Super insightful. Having been trained to teach art to kids, big yes to this distinction: from an *observational* perspective. No values placed.
"It is my belief that drawing should be taught as a life skill with the same importance as learning to read, write, think scientifically and calculate numbers. It should be taught in every school at all grade levels, its own subject having nothing to do with arts and crafts, which I also believe must be a part of every education. It should also be taught from an observational perspective, from three-dimensional subjects right in front of us as we learn to slow down, override what our brain tells us and rely solely on what our eyes actually see."
I wish I had kept drawing after childhood. They say that sports teach teamwork, problem solving and loyalty. Art teaches us patience, observation and technical skills for life. There’s problem solving and engineering. I agree that it should be taught as a regular course at least through middle school if not high school. 😍😍
I took a watercolor course from Kateri and stopped short of completing the last lesson, where drawing a chickadee was required. She said something to the effect of "If you didn't know how to draw, just learn."
I emailed her and said that's tantamount to saying "Just learn French" and, of course, "I can't draw." She told me that's nonsense (in nicer terms) -- and she proved to be right! Imagine that! (Chickadees still intimidate me, though!) I have discovered that I can indeed draw. It was an absolute revelation, and I can never thank Kateri enough for that gift.
You have made some beautiful, tender drawings. You do not give yourself nearly enough credit! I am always wishing you would draw more and more :) xoxo thank you so much. Brenda.
I had never drawn anything that looked like my subject until… I discovered how you tech to see and draw. I keep to small thing for the moment, but your apple is too beautiful not to try! Will get some tomorrow and give it a try.
All the workshops I did with you do absolutely enchant me. My one and only regret is not to have met you sooner 🤍
For me, learning to draw has been a way of honoring visual thinking. Figuring out how something is put together, whether a backhoe ( not quite functional😉) or a tiny flower is a way of falling in love with each subject and the world. I don't generally try to draw people but I believe the same sense of love develops, how world changing would that be!? Kateri, you have taught me how to draw through seeing/drawing. Even though my way is quick and scribbly-ish, I love the process. Drawing has become something that I never thought I could do and now I love it.
Makes me so happy, Margi! We do fall in love, don't we? I want to start drawing people this year, seeing drawing style. I"m so curious how it will be! xo
I too, owe a great debt to Kateri for her teaching of seeing drawing! I joined Patreon to learn water color and discovered my real yearning is drawing!! At first I avoided the lessons on drawing and did the watercolor ones only, definitely thinking I can't draw well. However from her teachings
there and classes, I discovered with amazement that Yes I can draw & it has been my go to in pen and graphite. THANK you, Kateri!! I can not agree more that Art is so important and should be taught in schools at every level - without it there is such a void in a child's education & a loss of the enrichment it brings to the rest of your life.💕
This is all so true. I look at "my elephants" now and wonder how I ever drew them, but I did, and they are beautiful. My hands aren't as steady as they once were, but I'm trying again. Thank you, Kateri, for all you taught me.
Well, this morning I opened your drawing class video and I found a leaf. Paper and pencil. I am impatient. Perhaps it’s the coffee in my veins, this morning, or my brain unable to slow down. I find my hand wanting to make quick strokes. I can see the results, I back up and erase. Slow down and grown impatient with the process. I am going to come back to it this afternoon. 🌱after writing.
I have times like that. I have learned to bless my efforts and say... you drew too fast to honour this "subject," but you drew nonetheless. And I can come back to it again the next day. Or... slow way down and only do 1/4 ot the leaf, and come bak to it the next day. We have no judgement in this way of drawing. We don't judge our efforts. We just do it. ❤️
I went to a Catholic grammar school where art was not happening. Then I moved on to a Catholic high school and didn't qualify for the art program. (nuns knew best). Even though I started late in life, drawing has opened up a whole new world for me. I am so glad that I attended a drawing class when I did because with encouragement from Kateri, I have found that I actually can draw! I also have trouble with chickadees but love them anyway.
KATERI!
Super insightful. Having been trained to teach art to kids, big yes to this distinction: from an *observational* perspective. No values placed.
"It is my belief that drawing should be taught as a life skill with the same importance as learning to read, write, think scientifically and calculate numbers. It should be taught in every school at all grade levels, its own subject having nothing to do with arts and crafts, which I also believe must be a part of every education. It should also be taught from an observational perspective, from three-dimensional subjects right in front of us as we learn to slow down, override what our brain tells us and rely solely on what our eyes actually see."
Would love to talk about this some time. It is so important to me. I would love to hear more of your perspective. Thank you, Elena.
I wish I had kept drawing after childhood. They say that sports teach teamwork, problem solving and loyalty. Art teaches us patience, observation and technical skills for life. There’s problem solving and engineering. I agree that it should be taught as a regular course at least through middle school if not high school. 😍😍
I could not agree more. And you are drawing now :) All that matters!
I took a watercolor course from Kateri and stopped short of completing the last lesson, where drawing a chickadee was required. She said something to the effect of "If you didn't know how to draw, just learn."
I emailed her and said that's tantamount to saying "Just learn French" and, of course, "I can't draw." She told me that's nonsense (in nicer terms) -- and she proved to be right! Imagine that! (Chickadees still intimidate me, though!) I have discovered that I can indeed draw. It was an absolute revelation, and I can never thank Kateri enough for that gift.
You have made some beautiful, tender drawings. You do not give yourself nearly enough credit! I am always wishing you would draw more and more :) xoxo thank you so much. Brenda.
I had never drawn anything that looked like my subject until… I discovered how you tech to see and draw. I keep to small thing for the moment, but your apple is too beautiful not to try! Will get some tomorrow and give it a try.
All the workshops I did with you do absolutely enchant me. My one and only regret is not to have met you sooner 🤍
Thank you Agnès. That means so much to me. And apples are so much fun! And pears ;)
For me, learning to draw has been a way of honoring visual thinking. Figuring out how something is put together, whether a backhoe ( not quite functional😉) or a tiny flower is a way of falling in love with each subject and the world. I don't generally try to draw people but I believe the same sense of love develops, how world changing would that be!? Kateri, you have taught me how to draw through seeing/drawing. Even though my way is quick and scribbly-ish, I love the process. Drawing has become something that I never thought I could do and now I love it.
Makes me so happy, Margi! We do fall in love, don't we? I want to start drawing people this year, seeing drawing style. I"m so curious how it will be! xo
Oooh, me, too! I admire Kathe Kollwitz so much. She drew everything with a clear eye and didn't flinch. Her work can bring me to tears.
https://youtu.be/WhdX6NK3CoY?si=Kw9vkL7ir4BoARKM
Thank you, Kateri! That was a beautiful and evocative dandelion lesson.
One of my favourite artists. Have you seen my video about her?
No, I haven't. Where can I find it?
Duh, you sent it to me💙. Thank you and I'll watch it now.
PS - to comment below. I love that beautiful apple - your drawing is gorgeous ! It inspires me as a drawing subject to try
Please draw an apple!
I too, owe a great debt to Kateri for her teaching of seeing drawing! I joined Patreon to learn water color and discovered my real yearning is drawing!! At first I avoided the lessons on drawing and did the watercolor ones only, definitely thinking I can't draw well. However from her teachings
there and classes, I discovered with amazement that Yes I can draw & it has been my go to in pen and graphite. THANK you, Kateri!! I can not agree more that Art is so important and should be taught in schools at every level - without it there is such a void in a child's education & a loss of the enrichment it brings to the rest of your life.💕
You certainly can draw! I’ve been just amazed by your dedication and your beautiful style that has emerged. Thank you so much, Kathryn ❤️
This is all so true. I look at "my elephants" now and wonder how I ever drew them, but I did, and they are beautiful. My hands aren't as steady as they once were, but I'm trying again. Thank you, Kateri, for all you taught me.
Yes you did! And you have drawn so many other beautiful things, too. I am so glad you are back at it :) ❤️
Well, this morning I opened your drawing class video and I found a leaf. Paper and pencil. I am impatient. Perhaps it’s the coffee in my veins, this morning, or my brain unable to slow down. I find my hand wanting to make quick strokes. I can see the results, I back up and erase. Slow down and grown impatient with the process. I am going to come back to it this afternoon. 🌱after writing.
I have times like that. I have learned to bless my efforts and say... you drew too fast to honour this "subject," but you drew nonetheless. And I can come back to it again the next day. Or... slow way down and only do 1/4 ot the leaf, and come bak to it the next day. We have no judgement in this way of drawing. We don't judge our efforts. We just do it. ❤️
I like that, just a small bit at a time and return later.
I went to a Catholic grammar school where art was not happening. Then I moved on to a Catholic high school and didn't qualify for the art program. (nuns knew best). Even though I started late in life, drawing has opened up a whole new world for me. I am so glad that I attended a drawing class when I did because with encouragement from Kateri, I have found that I actually can draw! I also have trouble with chickadees but love them anyway.