ambition. I was afraid of erasing something and not being able to recreate it. Now I look back at them and can see what I would change to improve them. I don't make the changes so that they may serve as a reminder of my achievements and things that I should be mindful of in my future creations.
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-Because of my increased confidence, I can accept commentary from my peers. My friend can use their artistic eye, understand what I am trying to create, and let me know where I fall short. It is a personal blow to be told that you are not able to do something that you feel strongly about. But, it is an even greater defeat when you find out that you failed to do so all together. When she tells me I need to change something, I look at it and usually agree. Or, at the very least, I can see if what I am trying to create is not accurately represented in my drawing. If she can't see it, or if she can see it better a different way, then I recreate it.
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-I am honored to have an artistic and critical eye looking down on my works, in progress, and let me know the truth. One of these 'learning to draw' books stated that if you wanted to get an honest opinion about your work, do not ask your mom or girlfriend as they will love everything you do... even if it sucks.
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-As for the piece that I had completed and ready for graphic overhauls? It turns out that the 7H drawing pencil was way too light for the scanner to pick up. Darkness/gamma corrections did nothing to improve it. I stuck it back on the drawing board to darken it in. And important step for me, as it has provided me an opportunity to look at me drawing in a different light. I can see what I was trying to create and determine how I wish to recreate it. I have a chance to create it again without erasing the whole image.
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-And, during this darkening, it was made aware of a fault in the drawing. I got confirmation that what I was wanting to create was understood but portrayed poorly. OK, that's a bit harsh. She let me know that she knew what I was trying to create and helped me to figure out a way to create it better.
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-I was good to have that certain someone who could understand what I wanted in my art, and help me achieve it. I will miss that.
