10/09/2026
Reflecting on a year of figure drawing.
Last night marked a full year that I've been attending figure drawing sessions in Beloit and Rockford.
I've said before that this practice has made me a better artist. But what does that truly mean?
It speaks to a confidence in creative choices, the ability to communicate what I'm seeing onto the page and with other people, and in many ways the dropping of inhibitions. I see a growth in bold colors, the ability to capture more of the form, truer proportions, decisive lines and shadows.. it goes on.
But whats more, confidence in self. A year ago I made a choice to attend figure drawing at a place I've never been, not knowing a single soul. I had no idea that I would be welcomed or encouraged as I have been. I took a risk to do this with the hope to grow and to find a community, in a time of huge transition in my life.
This seemingly small choice has proven to me that art is and always has been my path. I am deeply grateful to these people and spaces.
Tldr: you're allowed to find yourself even when you're scared. & risks have a tendency to payoff, even in ways you aren't expecting.
