These drawings were not demos. I encourage my students to take risks when they work from the figure. When we have a model, I sometimes do some drawing myself. I want to show how scribbly my own work is and how I leave every line without erasing. The quest for perfection is paralyzing and perfection itself –well, we don’t even know what that is, but I can tell you it’s boring.
Above, three quick head studies in pencil, 11 x 17.
A figure study, pencil, 11 x 17.
Figure study in Aquarellable Pencil and watercolor wash, on index (non-glossy), 11 x 14.
Let’s crop that last one.
So much more immediate and engaging.
All contents copyright (C) 2010 Katherine Hilden. All rights reserved.
artamaze by Katherine Hilden 
As a writing teacher one of the first things I say to my students is a quote from “Bird by Bird,” by Anne Lamott.
“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life and is what stands between you and your shitty first draft.”
Thanks for reminding me that it will also apply as I learn to draw.
Nancy rullo