Paint brush, colors, canvas...oooohhhh..the very picture is so mesmerizing and fascinating..
I had often visualized myself..standing with a paint brush in my hand, bit of color on my apron and on my face.
This fantasy of mine,led me on a massive hunt for finding the right tutor to train me. The criteria was to find a tutor who could come home, adjust to my timings and demonstrate extreme patience :)
After countless screenings, interviews, self-doubt (it stems from the fact that inspite of being very creative and artistically inclined, I cant draw or sketch a basic object), yes-no's, rescheduling of classes, I finally today presented an opportunity to my tutor to come and start the classes.
The height of my paranoia on myself was that I was hoping against hope that he will just call in sick or just wouldnt make it. However, at the designated time, my tutor arrived. He had asked me to get a sketch book. Sketch book was there but I can be quite robotic at times (only comprehend the explicitly mentioned details) and forgot that to sketch on a sketch book, one certainly needs a pencil and an eraser. So as soon as he arrived, a massive search began to look for a pencil, eraser and sharpner in my closet which is a labyrinth in itself. So, after few minutes of frantic search operation and an effort to disguise embarrasement in front of an amused tutor, finally all required was on the table.
As he wanted to gauge the proficiency level of his new student, he asked me to draw anything that I felt like. So, in an attempt to mask embarassment over the events, I showed alacrity by drawing my version of a scenery with hills, a hut, a river and a tree. Looking at the result, he said how about drawing a sketch of a human face (generosly he gave me a choice boy or girl). I needn't mention the outcome was terrible. Not giving up on his politeness, he then asked me to draw an object that was placed on table (Kellogs carton on an upturned bowl).
Finally, the tutor figured out that its an equally daunting task to teach for him as it is for me to learn how to sketch and paint. Then he started his tutorial and made the human face and how to draw an eye, the proportion in which forehead and the nose is divided. I am absolutely in awe of the fact that mathematics has its tentacles spread even in something as basic an art as drawing. So, after many rounds of demonstrations, i tried to draw an eye. I failed miserably but my tutors patience and my courteous self egged me on. What seemingly was a poetic beauty now had become a challenge. Finally, I got it almost right.
Then, to keep my interest alive, my tutor taught me how to draw a car, a peacock, a dog, a tree, a flower etc. Initially, I was disheartened with my failed attempts at getting something perceived as easy as an eye to draw but I thought to myself, this is something I have always wanted to do and I need to try till I succeed. Its satisfying to put your thoughts on canvas, to give shape to your vision. What started as a mere fantasy, I plan to pursue and chase like a dream now. I want to learn and I am confident that I will learn. No matter what, I will learn how to sketch and how to paint.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first session and I will continue till I succeed. I have got an assignment and I am happy trying to complete it like an obedient student..
I may not grasp like a whizkid but its never too late to learn..
