Want to get back into art

ButtercupTheCow

Hello everyone.
I have been drawing since I was 3 or 4 and was always told my drawings were very good and that I had a natural talent. I was placed in a number of Credit Union art competitions as a child also.
I drew every day for hours, usually animals and fantasy stuff, all from imagination, but unfortunately when I took Art/Crafts for my Junior and Leaving Cert I began to lose interest as I could not use my imagination as much as I wanted to and I guess the course just didn't inspire me. I didn't have enough spare time to do any other art, what with doing exams and the rest of it.
I then did a degree (science) which was as far away from art as possible and now my imagination is just gone.
As I am currently unemployed I don't have much to do and want to try and bring my imagination back to life again. If I could make some new friends into the bargain that would be brilliant. Just something to get me out and keep me occupied- I can only play so much Mario Kart
Can anyone recommend some crafts that aren't too expensive to do and that might get the oul creative juices flowing again? I am thinking of joining the Dublin sketching group also.

Also if anyone knows of any drawing competitions for adults running at the moment that would be great- might be the kick I need (they all seem to be for children or students).

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Do join the Dublin sketchers group - nothing like a group to get you drawing!

Also, Trinity College and the United Arts Club do life drawing sessions.

Tiriel

^^ What Icky Poo2 said Check out our blog for info - there's a link in my sig. No pressure, group of people the same as yourself and we meet each Sunday in different places. Send an email from the blog link if you would like to join or have any questions!

nevaeh.aaric

The Home & Garden Network has some Arts & Crafts, but I would love to see a Network that has just Art and Crafts. Rubber Stamping, Scrap booking, Painting, Jewelry Making, Ceramics, Weaving, Silk Painting, etc. -- Maybe even include something that Writer's might enjoy - like workshops or hints, and the same for Musicians. Is that too far fetched an idea?

ButtercupTheCow

Thanks for the replies guys.
Bought a sketch pad and some pencils today. Was really surprised at how difficult my first drawing was- I'm so out of practise, my hand felt like wood!
The second one was a bit better though.
Here it is (I know the colouring is brutal- the darkest pencil I have is a 5B )

artieanna

Fair play to you for getting that sketch pad and getting stuck in. So many people say "I would love to get back to drawing" and they never do buy that sketch book or if they do buy it they just don't use it.

You have taken the first step, now just enjoy lots of drawing and observation.

well done.....

halfmoon

Yea,
fair play. Just draw your life, your kitchen, your cat, your job, your family, anything that means something to you. Quick scetches. Try 5 min scetches of an object to get your hand back in. Don't worry too mucg about the detail and shading, just the form the shape. It's about looking as much as it is the hand. Also try blind drawing, I mean not looking at the page just the subject. Great for the eye.