Exactly one year ago, on the 28^th of February 2010, I took courage and decided it was high time to realize one of my biggest dreams: the art of drawing and painting. For some this may not sound like anything worth loosing sleep over, but merely a matter of sitting down and digging into art books, or hooking up with a tutor. I must admit I went through a great deal of hesitation and doubt before I took up that pencil and made my first few doodles because in elementary school I had been indoctrinated by a few teachers into believing that me and art just don't go along very well. Also, I had a distorted notion about the process of drawing and painting. I thought making a picture was somewhat similar to wizardry and only people with special talent (that can't be learned) can be good in art -- at least that's what teachers had made me believe.

Luckily, with some encouragement from my girlfriend and my mother, and with the help of online drawing lessons on Drawspace website I managed to overcome my fears and began drawing my first awkward and insecure lines. Eventually, I gained enough confidence to began experimenting with different techniques and media. Then something happened I hadn't thought possible ... I fell in love with drawing & painting! The process of drawing became a means of relaxation and fulfillment.

Today, 365 days later, I feel grateful that I undertook this challenge. Every picture I make brings me deep fulfillment of my creative desires. With each line I make I learn something new and gain insight into magic world of art. I'm still only a beginner compared to some really great artists here; the learning process is never-ending, but I'm no longer afraid to grab a pencil, or a brush.

Here are some pictures. The first one is my first drawing (after elementary school (~ 15 years ago)) made on the  28^th of February 2010. The rest were made almost a year after the first one.



Happy 1^st art birthday to me!