As I wrap up my drawing classes for 2017, I am filled with gratitude for the way I earn my living, for to be able to teach people to draw and have the opportunity to light the creative flame in another persons soul, is a gift that few of us are blessed with. It is certainly one I never take for granted and I feel incredibly honoured that this wonderful group of students, who have now become my good friends, faithfully turn up each week to share two hours with me. And they’re not all from Grahamstown, as one might expect. One lady drives an hour from the little Karoo town of Bedford and six others brave the 57 km pot-holed road from the coastal town of Port Alfred.
Ladies from the Friday morning class, all hard at work
The beauty of it all is that no matter what craziness life throws at me, the steady rhythm of weekly drawing classes and the regular appearance of these warm, friendly faces, helps to keep me balanced and moving in a forward direction.
Tuesday evening class.
My studio has been described as a ‘Red Tent’ space where women can relax and have fun, and although we gather primarily to draw, these sessions are about so much more than just drawing. My students come from all walks of life, with one common desire to be creative, which means there is a very rich mix of diverse occupations and some truly amazing life stories, and during the course of conversation, one learns an incredible amount about subjects one might not have encountered in the normal flow of life. So these classes are interesting, but what I love most is the camaraderie and the support that is shown for one another. We have all become friends, there is no competition and everyone sets their own pace.
Ladies in the Thursday afternoon class, focussed and relaxed.
Most of my students arrive at my door for the first time with little or no drawing experience, but after going through the basic course, they are soon up and producing some really lovely work. I am delighted with the drawings that have come out of my studio this year and would like to share some of the fun and a selection of the work.
Click on the images below and enjoy:
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- Bronwen Dorrington
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- Bronwen Dorrington
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- Bronwen Dorrington
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- Ebb Graham
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- Ebb Graham
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- Di Westcott
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- Jo Rice
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- Ebb Graham
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- Jo Rice
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- Jo Rice
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- Pat Wylde
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- Ebb Graham
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- Candy Marshall
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- Candy Marshall
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- Di Westcott
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- Jo Rice
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- Jo Rice
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- Pat Wylde
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- Andrea Upfold
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- Marion Fynn
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- Louisa Clayton
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- Louisa Clayton
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- Carin Swart
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- Cath Stapleton
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- Kit Mills
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- Kit Mills
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- Glynis Suttie
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- Glynis Suttie
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- Jackie Viner
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- Marion Fynn
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- Louise Lloyd
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- Glynis Suttie
Classes will resume in January 2018, so if you are keen to join us, please contact me for details.
As this is my last post for the year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my students for all their support and wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season. I’ll see you in 2018!
Sally's Pinboard 