One of the participants of the drawing sessions that took place with Bryant Priest Newman was Practise Manager Lorna Parsons. Lorna had been involved in the idea of the sessions from the off. I had noticed though that whenever we discussed it she used language that made me think she might not be considering taking part herself. When I broached the subject I belive her response was “er well I am not sure yet”. I encouraged and gave my word that she would be made to feel that it was a safe place to try. I believe lorna’s drawing experience was minimal, not drawn since school. Pressure may have been added by being in a team of Architects some of whom had experience of some sort or another.
The sessions were two hours in length and we did four of them in total. Really only one working day of drawing. On the second we tackled an introduction to measurement and dedicated around forty minutes to constructing a “visual scaffolding” of the figure.
After only three hours tuition this is what lorna produced.
First Measured Drawing(Detail,In progress) Lorna Parsons , 2011
Even by this time Lorna had developed a recognisable elegant character to her work that continued to grow throughout the sessions. Already she is moving beyond cold observation and beginning to express something of herself.
This photograph however is the one that shows the real value of the sessions and makes delivery so enjoyable. I think it speaks for itself.
Lorna’s nervous reaction is made up of precisely the feelings that the sessions are designed to eliminate. If you can overcome those and learn and even enjoy drawing then perhaps we can challenge all of our pre conceived personal barriers. If we do this as a team , as a shared experience just imagine the effect.
Lorna now intends to pursue drawing and continue to develop her obvious previously undiscovered abillity. I am thrilled to hear it!