Contemplate

CONTEMPLATE = to observe; to gaze at attentively; to view mentally; to respect.

QUESTION: What are you contemplating right now?

STORY: We all live in a “word-built-world” and typically we label, name and judge just about everything we see. Examples: Tree, finger, nose, bird, table, chair, roof - the list is enormous. Sometimes we are imprisoned in our words - and one way to free ourselves from the prison of words is to draw what we see. I teach the 5 Keys in my drawing classes.

Key #1: Observe edges that you see and be aware that there are only three visual directions: vertical, horizontal and diagonal. (Verify this for yourself!)

Key #2: As you draw - extend the directions. Draw light lines on your paper gently, not caring where the edges begin or end. Just see, feel and draw.

Key #3: Notice where one edge intersects another edge. Drawing these intersections is how you create the 3D world on your 2D paper.

Key #4: Constellations: A group of 3 or 4 intersections - is a constellation. Compare the 3D constellation you see with the 2D constellation you’ve drawn on your paper. Adjust where necessary.

Key #5: SHADING: Now feeling secure with the basic lines you’ve drawn, begin to play with two kinds of shadings: Collisions - dark and light smashing together grab attention while Transitions - where the dark area changes gradually and gently into a light area - create a feeling of roundedness and sometimes depth. My drawing students learn a new, abstract way to contemplate the world around them. Learn more: https://www.drawingtogether.com/drawing-classes

QUOTES

“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.” ~ Aristotle

“The senses are of the earth. Reason stands apart from them in contemplation.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

“Extended directions (KEY #2) allow you to abstract from physical objects essential information which brings a sense of wholeness to your drawing.” ~ Jan Valentin Saether

EXERCISE

STOP.

Sit quietly. Assume an erect posture.

Sense the breath. Observe and just softly gaze at something in the world before you. Contemplate the edges that you see.

Get your pen and paper and gently draw lines on your paper expressing the energy that you are SEEING & FEELING - as you visually engage with the world before you.