Dabble with Art, and

Discover the Hidden Gifts
from Within

By Gina Quarles

Last week I decided I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone. I usually stay very busy with my website, blogging and the daunting task of editing my manuscript for my upcoming book. For some reason, something inside of me was stirring to come out. It was an odd feeling, but I decided to listen. Before I knew it, I had purchased a sketching kit.

A few days later my package arrived. I opened it and there it was! I do not draw. This was all new to me. I slowly opened up my gray box and unlatched the locks which held all of the goodies for a beginner to explore. It had numerous pencils in it, ranging with numbers on each of them. I have no clue as to what they represent. I am assuming it has to do with the texture and amount of lead in each one. I am really not sure.

Included in this wooden box was a mini human figurine, along with a few erasers, charcoal, and a few pastels. Hmmm, I thought. This is pretty interesting, but now what? The kit included a 5×7 sketch pad—too tiny for me. I like large surfaces. I used the larger one my daughter has yet to touch. I thought about what I wanted to draw. I went blank.

I decided to give it a whirl anyway. Pencil to paper, I did not know where to begin. I thought more about what to attempt to put on this blank sheet of paper staring at me. Spring suddenly entered my mind. With all of the new buds on the trees around us and flowers beginning to pop out and reveal their beauty, I received nature's prompt!

I began lightly sketching a vase. I felt the lighter I drew my lines and strokes, the more forgiving my piece could be. It worked. As I began to feel a bit more confident, I pressed harder when creating lines. Unknowingly, when I was not pleased with the way the shape of my vase was taking form, I picked up my eraser and began to erase. It worked, but did not erase completely.

This was probably related to those strange numbers that were on each pencil that I was unfamiliar with. I noticed it was more of a smudge look, than being erased. I liked it. I made another line and made another smudge, but this time with my finger. Awesome! It gave it a more clouded appearance and I was impressed with it. I decided, I am not erasing that part.

I then progressed to sketching out some flowers. What kind of flowers are they supposed to be, I cannot say? They came from me. All I knew was that they were my flowers and were looking unique. My hand began to move very quickly, my head turning and viewing from different angles, now this was fun! I was appreciating what I was creating. Magic was happening right before my very eyes. This blank piece of drawing paper was taking on a whole new life.

Then a rush and thrill came over me. I wanted to add some color! I only had some colored pencils around (again from my daughters stash). I began to play with them. I started to sketch over my pencil lines with colors. No, I was not concerned or tried to make them fit perfectly, it was more of a free flow type of stroking and motion. I am all about forgiving lines instead of straight, measured, lines.

I thought to myself, okay, either something is wrong or I have just tapped into an undiscovered talent I possess. Guess what? I was enjoying what I was viewing. It was good! Not only was it good, it was fun and another outlet for some fresh creativity. I think I just found another expression for my creative soul. A sudden thrill was rushing through me.

Since then, I have done three more drawings all of which I am pleased with. That is the key as with any art form. You are the creator and the artist. The most important thing is that you are satisfied with it. If you are not happy with your work, how can you share your gifts with others to enjoy? You won't.

I encourage you to go try something new. It could be a pottery class, watercolor, woodworking, gardening, anything with your hands. There is something relaxing and therapeutic when you use your hands to create. It releases energy. You feel the texture, you can smell the paint, you can choose from an array of colors. Best of all it is for you!

My new little beginner's art box was a wonderful and inexpensive investment I gave myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone and just let it out. If we do not try new things or sample them, just think of how many gifts and talents may not surface? Some of the best artists just experimented until they were satisfied.

Go ahead and take some time to think. What is it that you have never tried before that you are willing to give a chance? Go stroll through an art store. I can almost bet you will find something that pulls you in. Good luck and remember, the most important thing, make it fun. Nothing needs to be perfect nor will it ever be. Be easy on yourself. Most of all, enjoy! •

© 2013 Gina Quarles. All rights reserved.

Gina Quarles is a mom, wife and a creative soul who is passionate about the art of writing. More

5/7/13