An Art Student

Wow. I'm really excited about my art class this semester. Last Thursday was my first day of class, and it was awesome.

For starters, my teacher is great, I've already learned a ton, the homework doesn't feel like homework, and just drawing in a class setting again feels very refreshing. Also, I'm really loving being in the city. My classroom building is right by Fisherman's Wharf, which provides a wonderful scenic view of the Bay and the Bay Bridge. The only downside is that from where I currently live (way down south of San Francisco), the commute is about an hour and a half! Regardless, I'm so thankful for this class and the fact that I've really committed myself to doing what I love. I can't wait to see my progress this semester.

Here are a few pics from the day:

Sunlight hitting San Francisco buildings in the morning

The entrance to my class - room 201

A view of the studio where we draw

Another view of the studio...this is where the models pose

Here are some of the drawings that I did in class...all were done from live models:




My homework for this week is to make a charcoal copy of an old master drawing. I'm thinking about doing a Da Vinci, but I'm not sure yet. Maybe I'll do a Michelangelo or a Rembrandt. Man, this is so cool! I'll update again soon with more stuff! =D

Creative Block

Well, so far the month of January has been a pretty tumultuous time for me...I've had so much stuff going on that it's been tough to think straight. I'm trying to move, apply for a new job(s), work to pay bills, do my taxes, and get ready for art school all at the same time. Unfortunately, my creativity has kind of run up against a brick wall because all of this other stuff has really sucker punched my ability to focus and just do fun things. That having been said, I've managed to squeak out a couple of sketches in the past 2 weeks that I'm planning on painting soon. So here they are...sneak previews, if you will.



More art to come...I'm going to do another post soon with artwork from last year. Stay tuned! ;)

2008 In Review

Back to blogging!

At beginning of every new year, I like to look back at the year before to meditate on all of the things I was able to accomplish and all of the exciting and unique things that I was able to experience and be a part of. I believe that by observing the things of the past, I can mature, grow, and think more wisely about the future. So before I forget, I want to briefly take a look back at several of the momentous things that happened to me in 2008. It was a truly wonderful year...I learned so much and matured so much in so many different ways, and I'm now a completely different person - a better person - than I was 1 year ago.

In chronological order, here's a brief list of some amazing things that really "took the cake in '08." Some will make you laugh and some will make you cry...but in the end, every one of 'em had a story attached to it - a unique story that made me stronger, wiser, and more courageous than ever before.

• Started playing electric guitar (thanks again Cullen! bigger than you know!)
  
• Went snowboarding for the first time
  
• Graduated from college (HUGE thanks to my parents!)
• Got a full-time job
• Went on my first mission trip
  
• Performed the hardest manual labor of my life, helping lift somewhere around 3000 lbs of steel rebar
  
• "Switched coasts," effectively moving 3000 miles away from my comfort zone
  
• Learned the realities of being completely independent, paying for bills, food, and an apartment
  
• Learned about startup companies and how they're run
• Learned about what it takes to lead a team, and the responsibilities attached to a leadership position
  
• Developed a strong affinity for sushi and ramen
  
• Stood up for my beliefs in the face of a "tolerant" society
• Found a new church
  
• Applied to art school
• Was accepted to art school
• Lost a full-time job and experienced the reality of an economic recession
• Gained more freedom and humility, and renewed the light of an adventurous spirit
  

To conclude, I think 2009 is going to be every bit as amazing as 2008 was, AND MORE! God is so good, and He is always faithful to provide exactly what we need. As a matter of fact, he's already started moving me in incredible new directions...I can't wait to see what this next year has in store.

So what does your year have in store for you? It's all rather exciting isn't it? ;)