Being passionate about
something usually isn't a problem. On the contrary, it's a great
thing. Passion fuels you, causing you to jump out of bed early and
tackle your day. It overcomes excuses. If you love being outside,
maybe going for a hike, a little rain isn't going to stop you. It'll
have to be a full-force storm to ground you, and even then you know
the second the weather lets up you'll be back out there.
Passion is a great
thing, assuming it's directed at something worthwhile.
Unfortunately, I don't have a passion for art.
Let's this not be
confused with saying 'I have lost my passion.' This wouldn't be
true. I never had a passion for art. Intellectually, I like art,
and I would like to be good at it. That's what my brain says.
Emotionally, though, it's not there. I like art, but I don't love
it. Drawing is fun, but this thought doesn't dominate my day.
My true passion is
fitness, specifically martial arts. I day rarely goes by where I
don't do something fitness related. I wake up early and do some
stretches. I often do two workouts a day. I eat healthy because I
know it gives me better results. Even my rest days feature more
activity than some people get in a week. I love being fit, and I
love being healthy. Drawing is nice, but physical activity I find
essential.
And herein lies my
problem. I've set my October goal, as usual, of getting in even
better shape. I'm trying to push the bar even more, set new
standards, to finish off 2012 with a bang. My thoughts are dominated
by this idea. I can think of little else. By itself, this isn't a
bad thing, of course, but this passion completely overshadows drawing
time. I'm too passionate for my own good, perhaps.
So, with a somewhat
heavy heart, I'm giving up my draw everyday challenge. At least for
now.
I shouldn't be sad. I
should be thrilled. I've progressed in six months more than I
thought I would get in a year. I've shown that someone with limited
skill practising everyday can become fairly competent. Hard work
pays off. I'm not trying to brag; I'm trying to say that if I can do
it, anyone can. Put in enough hours practicing and doors will start
opening.
I still have a long way
to go. I need to learn how to draw from imagination, not just from
reference. My proportions could still improve. My knowledge of
basic concepts like anatomy or perspective are virtually
non-existent. But that journey will have to wait. For now, I focus
on improving my body, and when I'm done I'll focus on improving my
art.
Wish me luck, and I'll
hopefully be back sooner rather than later, with more cats. Lots and
lots of cats.
