The Banana

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. (Greg Anderson) It is just one month since the start of this artistic journey, and wow, what an eye-opening trip it has been so far. However, as some of my fellow travellers can attest to, the right hemisphere feels a bit battered and bruised at this stage.

It was with great angst, fine Canson paper and Conte crayons that I embarked on recording the precise engineering that underpins the vegetable world. In this case, a not so humble cabbage! Initially the markings on the paper were rather tentative, but as confidence mounted, the darker colours were laid down with gusto. Then highlights and finer detail; time disappeared.

On returning home, I put a photo of the day's effort on the TV screen for general acclaim and comment. "L-o-v-e the banana  -  really quite life like" quipped the nearest and dearest. Hm - I can see an urgent need for practising drawing stoneware bowls and vases!

I take solace from Marian Wright Edelman: If you're afraid of criticism, don't say anything, don't do anything, and don't be anything. OK, OK, Marian - I'll soldier on!