My name is Jonene Ficklin, and I'm a full-time wife, mom, writer, and professional artist. I've been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I use colored pencils, oil paints, and watercolors. I love what I do!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Why I Draw

There’s something surreal about taking an image and making it reappear from the end of a pencil.

One tiny scratch, then another, and another. Line after line makes a face appear, a mountain rise off the paper, a bird come to life.

The soothing pencil sounds, and the images taking shape are terribly addictive. For a while, the world disappears. My mind is perfectly clear and open, available to think about everything – or nothing at all.

Time slows down. I feel my breath going in and out, my pulse slowing as I find my rhythm. (If you don’t like yoga – give this a try.)

Then again, I’ve experienced ‘artist’s high’, the mad excitement as I near the end of a drawing, the absolute delight when I place the final stroke and step away to see.

That’s why I draw. Art is many things – soothing, exciting, scintillating, otherworldly. You can escape. Or not. Many times, I’ve had the most wonderful conversations with my family or friends as I sat at the table drawing.

Often, when my children were young, they’d wander around chattering at me as I worked (work is the wrong word. Actually it's the best way to play). I chose drawing over painting then, because it was easy to lay it aside and take care of my children when they needed me. And then, just as easily, I could go right back to it.

But many times, they’d sit down beside me and draw, too.

Now that’s every artist’s dream! As I’ve mentioned before, my father is a professional artist. I spent many hours drawing in tandem with him as he painted - and chewing his ear off with hours of conversation. I felt very close to him, even through my teenage years.

Even now, every once in a while, I get to experience the same with my teenagers and I love it!

Is there something you did with your father or mother that you now enjoy doing with your children? (It’s the best, isn’t it?)

8 comments:

  1. It is fun. You've addicted me. Thanks btw. :)

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  2. With my mom, it's probably cooking, or sewing. It's relaxing and fun. Great post--I can see why you can't wait to finish that last stroke of the pencil!

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  3. How wonderful to feel so at one with your work. Your drawings are so detailed, it must take you a long time to finish one.

    When I write, my daughter often sits next to me and uses my old laptop to write her own story. She takes my 3x5 cards and outlines a little plot, then organizes them and types away. It's great. She has quite the imagination.

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  4. Julie, it does take a while to finish a drawing, but I love every minute of it. What an awesome thing to have your daughter write, too! That's got to feel great!

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  5. Wow!~ Jonene, it was a pleasure to meet you too! I am loving your blog, and it was such a treat to read why you love to draw. I love to know reasons why people do things that make them happy. I am glad you have such a passion for drawing!

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  6. Libby, thanks! And me, too. Loved your blog and seeing your wonderful adventures abroad. It's so great that you share your love of traveling. I felt like I'd been there, too!

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