Cracking up reading this. When I was younger I used to go to Adult Education art classes, held in a redundant church hall. It was a light, bright building with a high roof, lots of white beams and many windows. Most of the classes were held there apart from when we were doing landscapes, then we went out on location. I must admit I felt a little out of place at times as I was in my late twenties and all the other painters seemed to be late middle aged or retired, but I enjoyed the painting and yes, we were taught the obligatory "hold a pencil up to measure" , it is quite useful actually.
We did all sorts of painting but in amongst them were a couple of life drawing classes and I found them hillarious. The model turned out to be a very tall, lanky,scruffy, long haired thirty something bloke who would always be seen in town either coming out of the local bookies or the pub! I can only imagine that he needed the money to go back in one of these places. He was OK as a model though, kept still, we didn't have the 2 minute thingy thank goodness. I kept most of my paintings & drawings from this time but the ones of him seem to be missing - I can only assume they were rubbish!
Trips to town became quite funny after this though - I would see him everywhere and images of him with his kit off popped into my head, I would often still be sniggering as I pushed my trolley around the supermarket.
And ah... the fringe! I had one like that once, aged about eight I decided I wanted a fringe and took matters into my own hands like Wendy Varley's granddaughter! It took ages to grow back again.
Haha - I love that, seeing the life model popping up out of context. Like when we used to live in a small country town, and the GP - who had a mere hour ago examined my piles - said HELLO FIONA by the lemons in the Co-op! This might make a good column... so thank you Anne! xx
Ha - I can't believe your granddaughter is at the self cutting fringe age already! J is all keen to go to life drawing again. I'm not sure I can stand the stress! x
I know what you mean about buying new gear in the hope it sort of rubs off on you a little 😂. I do it with writing journals all the time. Buy them and convince myself I’m going to be mega organised 😂😂
Keep expressing yourself, my love - be it in art, writing or with quirky fringes xx
Thank you Julie! Glad you enjoyed. I do it with coffee table art books/cookbooks too - 'this is the one that'll make me brilliant!' Btw really enjoyed your Iceland post. It's on my travel yearnings list! x
Howling! This is brilliant writing! I’ve set myself the seemingly impossible task of getting better at drawing figures but have never been brave enough to go to a life drawing class. I can’t decide if your description makes me want to go more or less...
I had a short fringe for years. I looked like a mental patient...
But a young mental patient surely? 😂
Just mental 😂
I can't imagine that that would be possible ;)
I love your posts. They just make me giggle – and brighten my day. Can't wait for the new book! x
Thank you so much Lesley! Glad you enjoyed! xx
Cracking up reading this. When I was younger I used to go to Adult Education art classes, held in a redundant church hall. It was a light, bright building with a high roof, lots of white beams and many windows. Most of the classes were held there apart from when we were doing landscapes, then we went out on location. I must admit I felt a little out of place at times as I was in my late twenties and all the other painters seemed to be late middle aged or retired, but I enjoyed the painting and yes, we were taught the obligatory "hold a pencil up to measure" , it is quite useful actually.
We did all sorts of painting but in amongst them were a couple of life drawing classes and I found them hillarious. The model turned out to be a very tall, lanky,scruffy, long haired thirty something bloke who would always be seen in town either coming out of the local bookies or the pub! I can only imagine that he needed the money to go back in one of these places. He was OK as a model though, kept still, we didn't have the 2 minute thingy thank goodness. I kept most of my paintings & drawings from this time but the ones of him seem to be missing - I can only assume they were rubbish!
Trips to town became quite funny after this though - I would see him everywhere and images of him with his kit off popped into my head, I would often still be sniggering as I pushed my trolley around the supermarket.
And ah... the fringe! I had one like that once, aged about eight I decided I wanted a fringe and took matters into my own hands like Wendy Varley's granddaughter! It took ages to grow back again.
Haha - I love that, seeing the life model popping up out of context. Like when we used to live in a small country town, and the GP - who had a mere hour ago examined my piles - said HELLO FIONA by the lemons in the Co-op! This might make a good column... so thank you Anne! xx
or a new novel. The Man who Took His Kit Off? Can't wait! ;))
The fringe is a work of art x
Isn't it! But I fear I am 40 years too old for it... x
Very funny! 👏
And reminded me of a ludicrously short fringe I had in my 30’s which made me look about 12. 😂
Might give it another go.
Thank you Kate! You're right - it's a kid in the craft corner sort of look. Accessorised by round ended scissors and Pritt Stick
My granddaughter gave herself that exact fringe last year, aged 5, literally with the craft scissors :D
Very funny round-up, Fi. You describe the panic of life-drawing so well! I like the last one best. Has a Brancusi feel to it.
Ha - I can't believe your granddaughter is at the self cutting fringe age already! J is all keen to go to life drawing again. I'm not sure I can stand the stress! x
Hilarious! You are an inspiration - and your drawings were charming!
Ah you're very kind Tom! Maddeningly, Jimmy's were better!
Aww Fiona, you always make me smile.😊
I know what you mean about buying new gear in the hope it sort of rubs off on you a little 😂. I do it with writing journals all the time. Buy them and convince myself I’m going to be mega organised 😂😂
Keep expressing yourself, my love - be it in art, writing or with quirky fringes xx
Thank you Julie! Glad you enjoyed. I do it with coffee table art books/cookbooks too - 'this is the one that'll make me brilliant!' Btw really enjoyed your Iceland post. It's on my travel yearnings list! x
Oh thank you and do it! It’s an amazing place! :)
Thanks so much Robyn, glad you enjoyed! It is the hardest thing to do, IMO! (I haven't dared to go back yet) x
Thank you so much Lesley! You've really boosted me... (struggling with a chapter today!)
Howling! This is brilliant writing! I’ve set myself the seemingly impossible task of getting better at drawing figures but have never been brave enough to go to a life drawing class. I can’t decide if your description makes me want to go more or less...